Refreshing Cucumber Salad
This is the most refreshing cucumber salad you'll ever make. It's light, crisp, and has the perfect balance of sweetness, acidity, and saltiness. It's the perfect side dish for any summer meal, or a great way to use up extra cucumbers from your garden.
I first had this salad at a restaurant in Los Angeles, and I was immediately hooked. It was so simple, but so flavorful. I asked the chef for the recipe, and he was kind enough to share it with me. I've been making it ever since, and it's become one of my favorite summer dishes.
Refreshing Cucumber Salad Refreshing Cucumber Salad Refreshing Cucumber Salad Refreshing Cucumber Salad
Prep time: 15 | Cook time: 0 | Serves: 4
Ingredients
  • 1 English cucumber, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup chopped red onion
  • 1/2 cup chopped tomatoes
  • 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
  1. Combine all ingredients in a large bowl.
  2. Toss to coat.
  3. Serve immediately or refrigerate for later.
Why It Works
  • The English cucumber is the key to this salad. It's a thin-skinned, seedless cucumber that's very mild in flavor. This makes it the perfect cucumber for a salad, because it doesn't overpower the other ingredients.
  • The red onion adds a bit of sweetness and crunch to the salad. It's important to chop the onion thinly so that it doesn't overpower the other ingredients.
  • The tomatoes add a bit of juiciness and sweetness to the salad. I like to use Roma tomatoes, because they're less watery than other types of tomatoes.
  • The cilantro adds a bit of freshness and brightness to the salad. I like to chop the cilantro finely so that it's evenly distributed throughout the salad.
  • The lime juice adds a bit of acidity to the salad. It's important to use fresh lime juice, because it has a much brighter flavor than bottled lime juice.
  • The olive oil adds a bit of richness and creaminess to the salad. I like to use extra-virgin olive oil, because it has a more flavorful taste.
  • The salt and pepper add a bit of seasoning to the salad. It's important to season the salad to taste, so that it's not too salty or bland.