This refreshing Peruvian cucumber salad is crisp and zesty, perfect for a light lunch or side dish. The cool cucumbers paired with tangy lime dressing make it so enjoyable!
I love how quick this salad is to whip up! Just slice the cucumbers, mix in the lime juice, and you’re ready to go. It’s a great way to brighten up any meal!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cucumbers: Fresh, crunchy cucumbers are the star of this salad. Persian cucumbers are a great choice for their mild taste and thin skin. If unavailable, you can use English cucumbers or even slicing cucumbers. Just peel if the skin is too thick!
Red Onion: This adds a mild sharpness and lovely color. You can swap it for green onions or shallots if you prefer a milder flavor. White onion can work, but it might be a bit stronger.
Jalapeño: This is optional, but it adds a nice kick! If you want it milder, remove the seeds and ribs, or substitute with a sweet bell pepper. For more heat, consider using serrano peppers.
Lime Juice: Fresh lime juice is essential for that zesty flavor. In a pinch, you can use bottled lime juice, but fresh is always better. You could also substitute with lemon juice for a different, but still delicious, citrus twist.
Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil adds richness. You could replace it with avocado oil or a neutral oil like canola, but olive oil gives that lovely flavor we want!
How Do You Make Sure the Salad Stays Crisp?
Keeping your cucumber salad crisp is all about proper preparation. Here are some tips to ensure every bite stays fresh!
- First, slice cucumbers just before serving if possible. If you have to slice them early, sprinkle them with a little salt and let them sit to draw out excess water, then pat them dry.
- For the dressing, mix right before serving too. If it sits too long, the cucumbers can become soggy.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for the best texture. They might not stay crisp overnight, but they’re still tasty!
Easy Peruvian Cucumber Salad With Lime Dressing
Ingredients:
- 2 large cucumbers, thinly sliced
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 1-2 fresh jalapeño peppers or green chili, thinly sliced (optional for heat)
- 1/4 cup fresh lime juice (about 2 limes)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar (optional)
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Salt to taste
- Fresh cilantro leaves, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This refreshing Peruvian cucumber salad takes about 10 minutes to prepare. Plus, allowing it to marinate in the refrigerator for 15 to 30 minutes will help the flavors blend beautifully. So, in total, it’s around 25-40 minutes with minimal hands-on time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Vegetables:
Start by slicing the cucumbers and red onion. Thin slices work best for a nice crisp bite! If you’re adding jalapeño for some heat, slice those too. All the veggies go into a large mixing bowl together. This will be the base of your salad.
2. Mixing the Lime Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the fresh lime juice, olive oil, white vinegar (if you’re using it), sugar, and a pinch of salt. Keep whisking until the sugar dissolves completely. This zesty dressing is what brings everything together!
3. Combining the Salad:
Pour the yummy lime dressing over the cucumber and onion mixture. Gently toss everything together so that all the veggies are well coated in the dressing. You want to make sure each bite is full of that zesty flavor!
4. Letting it Marinate:
Cover the bowl and place your salad in the refrigerator for about 15 to 30 minutes. This helps the flavors blend and makes the salad even fresher!
5. Final Touches:
Just before serving, give everything a taste to see if it needs any more salt or lime juice. Finally, sprinkle the chopped cilantro on top for that beautiful garnish!
This vibrant, tangy salad is perfect served chilled alongside grilled meats, seafood, or as a refreshing snack. Enjoy your delicious Peruvian cucumber salad!
FAQ for Easy Peruvian Cucumber Salad With Lime Dressing
Can I Use English Cucumbers Instead of Regular Cucumbers?
Absolutely! English cucumbers are a great choice since they tend to have fewer seeds and a thinner skin, making them perfect for salads. Just make sure to slice them thinly for the best texture!
How Can I Adjust the Heat Level?
If you’re looking for a milder salad, you can omit the jalapeños altogether or use just a small amount. To keep it spicy but not overwhelming, consider removing the seeds and ribs of the jalapeños, as that’s where most of the heat resides.
Can I Make This Salad Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the salad a few hours in advance! It’s best to toss everything together and let it marinate in the fridge for up to 2 hours. However, for optimum freshness, consider adding the cilantro just before serving.
How Do I Store Leftover Salad?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Keep in mind that the cucumbers may become softer over time, so it’s best to enjoy the salad fresh for the best texture!
