This Cucumber Jalapeno Salad is a refreshing summer salad made with fresh veggies. Lime juice and jalapeno give crisp cucumber slices a savory flavor enhanced with cilantro.
This is also a great side dish for those who crave fresh flavors with a spicy twist(and my family acknowledges this, too). It is effortlessly prepared in less than 10 minutes with a hint of heat and rich jalapeno flavors.
This crunchy, fresh salad is perfect for summer (like this Cucumber mango salad). Just chop the veggies, combine, toss, and serve.
Why You'll Love This Recipe?
- Easy to Make!
- Versatile!
- Light and Refreshing!
- Perfect for Any Occasion!
Ingredients
- Cucumbers: I have used regular cucumbers; feel free to use English, regular, or Persian cucumbers.
- Jalapeno Pepper: This pepper brings a little heat to the salad. Remove the seeds and pith to lower the heat. On the other hand, chop the seeds finely for a profound heat. Also, adjust the quantity of jalapenos according to your personal preference.
- Lime Juice: As always highly refreshing. Lime juice or apple cider vinegar are some equivalent alternatives.
- Red Onion: Add slightly sharpness and color to the salad, making each bite more interesting.
- Cilantro: This herb unifies all the flavors in the salad. Parsley is a suitable alternative for those who don't enjoy cilantro.
How To Make Cucumber Jalapeno Salad?
- Preparation: Wash the cucumbers and jalapenos under cold water. Slice the cucumbers into thin slices using a mandolin or a sharp knife. If you prefer a mildly spiced cucumber jalapeno salad, remove the seeds from the jalapeno before slicing it thinly.
- Mixing: In a large bowl, combine the sliced cucumbers, jalapeno, chopped red onion, lemon juice, and salt. Toss the cucumber slices to coat them evenly with lemon juice and salt.
- Enjoy: Serve as a side dish and ENJOY!!
Leftovers
- This salad is known for its freshness and tastes excellent when made and served immediately.
- However, you can store it in the refrigerator for 2-3 days.
- And I would not recommend freezing this cucumber jalapeno salad.
How To Adjust The Heat?
Jalapeno pepper is the main heat source in this recipe, and red onion also adds a mild kick.
To control the heat, remove and reserve all seeds and membranes of the jalapeno for a milder heat. You can add them later to match up your heat tolerance.
Recipe Tips & Tricks
- Mandoline slicer: This makes all the cucumber slices thin and uniform, so the dressing covers each piece evenly.
- Chill before serving: For best results, refrigerate the cucumber jalapeno salad for about 30 minutes.
- Adjust the jalapeno: Taste the jalapeno first since each one has a different heat level. If it's too spicy, use less or remove the seeds.
FAQs
I recommend making this just before serving, as the cucumbers may release water and turn soggy as they sit.
Yes, you can use pickled jalapeños and adjust the amount of salt in the salad, as pickled jalapeños can add a bit of saltiness.
Absolutely! For added flavor and textures, add other fresh vegetables, such as tomatoes, bell peppers, radishes, and beets.
This salad pairs well with grilled meats and seafood dishes(like honey Sriracha shrimp). It also complements sandwiches, wraps, and vegetarian entrées. You can also try it with roasted meat(like this ham in roaster oven recipe).
If you enjoyed this recipe, please consider leaving a ⭐ star rating and let me know your thoughts in the 📝 comments section below the recipe.
📖 Recipe
Cucumber Jalapeno Salad
Ingredients
- 2 cucumbers
- 6 slices jalapeno or as required
- ¼ cup red onion thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons cilantro chopped
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Slice the cucumbers and jalapeno into thin rounds. Remove the seeds and the pith for a milder heat.
- Combine sliced cucumbers, jalapeno, red onion, chopped cilantro, lemon juice, and salt in a mixing bowl.
- Toss until well lemon juice and the salt coates the cucumber slices thour
- Serve immediately or as chilled.
Notes
-
- To Store: For the best flavors, enjoy this cucumber jalapeno salad within a few hours of making it. However, if you have any leftovers, transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days.
-
- To Freeze: The crunchy cucumbers and fresh herbs don't freeze well and will lose their freshness and texture when thawed. I would not recommend freezing this salad.
Leave a Reply