Simple Cucumber Salad with Lime Vinaigrette

This Simple Cucumber Salad with Lime Vinaigrette is the perfect side dish to elevate any meal. Whether you’re hosting a summer BBQ, enjoying a cozy family dinner, or prepping a light lunch, this salad shines through its fresh ingredients and zesty flavor. With crunchy cucumbers, creamy feta, and a homemade lime vinaigrette, it’s not only refreshing but also incredibly easy to whip up. Enjoy it alongside grilled meats or as a healthy snack on its own!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: You can have this salad ready in just 5 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
• Fresh Ingredients: Each bite bursts with flavor from crisp cucumbers and bright lime juice, ensuring you enjoy a refreshing experience.
• Nutrient-Packed: Loaded with vitamins and protein from chickpeas and feta cheese, this salad is both healthy and satisfying.
• Versatile Pairing: It complements a variety of dishes, from grilled chicken to baked fish, enhancing your meal effortlessly.
• Make Ahead Option: Preparing this salad in advance allows the flavors to meld beautifully in the fridge for up to two days.

Tools and Preparation

To make this Simple Cucumber Salad with Lime Vinaigrette, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. Having the right equipment will ensure that your preparation is smooth and efficient.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large mixing bowl
• Small mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Knife
• Cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

• Large mixing bowl: Provides ample space for combining all the salad ingredients without spilling.
• Small mixing bowl: Ideal for whisking together the dressing ingredients until creamy.
• Whisk: Ensures the vinaigrette is well combined for a smooth dressing that coats every ingredient evenly.

Ingredients

For the Salad

• 3 cups sliced cucumbers
• 1 cup sliced red onions
• 1/2 cup chopped cilantro
• 1/2-3/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1 cup chickpeas (cooked or garbanzo beans, optional)

For the Dressing

• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1 lime (juiced)
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
• 1/4 tsp salt
• black pepper (to taste)

For Garnish

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

this recipe

How to Make Simple Cucumber Salad with Lime Vinaigrette

Step 1: Combine Salad Ingredients

In a large bowl (with enough room to gently toss the salad), combine the salad ingredients:
1. Add sliced cucumbers, sliced red onions, chopped cilantro, crumbled feta cheese, and chickpeas.

Step 2: Prepare the Dressing

In a small bowl:
1. Whisk together olive oil, the juice of a lime, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper.
2. Make sure it’s creamy and well-mixed.

Step 3: Toss and Serve

1. Gently toss the dressing with the salad ingredients in the large bowl.
2. Taste the salad and adjust seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed.
3. Serve immediately or allow it to rest in the fridge for at least thirty minutes to let flavors combine. The salad will keep well for about two days in the fridge.

Now you are all set to enjoy your delicious Simple Cucumber Salad with Lime Vinaigrette!

How to Serve Simple Cucumber Salad with Lime Vinaigrette

This Simple Cucumber Salad with Lime Vinaigrette is a refreshing dish that can complement various meals. Its bright flavors make it an excellent addition to many summer dishes.

With Grilled Chicken

• Grilled Chicken Thighs – The tangy lime vinaigrette enhances the juicy flavor of grilled chicken thighs, creating a delightful meal.
• Chicken Hamburgers – Serve this salad alongside chicken burgers for a light and zesty side that balances the richness of the meat.

With Steak

• Grilled Steak – Pairing this salad with grilled steak adds a fresh contrast to the savory flavors of the meat, making each bite satisfying.
• Steak Tacos – Use this salad as a topping for steak tacos to add crunch and brightness.

With Fish

• Baked Fish – The coolness of the cucumber salad complements baked fish perfectly, providing a refreshing taste with every bite.
• Fish Tacos – Add this salad into fish tacos for an extra layer of flavor and texture.

How to Perfect Simple Cucumber Salad with Lime Vinaigrette

To elevate your Simple Cucumber Salad with Lime Vinaigrette, consider these helpful tips for enhancing flavor and freshness.

• Chill Before Serving – Allowing the salad to rest in the fridge for at least thirty minutes helps flavors meld together beautifully.
• Use Fresh Ingredients – Opting for fresh cucumbers and herbs will significantly enhance the overall taste of your salad.
• Adjust Seasoning – Always taste and adjust salt and pepper according to your preference before serving for optimal flavor.
• Add Extra Crunch – Consider adding nuts or seeds like sunflower seeds or chopped almonds for additional texture.
• Experiment with Herbs – Try mixing in other herbs such as mint or dill to add unique flavors that complement the lime vinaigrette.
• Vary Your Cheese – If you want to change things up, feta cheese can be replaced with goat cheese or even mozzarella for different tastes.

