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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
