Zesty Mexican Cucumber Salad Recipe for Fresh Eats

Crisp cucumber slices dance with zesty spices in this vibrant Mexican cucumber salad recipe that promises a refreshing burst of flavor.

Summer heat melts away with each cool, tangy bite.

Colorful ingredients blend seamlessly to create a light and invigorating side dish.

Peppers and cilantro add a delightful kick that awakens your taste buds.

Simple yet sophisticated, this salad brings a touch of Mexican culinary magic to your table.

Fresh ingredients come together in minutes for a crowd-pleasing accompaniment that will have everyone asking for seconds.

You won’t be able to resist this deliciously addictive salad that turns ordinary cucumbers into a culinary sensation.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time:

Total Time: 10 minutes

Calories: 120 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredients List for Mexican Cucumber Salad

• Sour Cream: Adds rich, tangy base that helps bind all flavors together.
• Mayonnaise: Provides smooth, velvety texture and enhances overall creaminess.
• Cotija Cheese: Delivers authentic Mexican salty kick and crumbly texture.
• Lime Zest: Brightens the dressing with zesty, citrusy notes.
• Lime Juice: Adds bright acidity and enhances other flavor profiles.
• Chili Powder: Introduces warm, subtle heat and depth to the dressing.
• Minced Garlic: Brings robust, aromatic undertone to the creamy mixture.

• Mini Cucumbers: Crisp, refreshing element that provides cool crunch.
• Thawed Corn: Sweet kernels that add vibrant color and subtle sweetness.
• Red Onion: Sharp, pungent ingredient that gives textural contrast.
• Cilantro: Classic Mexican herb that delivers fresh, herbaceous flavor.

• Sea Salt: Balances and elevates all existing flavors in the salad.

Kitchen Tools for Mexican Cucumber Salad

• Medium-sized bowl: Perfect for mixing all ingredients and creating the creamy dressing.
• Cutting board: Essential for slicing cucumbers, onions, and chopping cilantro.
• Sharp knife: Helps chop ingredients precisely and safely.
• Measuring spoons: Ensures accurate amounts of spices and seasonings.
• Citrus zester or grater: Needed to zest fresh lime.
• Mixing spoon or spatula: Great for tossing and coating salad ingredients evenly.

Instructions for Making Mexican Cucumber Salad

• Creamy Dressing Base

Blend together sour cream, mayonnaise, crumbled cotija cheese, zesty lime essence, tangy lime juice, warm chili powder, and fragrant garlic until silky smooth.

• Fresh Vegetable Blend

Gently fold sliced mini cucumbers, sweet corn kernels, vibrant cilantro, and crisp red onion into the creamy mixture, ensuring every morsel gets kissed by the zesty dressing.

• Final Touch

Sprinkle sea salt to enhance the flavors, tasting and adjusting until the salad sings with balanced seasoning. Serve chilled for a refreshing Mexican-inspired side dish that’ll transport your taste buds to a sunny afternoon.

Pro Tips for Perfect Mexican Cucumber Salad

• Replace cotija with queso fresco or feta for a different tangy twist that complements the creamy dressing.
• Add toasted pepitas or sunflower seeds just before serving to introduce an extra layer of texture and nutty flavor.
• Substitute cilantro with fresh mint or a combination of parsley and dill for a surprising herbal variation that lightens the salad's overall taste.
• Incorporate grilled shrimp, diced chicken, or black beans to transform this side dish into a satisfying main course perfect for summer meals.

Mexican Cucumber Salad: Serving Ideas

• Fiesta Fresh Plate: Arrange the salad on a colorful ceramic platter garnished with extra cilantro sprigs for a vibrant Mexican-inspired presentation.
• Taco Night Companion: Serve alongside grilled chicken tacos or as a refreshing side dish for barbecue meals, adding a cool crunch to spicy main courses.
• Picnic Perfect Pairing: Pack in a sealed container for outdoor gatherings, potlucks, or summer picnics where guests will appreciate the zesty, light cucumber blend.
• Protein Power Boost: Top with grilled shrimp or shredded rotisserie chicken to transform this side dish into a satisfying light lunch or dinner option.

Keeping Mexican Cucumber Salad Fresh

• Fridge-Fresh Technique: Store the cucumber salad in an airtight container for up to 2 days, keeping the crisp texture and vibrant flavors intact.
• Quick Chill Strategy: Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld and enhance the overall taste experience.
• Ingredient Separation Tip: If preparing in advance, keep wet ingredients and crunchy vegetables separate until just before serving to maintain optimal texture and prevent sogginess.
• Portion Control Wisdom: Prepare smaller batches to ensure maximum freshness, as the salad's delicate ingredients can lose their crispness and zesty appeal when stored for extended periods.

Crisp Mexican Cucumber Salad

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4.8 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 10 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Hearty Mexican cucumber salad blends cool cucumbers with zesty lime and chili for a refreshing side dish. Crisp ingredients and bold spices create a simple, delightful companion to grilled meats or tacos that you can enjoy at summer gatherings.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 6 mini cucumbers (sliced thin)
• 1 cup (240 ml) frozen corn (thawed)
• 2 tbsps minced red onion
• 2 tbsps sour cream
• 2 tbsps mayonnaise
• 2 tbsps cotija cheese
• ¼ cup (15 g) cilantro (minced)
• 1 clove garlic (minced)
• 1 lime (zest and juice)
• ½ tsp chili powder
• Sea salt (to taste)

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Instructions

1. Dressing Preparation: Combine sour cream, mayonnaise, crumbled cotija cheese, lime zest, lime juice, chili powder, and minced garlic in a large bowl, whisking until smooth and fully integrated.
2. Vegetable Incorporation: Gently fold in sliced mini cucumbers, thawed corn kernels, chopped cilantro, and thinly sliced red onion, ensuring each ingredient is thoroughly coated with the creamy dressing.
3. Final Seasoning and Serving: Season with sea salt, adjusting to taste. Chill briefly to enhance flavor melding, then serve cold as a refreshing and vibrant Mexican-inspired side dish that offers a perfect balance of creamy, tangy, and herbaceous notes.

Notes

• Chill Ingredients First: Ensure cucumbers, corn, and onions are cold to maintain crisp texture and enhance flavor absorption.
• Customize Cheese Options: Substitute cotija with feta or queso fresco if unavailable, keeping similar crumbly texture and tangy profile.
• Control Dressing Consistency: Adjust mayonnaise and sour cream ratio to create desired creaminess, preventing salad from becoming too watery.
• Maximize Flavor Development: Let salad rest 15-30 minutes before serving to allow ingredients to marinate and intensify taste sensations.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Blending
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 120
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 250 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 10 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 10 mg