Crunchy Salsa With Fresh Cucumbers
Introducing a refreshing twist to your salsa game, this recipe for Crunchy Salsa with Fresh Cucumbers is a delightful blend of crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and zesty spices. Perfect for summer gatherings or as a vibrant topping, this salsa promises a burst of flavor in every bite.
The combination of finely chopped cucumbers, red onions, and jalapeno peppers, tossed with a tangy salsa sauce infused with lime and cumin, creates a symphony of textures and tastes that will leave your taste buds dancing. Whether paired with tortilla chips for dipping or used as a topping for your favorite dishes, this salsa is sure to be a hit at any occasion.
How to make Crunchy Salsa With Fresh Cucumbers
Ingredients
2 cups cucumber, finely chopped (peeling optional)
1/4 cup red onion, chopped
1/2 cup seeded tomato, finely chopped
1/4 tsp cumin, group
1-1/2 tsp lime juice
1 jalapeno pepper, chopped and seeded
4-1/2 tsp cilantro, chopped
1 garlic clove, minced
1/4 c sour cream
1-1/2 tsp lemon juice
1-2 tbsp parsley, minced
1/4 tsp seasoned salt
Tortilla chips for dipping
Instructions
Combine lemon juice, sour cream, cumin, salt, and lime juice in a bowl to make the ‘salsa sauce’.
Stir and set aside.
Combine all other ingredients in a separate bowl.
Pour the salsa sauce over the vegetable and gently flip to cover.
Refrigerate for at least one hour.
Serve with chips or as a topping!
Notes
I don’t peel the cucumbers and leave the skin on. The vegetable is crisp and delectable! The green in the salsa is also gorgeous and aesthetically pleasing as well.
Definitely try it will the peeling on first.
Salsa can be challenging to serve to multiple people. Everyone has different taste buds and preferences.
I have never run into any opposition with this recipe! It has always pleased each taste preference.
Crunchy Salsa with Cucumber has always been a hit when I take it to a party, potluck, BBQ, etc. Served with tortilla chips, it also a nice cool dip for lunch.
Ingredient Options: Feel free to customize this salsa according to your taste preferences. You can adjust the amount of jalapeno pepper for more or less heat, or even add other types of peppers for variety. Additionally, you can experiment with different herbs and spices to enhance the flavor profile to your liking.
Texture and Consistency: The key to achieving the perfect texture in this salsa is finely chopping the cucumbers, red onions, and tomatoes. This ensures that each bite offers a delightful crunch. If you prefer a smoother consistency, you can pulse the ingredients in a food processor, but be careful not to over-process, as you still want some texture to remain.
Make-Ahead Option: This salsa can be prepared ahead of time, making it convenient for parties and gatherings. Simply prepare the salsa, cover, and refrigerate for up to a day in advance. The flavors will have time to meld together, resulting in an even more delicious salsa.
Serving Suggestions: While tortilla chips are a classic choice for dipping, don’t limit yourself! This salsa is incredibly versatile and can be used in various ways. Try serving it as a topping for grilled meats or fish, spooning it over tacos or nachos, or even mixing it into salads for an extra burst of flavor.
Adjusting Seasonings: Taste the salsa before refrigerating it and adjust the seasonings as needed. You may want to add more salt, lime juice, or even a touch of sugar to balance the flavors to your liking. Remember, it’s easier to add more seasoning than to take it away, so start with a conservative amount and adjust accordingly.
Nutrition Information:
YIELD: 4 servings | SERVING SIZE: 1
Amount Per Serving: CALORIES: 24 | TOTAL FAT: 1g | SATURATED FAT: 0.4g | TRANS FAT: 0g | CHOLESTEROL: 2mg | SODIUM: 68mg | CARBOHYDRATES: 3g | FIBER: 0.5g | SUGAR: 1g | PROTEIN: 0.7g
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use a different type of pepper instead of jalapeno?
Absolutely! If you prefer a milder salsa, you can substitute the jalapeno with a milder pepper like bell pepper or poblano pepper.
Adjust the amount according to your taste preference.
Can I adjust the spiciness of the salsa?
Absolutely! The spiciness of the salsa can be adjusted to your preference.
If you prefer a milder salsa, you can reduce the amount of jalapeno or remove the seeds and membranes, which contain most of the heat.
On the other hand, if you like it spicier, you can include more jalapeno or even add some additional hot sauce or chili flakes.
Is it necessary to peel the cucumbers for the salsa?
Peeling the cucumbers is optional and depends on personal preference.
The peel adds texture and color to the salsa, but if you prefer a smoother texture, you can peel them before chopping.
Can I add additional vegetables or fruits to the salsa?
Absolutely! Salsa is versatile, and you can customize it according to your preferences.
You can add additional vegetables such as bell peppers, corn, or avocado for extra flavor and texture.
You can also incorporate fruits like mango or pineapple for a sweet and tangy twist.
Be creative and experiment with different ingredients to make it your own!
Can I make this salsa ahead of time?
Yes, you can make this salsa ahead of time.
In fact, allowing it to refrigerate for at least one hour enhances the flavors as the ingredients marinate together.
You can even prepare it a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator.
What can I serve with this salsa besides tortilla chips?
While tortilla chips are a classic accompaniment, you can also serve this crunchy salsa with other options like pita chips, vegetable sticks, or even as a topping for tacos, grilled meats, or salads.
Get creative and use it as a versatile condiment!
Can I substitute or omit any of the ingredients?
Yes, you can make adjustments based on your taste preferences or dietary restrictions.
For example, if you don’t like cilantro, you can omit it or substitute it with fresh parsley or another herb of your choice.
Similarly, if you’re not a fan of sour cream, you can omit it or use Greek yogurt as a healthier alternative.
How should I store the leftover salsa?
If you have any leftover salsa, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
It should stay fresh for about 3-4 days.
However, keep in mind that the texture of the cucumbers and other vegetables may soften over time.