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Cooling Cucumber Salsa Recipe

Cooling Cucumber Salsa Recipe
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★★★★★

5 from 5 reviews

This Cooling Cucumber Salsa is a refreshing, zesty condiment perfect for warm weather. Made with crisp English cucumber, spicy jalapeños, aromatic shallots, and fresh cilantro, it’s brightened with lime juice and a touch of Aleppo pepper. Drizzled with extra-virgin olive oil and optionally garnished with chopped pistachios, this salsa pairs wonderfully with roasted meats or as a flavorful dip for chips and toasted bread.

Ingredients

Scale

Vegetables and Herbs

  • 1 large English cucumber
  • 1 to 2 jalapeños, chopped (see note)
  • 1 to 2 shallots, finely chopped
  • 1 cup roughly chopped fresh cilantro

Seasonings and Dressings

  • 1/2 teaspoon Aleppo pepper (or red pepper flakes)
  • 2 limes, juiced
  • Extra-virgin olive oil (to taste, about 1 to 2 tablespoons)
  • Kosher salt (to taste)

Optional Garnish

  • 2 tablespoons chopped pistachios

Instructions

  1. 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 until the entire cucumber is partially peeled or striped.
  2. Seed and chop the cucumber: Cut the cucumber in half lengthwise. Use a metal spoon to scrape out and discard the seeds. Then chop the cucumber into small pieces and add to a medium mixing bowl.
  3. Mix the salsa: Add the chopped jalapeño, Aleppo pepper, finely chopped shallots, roughly chopped cilantro, lime juice, a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, a big dash of kosher salt, and the chopped pistachios (if using) into the bowl with the cucumber. Toss everything together until well combined. Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed.
  4. Serve: Use this cooling cucumber salsa as a condiment alongside roasted proteins, or transfer it to a serving bowl. It is also delicious with your favorite chips, pita chips, or toasted baguette slices, making it a versatile addition to any meal or snack.

Notes

  • Adjust the number of jalapeños depending on your preferred level of heat.
  • Aleppo pepper can be substituted with red pepper flakes if unavailable, but it adds a unique mild, fruity heat.
  • Partially peeling the cucumber creates a nice texture contrast and maintains some crispness.
  • For a nuttier flavor and added crunch, add the chopped pistachios just before serving.
  • Keep the salsa refrigerated if not serving immediately to preserve freshness.

Nutrition

Keywords: cucumber salsa, cooling salsa, healthy salsa, fresh salsa, vegetarian dip, summer condiment

Find it online: https://recipeswithmia.com/cooling-cucumber-salsa-recipe/