Best Side Dishes for Simple Cucumber Salad with Lime Vinaigrette

To create a well-rounded meal, serve your Simple Cucumber Salad with Lime Vinaigrette alongside these delicious side dishes.

1. Grilled Vegetables – A mix of bell peppers, zucchini, and asparagus adds color and smokiness that pairs well with the freshness of the salad.
2. Quinoa Pilaf – This nutritious grain dish brings a nutty flavor that complements the tanginess of your cucumber salad.
3. Garlic Bread – Crispy garlic bread provides a crunchy contrast that enhances any meal served with this salad.
4. Coleslaw – The creamy texture and tangy flavor of coleslaw are excellent companions to the crisp cucumbers in your dish.
5. Roasted Potatoes – Seasoned roasted potatoes provide heartiness while still allowing the salad’s flavors to shine through.
6. Rice Pilaf – Lightly seasoned rice pilaf offers a subtle base that pairs nicely without overpowering your cucumber salad.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making a Simple Cucumber Salad with Lime Vinaigrette, there are a few common mistakes to watch out for that can impact the final dish.

• Not using fresh ingredients: Fresh cucumbers and herbs make a big difference in flavor. Always opt for fresh produce to enhance your salad.
• Overdressing the salad: Adding too much vinaigrette can make your salad soggy. Start with less dressing and add more if needed after tossing.
• Skipping the chilling time: This salad tastes best when allowed to chill for at least 30 minutes. Skipping this step may result in less intense flavors.
• Ignoring seasoning adjustments: Tasting is key! Don’t forget to adjust salt and pepper after mixing in the dressing for the best flavor balance.
• Using the wrong container for storage: Use airtight containers for storing leftovers. This helps keep your salad fresh longer.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• The salad is best consumed within 2 days.

Freezing Simple Cucumber Salad with Lime Vinaigrette

• Freezing is not recommended as cucumbers lose their texture when thawed.
• If you must freeze, separate components (salad vs. dressing) and store in airtight containers.

Reheating Simple Cucumber Salad with Lime Vinaigrette

• Oven: Not applicable, as this salad is best served cold.
• Microwave: Not recommended; the texture of cucumbers will be compromised.
• Stovetop: Not applicable; serve cold for the best experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

What goes well with Simple Cucumber Salad with Lime Vinaigrette?

This salad pairs perfectly with grilled or oven-roasted chicken, steak, or baked fish, offering a refreshing contrast to hearty proteins.

Can I customize my Simple Cucumber Salad with Lime Vinaigrette?

Absolutely! Feel free to add avocado, tomatoes, or even nuts for added texture and flavor. Customize it based on your preferences!

How long does Simple Cucumber Salad with Lime Vinaigrette last?

When stored properly in the refrigerator, this salad lasts about 2 days before losing its freshness.

Is Simple Cucumber Salad with Lime Vinaigrette healthy?

Yes! This salad is low in calories and packed with nutrients from cucumbers and chickpeas, making it a great choice for a healthy meal.

Can I use different cheese in my Simple Cucumber Salad?

Certainly! If feta isn’t your favorite, try using goat cheese or even mozzarella for a different flavor profile.

Final Thoughts

The Simple Cucumber Salad with Lime Vinaigrette is not only refreshing but also versatile enough to complement various dishes. With its bright flavors and easy preparation, it’s perfect for summer lunches or gatherings. Experiment with different ingredients to make it uniquely yours!

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Simple Cucumber Salad with Lime Vinaigrette

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• Author: Sofia
• Total Time: 7 minute
• Yield: Serves 4

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Description

Elevate your meals with this vibrant Simple Cucumber Salad with Lime Vinaigrette. Perfect for summer gatherings or light lunches, this salad bursts with freshness from crisp cucumbers, zingy lime juice, and creamy feta cheese. With the added protein of chickpeas, it’s not just refreshing but also nourishing. Whip it up in just 5 minutes for a delightful side that complements grilled chicken, steak, or baked fish effortlessly. Experience the harmony of flavors as you enjoy each bite, making it an ideal dish for any occasion.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3 cups sliced cucumbers
• 1 cup sliced red onions
• 1/2 cup chopped cilantro
• 1/2 – 3/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1 cup cooked chickpeas (optional)
• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• Juice of 1 lime
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
• Salt and black pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine sliced cucumbers, red onions, chopped cilantro, crumbled feta cheese, and chickpeas.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper until creamy.
3. Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and toss gently to combine. Adjust seasoning if necessary.
4. Serve immediately or refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to enhance flavors.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: N/A
• Category: Salad
• Method: Mixing
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 220mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 13g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 5g
• Cholesterol: 7mg

Keywords: Chill the salad before serving for optimal flavor integration. Feel free to add other herbs like mint or dill for extra freshness. Substitute feta with goat cheese or mozzarella for a different flavor profile.