This refreshing Peruvian cucumber salad is a breeze to make! Crunchy cucumbers toss with zesty lime juice and a sprinkle of salt for a perfect side dish.
I love how simple this salad is—just chop, squeeze, and mix! It’s a cool treat on hot days that makes you feel like you’re on a sunny beach. 🌞
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cucumbers: Large cucumbers are ideal for crunch. English cucumbers are a great alternative since they have fewer seeds and a thinner skin. If you want extra flavor, try using Persian cucumbers, which are smaller and sweeter.
Purple Onion: A small purple onion adds a lovely color and sweetness. You can substitute it with a regular onion if you prefer a milder taste or even green onions for a fresh touch.
Limes: Fresh lime juice is a must for that zesty punch! If you’re out of limes, lemon juice works in a pinch. Just remember, it will give a slightly different flavor.
Cilantro: This adds freshness, but if you’re not a fan, skip it or use parsley instead for a milder taste.
Chili or Jalapeño: For some heat, add thin slices of fresh chili. If you want to keep it mild, you can leave this out or use bell peppers for crunch without spice.
How Do I Make Sure My Cucumber Salad Stays Crisp?
To keep your salad crisp and refreshing, start by slicing the cucumbers just before mixing. If you slice them too early, they might release too much water and become soggy.
- Consider sprinkling a pinch of salt over the cucumbers and letting them sit for about 10 minutes. This draws out water without making them too salty.
- Always chill your salad for at least 15 minutes before serving. This enhances the flavors and keeps it refreshing!
- Mix in the dressing right before serving to avoid sogginess.
Easy Peruvian Cucumber Salad with Fresh Lime
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 2 large cucumbers
- 1 small purple onion (or red onion), thinly sliced
- 1-2 fresh limes, juiced (about 2-3 tablespoons of lime juice)
- 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 small fresh chili or jalapeño, thinly sliced (optional, for mild heat)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This refreshing cucumber salad takes about 10 minutes to prepare and ideally should sit for at least 10-15 minutes in the refrigerator to allow the flavors to blend. So, in total, you’ll spend about 20-30 minutes to have a delicious and chilled side ready!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Cucumbers:
Start by washing the cucumbers under cold water. You can peel them if you’d like, but it’s not necessary. Slice them thinly into rounds. The thinner you slice, the better the flavors can soak in!
2. Mix the Vegetables:
Place the sliced cucumbers in a medium mixing bowl. Next, add the thinly sliced purple onion to the bowl with the cucumbers. These two are the stars of your salad!
3. Make the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the juice of the limes, olive oil, sugar (if using), salt, and pepper. Mix it until the sugar and salt dissolve completely. This will create a refreshing and tangy dressing for your salad!
4. Combine Salad and Dressing:
Pour the dressing over the cucumber and onion mixture. Gently toss everything together until the cucumbers and onions are well coated in the dressing. Be careful not to mush the cucumbers; we want them to stay crunchy!
5. Add Herbs and Peppers:
If you’re adding cilantro and chili or jalapeño, now’s the time! Stir these in gently for extra flavor. If you love a little heat, feel free to add more chili!
6. Chill and Serve:
Let your salad marinate in the refrigerator for at least 10-15 minutes. This step is key as it helps the flavors combine beautifully! Once chilled, it’s ready to serve!
7. Enjoy!
Serve this salad chilled alongside grilled meats, fish, or any of your favorite Peruvian dishes. It’s simple, refreshing, and absolutely delightful!
Enjoy your crisp and tangy Peruvian cucumber salad! It’s a breeze to make and perfect for any occasion!
FAQ for Easy Peruvian Cucumber Salad with Fresh Lime
Can I Use Other Types of Onions?
Absolutely! While purple onion adds a nice sweetness and color, you can use red onion for similar flavor. If you prefer a milder taste, consider using green onions or even white onions in moderation.
How Can I Make This Salad Spicier?
If you want to add more heat, you can increase the amount of chili or jalapeño you add to the salad. Alternatively, a dash of hot sauce or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper in the dressing can elevate the spice level without changing the texture.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To keep the cucumbers crisp, it’s best to not mix the dressing with the salad until you’re ready to eat it. Re-chill the salad before serving!
Can I Add Other Vegetables to the Salad?
Definitely! Feel free to toss in other crunchy veggies like bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, or radishes for added color and flavor. Just make sure to cut them into similar sizes for even mixing!
