Refreshing Cooling Cucumber Salsa: A Summer Delight
As the mercury rises, our craving for refreshing and light dishes follows suit. If you’re looking for a cool twist to your appetizer game, my Cooling Cucumber Salsa recipe promises to be a crowd-pleaser. Packed with fresh flavors and a hint of heat, this salsa is a versatile condiment that pairs wonderfully with roasted proteins or as a vibrant dip.
Ingredients
- 1 large English cucumber
- 1 to 2 jalapeños, chopped (Note: Adjust the amount depending on your heat preference)
- ½ teaspoon Aleppo pepper (or substitute with red pepper flakes)
- 1 to 2 shallots, finely chopped
- 1 cup roughly chopped fresh cilantro
- Juice of 2 limes
- Extra-virgin olive oil
- Kosher salt
- 2 tablespoons chopped pistachios (optional for a nutty crunch)
Directions
- Prepare the Cucumber:
- Trim the ends off the cucumber. Using a vegetable peeler, peel off alternating strips of skin lengthwise to create a striped pattern. This not only adds visual appeal but helps in absorbing the flavors better.
- Seed and Chop:
- Slice the cucumber in half lengthwise. Use a spoon to scrape out the seeds—this prevents the salsa from becoming too watery. Chop the cucumber into small, bite-sized pieces.
- Mix the Ingredients:
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine the chopped cucumber, jalapeños, Aleppo pepper, shallots, cilantro, and lime juice. Drizzle with good quality extra-virgin olive oil and add a generous pinch of kosher salt. For an added texture, toss in the chopped pistachios if using.
- Combine and Season:
- Toss all ingredients until well combined. Taste and adjust the seasoning, adding more salt or lime juice as needed.
- Serve:
- Serve the salsa as a condiment alongside roasted meats or as a dip with chips, pita chips, or toasted baguette slices. It’s a perfect addition to any summer table.
Quick Facts
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Calories per Serving: 70 kcal
This Cooling Cucumber Salsa is not only a breeze to prepare but also brings a refreshing zest to your meals. Whether you’re hosting a barbecue or looking for a light snack, this salsa is sure to refresh and impress. Enjoy the burst of flavors with every bite, and let this simple yet delicious recipe be a staple in your summer culinary repertoire!
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Cooling Cucumber Salsa
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
The Cooling Cucumber Salsa is a refreshing and vibrant dish perfect for summer. Combining the crispness of cucumber, the heat of jalapeños, and the zesty kick of lime juice, this salsa is not only delicious but also incredibly easy to make. The Aleppo pepper adds a unique, mild spiciness that balances perfectly with the cool cucumber.
Whether you’re serving it as a dip with chips, as a topping for grilled meats, or as a side dish, this salsa is sure to be a hit at any gathering. The optional pistachios add a delightful crunch, making this dish even more enjoyable. It’s a healthy, low-calorie option that fits well into any diet and brings a burst of flavor to your table.
Ingredients
1 large English cucumber
1 to 2 jalapeños, chopped (see note)
½ teaspoon Aleppo pepper (or red pepper flakes)
1 to 2 shallots, finely chopped
1 cup roughly chopped fresh cilantro
2 limes, juiced
Extra-virgin olive oil
Kosher salt
2 tablespoons chopped pistachios (optional)
Instructions
Stripe the cucumber: Trim the ends off the cucumber. Starting at one end, peel off a strip of skin lengthwise. Skip a section and then peel another strip next to the first one, leaving a strip of skin in between. Continue this pattern, peeling and leaving strips, until you have “partially peeled” or “striped” the entire cucumber.
Seed and chop the cucumber. Cut the cucumber in half lengthwise, then use a metal spoon to scrape out and discard the seeds. Chop the cucumber into small pieces and add to a medium mixing bowl.
Mix. To the mixing bowl, add the jalapeño, Aleppo pepper, shallot, cilantro, lime juice, a drizzle of good extra virgin olive oil, a big dash of salt, and the pistachios (if using). Toss to combine. Taste and adjust seasoning to your liking.
Serve. Use like a condiment for roasted proteins, or transfer to a serving bowl and serve with your favorite chips, pita chips, or toasted baguette slices.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 70 kcal