Description
Cooling cucumber salsa brings Mediterranean freshness to your table with crisp cucumber, zesty herbs, and tangy yogurt. Quick and simple preparation promises a delightful side dish that complements grilled meats and summer meals you’ll enjoy.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Vegetables:
- 1 large English cucumber
- 1 to 2 jalapeños, chopped
- 1 to 2 shallots, finely chopped
Herbs and Seasonings:
- 1 cup roughly chopped fresh cilantro
- 0.5 teaspoons Aleppo pepper (or red pepper flakes)
- Kosher salt
Liquids and Additional Ingredients:
- 2 limes, juiced
- Extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) chopped pistachios (optional)
Instructions
- Create a visually appealing striped pattern on the cucumber by alternately peeling and leaving strips of skin intact, transforming the vegetable’s exterior into a decorative landscape.
- Slice the cucumber lengthwise, then delicately remove the inner seeds using a metal spoon, creating a clean, hollow vessel for the salsa.
- Finely dice the cucumber into uniform, petite pieces, ensuring each morsel will blend harmoniously with the other ingredients in the mixing bowl.
- Introduce the finely chopped jalapeño, aromatic Aleppo pepper, delicate shallot, and vibrant cilantro into the cucumber base, creating a complex flavor profile.
- Brighten the mixture with a zesty splash of fresh lime juice, followed by a luxurious drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, which will help marry the ingredients.
- Sprinkle a generous pinch of salt to enhance the salsa’s flavors, then gently fold in the crunchy, nutty pistachios for an unexpected textural contrast.
- Taste and calibrate the seasoning, adjusting the balance of heat, acidity, and saltiness to suit your palate.
- Serve as a dynamic condiment alongside roasted proteins or present in a elegant bowl with an array of crispy dipping companions like chips, pita, or toasted baguette slices.
Notes
- Striping cucumber creates a visually appealing and textured look while preserving some of the nutritional skin.
- Remove cucumber seeds to prevent watery salsa and ensure a crisp, fresh texture.
- Customize heat level by adjusting jalapeño and Aleppo pepper quantities for personal spice preference.
- Pistachios add unexpected crunch and nutty flavor, elevating this salsa from ordinary to extraordinary.
- Versatile condiment that pairs perfectly with roasted meats, grilled proteins, or as a standalone dip.
- Freshness is key – prepare just before serving to maintain vibrant colors and crisp vegetable texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 70
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg