Zesty Mexican Cucumber Salad
This Zesty Mexican Cucumber Salad is crisp, refreshing, and full of bright citrus flavor. Cool cucumbers are tossed with lime, a touch of olive oil, onion, and herbs for a simple salad that’s perfect as a side dish or quick snack. It’s naturally light, hydrating, and easily adjustable to stay non-spicy.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 0 minutes
Total time: 10 minutes
Serves: 2–3
Ingredients
Salad
2 large cucumbers, sliced or chopped
¼ cup red onion, very thinly sliced
1 small tomato, diced
1–2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
Dressing
Juice of 1 large lime
1 tbsp olive oil
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste
Optional
Pinch of paprika or mild chili powder
A few avocado cubes for creaminess
Instructions
1️⃣ Prepare vegetables
Slice cucumbers and onion thinly.
Dice tomato if using. Place everything in a bowl.
2️⃣ Make the dressing
In a small bowl, whisk lime juice, olive oil, salt, and black pepper.
3️⃣ Toss the salad
Pour dressing over the vegetables.
Add cilantro and gently toss until well coated.
4️⃣ Serve
Chill for 5 minutes for best flavor or serve immediately.
Tips & Variations
Extra crunch: Add sliced radishes or jicama
Creamy twist: Add diced avocado or a spoon of Greek yogurt
No onion version: Replace onion with scallions
Meal prep: Best eaten fresh; keeps 12–24 hours refrigerated
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this salad spicy?
No—completely mild unless you add chili or hot sauce.
Can I use lemon instead of lime?
Yes, but lime gives the most authentic flavor.
Is this good for weight loss?
Yes—very low calorie, hydrating, and filling.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 70 kcal
Protein: 1 g
Fat: 4 g
Carbohydrates: 7 g
Fiber: 1.5 g
Vitamin C: ~30% DV