Description
Cool cucumber lovers discover this Mexican cucumber salad showcasing fresh ingredients and zesty lime dressing. Quick and refreshing side dish perfect for summer gatherings that you will devour with enthusiasm.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 large cucumbers (sliced or diced, peeled if desired)
- 1 cup (240 ml) cherry tomatoes (halved, or 1 large tomato diced)
- ½ cup (120 ml) fresh cilantro (chopped)
- ¼ red onion (thinly sliced)
- 1 jalapeno (seeded and diced, optional for heat)
- 1 avocado (diced, optional for creaminess)
- 3 tbsps (45 ml) fresh lime juice (about 2 limes)
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) olive oil
- ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp chili powder or Tajin (for a zesty kick)
- ¼ tsp cumin (optional, for extra depth of flavor)
Instructions
- Preparation: Thoroughly cleanse and dry all fresh produce, ensuring peak quality and crispness for the salad.
- Vegetable Preparation: Slice cucumbers and tomatoes into uniform, thin pieces, creating a visually appealing and consistent texture. Finely dice red onion and jalapeno to distribute intense flavors evenly. Roughly chop cilantro leaves to release their aromatic essence.
- Dressing Creation: Craft a vibrant dressing by whisking lime juice and olive oil into a smooth emulsion. Enhance with a carefully balanced blend of salt, pepper, chili powder, and cumin, allowing each spice to contribute its distinctive flavor profile.
- Salad Assembly: In a generous mixing bowl, combine the precisely cut vegetables – cucumber, tomato, onion, and jalapeno. Drizzle the zesty lime-infused dressing over the mixture, gently tossing to ensure complete and even coating.
- Final Touch: Moments before serving, gently incorporate diced avocado to maintain its creamy texture and prevent discoloration. Garnish with additional fresh cilantro leaves, adding a final burst of color and herbal complexity.
Notes
- Prep with Precision: Wash and dry vegetables thoroughly to maintain crispness and prevent water diluting the dressing’s zesty flavor.
- Slice Strategically: Use a sharp knife to create uniform, thin slices of cucumbers and tomatoes for consistent texture and elegant presentation.
- Spice Balance: Adjust chili powder and jalapeño quantity to control heat level, catering to different spice tolerances without overwhelming the dish.
- Avocado Timing: Add avocado just before serving to prevent browning and preserve its creamy, fresh texture – crucial for maintaining the salad’s visual appeal and taste.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Snacks
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 100
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 200 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg