Description
Honey Lime Cucumber Salad is a refreshing and crisp side dish featuring thinly sliced cucumbers tossed in a sweet and tangy honey-lime dressing. Enhanced with fresh cilantro, a hint of lime zest, and optional red pepper flakes for a mild kick, this salad is perfect for summer gatherings and quick, light meals.
Ingredients
Salad
- 3 large cucumbers, thinly sliced
- ¼ red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
Dressing
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon lime zest
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare cucumbers: Wash and thinly slice the cucumbers, then place them in a large mixing bowl to form the base of your salad.
- Add aromatics: Add the thinly sliced red onion and chopped fresh cilantro to the bowl with cucumbers, mixing gently to combine.
- Make dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together fresh lime juice, honey, olive oil, lime zest, salt, and black pepper until well combined and emulsified.
- Toss salad: Pour the dressing over the cucumber mixture, then toss gently to ensure the cucumbers and onions are fully coated with the dressing.
- Add heat (optional): Sprinkle red pepper flakes over the salad if you desire a little spicy kick, mixing them in lightly.
- Chill and marry flavors: Refrigerate the salad for 10 to 15 minutes to allow the flavors to develop and meld together beautifully.
- Serve: Toss the salad once more just before serving to distribute any settled dressing or juices evenly.
Notes
- English or Persian cucumbers work especially well for this recipe due to their thin skin and fewer seeds.
- For extra crunch, add thinly sliced radishes alongside the cucumbers.
- Substitute fresh mint for cilantro to create a different but equally refreshing flavor profile.
- If you prefer a sweeter dressing, feel free to add a little more honey to taste.
- This salad can be served immediately or refrigerated for up to 2 days; note that cucumbers will release more liquid the longer it sits.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad, Side Dish
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
