Chilli Lime Cucumber Salad (Printer View)

Crisp cucumbers in a zesty chilli-lime dressing with fresh cilantro and sesame seeds.

# What you'll need:

→ Vegetables

01 - 2 large cucumbers, thinly sliced
02 - 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
03 - 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves, chopped

→ Dressing

04 - 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
05 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
06 - 1 teaspoon chili flakes
07 - 1 teaspoon honey or agave syrup
08 - 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
09 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

→ Garnish

10 - 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds

# Method:

01 - In a large mixing bowl, combine sliced cucumbers, red onion, and chopped cilantro.
02 - In a small bowl, whisk together lime juice, olive oil, chili flakes, honey or agave syrup, sea salt, and black pepper until fully incorporated.
03 - Pour dressing over the cucumber mixture and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly.
04 - Allow the salad to rest for 5 minutes to permit flavors to develop and blend.
05 - Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds over the salad immediately before serving.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It comes together in ten minutes flat, which means you can make it while someone's grilling or even just minutes before serving.
  • The lime and chili kick works magic on hot days—it cools you down while somehow making you feel alive.
  • It pairs with almost anything, from tacos to grilled fish to simple rice bowls, without stealing the spotlight.
02 -
  • If you make this more than an hour ahead, the cucumbers will release water and your salad becomes a soup—make it close to serving time, or drain it before plating.
  • Taste the dressing before you pour it on; it should make you pucker a little and then smooth out into something delicious, because it will mellow slightly once it sits on the vegetables.
03 -
  • Pat your sliced cucumbers dry with a clean kitchen towel before tossing—excess surface moisture dilutes the dressing and makes the salad weepy.
  • Make the dressing in the bottom of the large bowl and add your vegetables on top, then toss—it saves a dish and ensures every piece gets coated.
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