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Fresh 5-Ingredient Cucumber Salsa

fresh 5-ingredient cucumber salsa - featured image

A crisp, refreshing, and easy-to-make cucumber salsa that comes together in just five minutes using simple, fresh ingredients. Perfect for summer gatherings, snacks, or as a topping for grilled meats and salads.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 medium fresh cucumber, peeled and diced (about 1 cup)
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
  • 1/2 jalapeño pepper, seeded and minced (adjust to taste)
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, roughly chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Peel the cucumber if the skin is thick or waxed, then dice into small, bite-sized pieces (about 1/2-inch cubes).
  2. Finely chop the red onion. If desired, soak the diced onion in cold water for 5 minutes to mellow the bite, then drain well.
  3. Slice the jalapeño in half, remove seeds for less heat, then finely mince.
  4. Roughly chop the fresh cilantro leaves and tender stems.
  5. In a mixing bowl, combine the cucumber, onion, jalapeño, and cilantro.
  6. Add 2 tablespoons of fresh lime juice and gently stir to coat the ingredients without bruising the cucumber.
  7. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Stir again.
  8. Let the salsa rest for 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld before serving.

Notes

Add lime juice and salt just before serving if preparing ahead to keep the salsa crisp. Adjust jalapeño seeds to control heat. Soaking onion briefly in cold water mellows sharpness without losing crunch. Use fresh lime juice for best flavor. Salsa can be stored in the refrigerator up to 2 days; drain excess liquid before serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: cucumber salsa, fresh salsa, quick salsa, easy salsa, 5-ingredient salsa, summer salsa, vegan salsa, gluten-free salsa