Cucumber salsa is a refreshing and delicious way to enjoy the flavors of summer. It’s made with simple ingredients like cucumbers, tomatoes, onions, and herbs, and it’s perfect for serving with tortilla chips, tacos, or burritos.
I love how easy this fresh cucumber salsa is! It is the perfect way to enjoy garden-fresh cucumbers, cilantro, and tomatoes. My kids love to eat this salsa with crackers and tortillas. In fact, it is so good that I even eat it with a fork.
Ingredients:
- Cucumbers – Cucumbers add a refreshing and crisp texture to salsa. They also help to balance out the acidity of the lime juice and the heat of the jalapeño pepper.
- Tomatoes – Tomatoes add a sweet and tart flavor to salsa. They also help to thicken the salsa and give it a more vibrant color.
- Red Onion – Adds a pretty color, and strong flavor to the salad without a bite.
- Jalapeño Pepper – Jalapeño peppers add a spicy kick to salsa. They can be omitted for a milder salsa, but they add a lot of flavor and depth to the dish.
- Cilantro – Cilantro adds a bright, citrusy flavor to salsa. It also helps to balance out the sweetness of the tomatoes and the tartness of the lime juice.
- Lime – Lime juice adds a tart and refreshing flavor to salsa. It also helps to preserve the salsa and prevent it from browning.
- Salt – Salt enhances the flavor of the other ingredients in salsa. It also helps to draw out the moisture from the cucumbers, tomatoes, and onions, which helps to prevent the salsa from becoming watery.
- Black Pepper – Black pepper adds a bit of heat and a peppery flavor to salsa. It also helps to balance out the sweetness of the tomatoes and the tartness of the lime juice.
- Cumin – Cumin is a warm and earthy spice that adds depth and complexity to salsa. It is often used in Mexican and Middle Eastern cuisine.
How to Make Cucumber Salsa
- In a large bowl, combine the cucumbers, tomatoes, onion, jalapeño (if using), cilantro, lime juice, cumin, salt, and pepper.
- Stir to combine.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 60 minutes before serving.
Variations
- For a spicier salsa, add more jalapeño pepper.
- You can use any type of cucumber you might have on-hand.
- For a milder salsa, omit the jalapeño pepper or use a milder pepper variety.
- You can also add other vegetables to the salsa, such as red bell pepper, green bell pepper, or zucchini.
- Consider adding cooked sweet corn to this recipe for a sweeter twist.
Tips for Making Garden-Fresh Cucumber Salsa:
- Use the freshest ingredients possible. This will make a big difference in the flavor of the salsa.
- If you don’t have a jalapeño pepper, you can use a serrano pepper or a habanero pepper for a spicier salsa.
- If you want to make the salsa ahead of time, you can refrigerate it for up to 3 days.
- Serve the salsa with tortilla chips, tacos, burritos, or grilled chicken.
Recipes for Cucumbers
Love cucumbers? So do we! Check out these recipes for fresh cucumbers today!
- Homemade Cold-Packed Pickles
- Greek Pasta Salad
- Watermelon Feta Salad
- Quick Chopped Salad Bowl
- Creamy Cucumber Salsa
Garden-Fresh Cucumber Salsa
Equipment
- cutting board & knife
- Large bowl
- Plastic wrap
- Refrigerator
Ingredients
- 4 large cucumbers diced
- ½ cup red onion diced
- 2 jalapenos seeded, and diced
- ¼ cup cilantro chopped
- 2 medium plum tomatoes remove seeds/guts and dice
- 1 large lime juiced
- ¾ teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon Redmond's Salt kosher/sea salt is also good
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare all veggies and make sure they are chopped/diced into small, bite-sized pieces. Make sure you use gloves when handling the jalapenoes.
- Add chopped veggies and herbs to a medium-sized bowl along with the spices, and lime juice.
- Mix all veggies, herbs, spices, and lime juice until fully combined.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least one hour to allow the flavors to meld.
- Serve chilled with thick crackers, or tortilla chips.
Sara Welch says
This was such a crisp and refreshing salad that does not disappoint! Easy, delicious and healthy; definitely the best summer salad recipe!
Caroline says
I love all the flavors in this – so bright, fresh and light.
Akshita Pillai says
This was delicious! Thanks!
Andrea says
What a great way to use fresh cucumbers and tomatoes. I could eat this every day. Yummy!
Tara says
Oh yum! This looks so refreshing. Such a wonderful combination of summer flavors. I love that the prep is only 15 minutes too.