Cucumber Salsa—Mediterranean-Style Recipe

Introduction

This Mediterranean-style cucumber salsa is a fresh and vibrant condiment perfect for adding brightness to your meals. With crisp cucumber, a touch of heat from jalapeños, and a zesty lime dressing, it’s a delightful twist on traditional salsa. Serve it with grilled meats or as a dip for chips.

Ingredients

• 1 large English cucumber
• 1 to 2 jalapeños, chopped (see note)
• 1/2 teaspoon Aleppo pepper (or red pepper flakes)
• 1 to 2 shallots, finely chopped
• 1 cup roughly chopped fresh cilantro
• 2 limes, juiced
• Extra-virgin olive oil
• Kosher salt
• 2 tablespoons chopped pistachios (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Stripe the cucumber by trimming the ends, then peeling off lengthwise strips of skin in an alternating pattern, leaving strips of skin between peeled sections.
2. Step 2: Cut the cucumber in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds with a spoon. Chop the remaining cucumber flesh into small pieces and place in a medium mixing bowl.
3. Step 3: Add the chopped jalapeños, Aleppo pepper, finely chopped shallots, cilantro, lime juice, a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil, a generous pinch of kosher salt, and the pistachios if using. Toss everything together and taste to adjust seasoning as needed.
4. Step 4: Serve the salsa as a condiment alongside roasted proteins or transfer to a serving bowl to enjoy with chips, pita, or toasted baguette slices.

Tips & Variations

• Adjust the amount of jalapeño to control the heat level, removing seeds for less spice.
• Use red pepper flakes if Aleppo pepper is unavailable for a similar smoky heat.
• Add a handful of chopped cherry tomatoes for extra color and sweetness.
• For a nuttier crunch, swap pistachios with toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds.

Storage

Store the cucumber salsa in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. It’s best enjoyed fresh, but if stored, give it a quick stir and taste before serving. Avoid freezing as the cucumber texture will degrade.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this salsa less spicy?

Yes, simply reduce the amount of jalapeño or remove the seeds before chopping to tone down the heat.

Is Aleppo pepper necessary?

Aleppo pepper adds a unique mild heat and fruity flavor, but you can substitute with red pepper flakes or smoked paprika for a similar effect.

Cucumber Salsa—Mediterranean-Style Recipe

---

★★★★★

4.8 from 78 reviews

• Author: Hugo
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

Pin Recipe

Print Recipe

Description

This refreshing Mediterranean-style cucumber salsa is a vibrant, tangy condiment perfect for pairing with roasted proteins or serving as a flavorful dip with chips or pita. Featuring crisp English cucumber, spicy jalapeños, zesty lime juice, and a hint of Aleppo pepper, it combines fresh herbs and crunchy pistachios for added texture and depth.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

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

Spices and Seasonings

• 1/2 teaspoon Aleppo pepper (or red pepper flakes)
• Kosher salt, to taste

Liquids and Oils

• 2 limes, juiced
• Extra-virgin olive oil, a drizzle

Optional Additions

• 2 tablespoons chopped pistachios

---

Instructions

1. Stripe the Cucumber: Trim the ends off the cucumber. Starting at one end, peel off a lengthwise strip of skin. Skip the next section and peel another strip next to the first, leaving strips of skin in between. Continue this alternating pattern until the entire cucumber is striped with peeled and unpeeled sections.
2. Seed and Chop the Cucumber: Cut the cucumber in half lengthwise, then use a metal spoon to scrape out and discard the seeds. Chop the remaining cucumber flesh into small pieces and place them in a medium mixing bowl.
3. Combine Ingredients: Add the chopped jalapeño, Aleppo pepper, finely chopped shallot, chopped cilantro, lime juice, a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil, a generous pinch of kosher salt, and optional chopped pistachios to the bowl with cucumber. Toss everything together thoroughly to combine and taste; adjust salt or lime juice as needed.
4. Serve: Serve the salsa as a bright condiment for roasted meats or seafood, or transfer it to a serving bowl to enjoy with your favorite chips, pita chips, or toasted baguette slices.

Notes

• Adjust jalapeño quantity and seeds according to your preferred spice level.
• Aleppo pepper can be substituted with red pepper flakes for a similar mild heat and fruity flavor.
• Chilling the salsa before serving enhances the flavor meld and refreshes the palate.
• Optionally, pistachios add a nice crunchy texture and nutty flavor to the salsa.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Condiment
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Keywords: Cucumber salsa, Mediterranean salsa, fresh salsa recipe, cucumber dip, jalapeño salsa, lime salsa, no-cook salsa