This Spicy Cucumber Salad is not for the faint of heart! It’s a fiery and refreshing twist on the classic cucumber salad, with a kick of heat that will ignite your taste buds. Thinly sliced cucumbers and red onions provide a cooling contrast to the spicy serrano pepper, while fresh cilantro adds a bright, herbaceous note. The simple dressing, made with lime juice and a touch of sugar, balances the heat with a tangy sweetness.
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Instructions:
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Prepare the cucumbers: Wash the cucumbers thoroughly and pat them dry. For a milder flavor, you can remove the seeds before slicing. Thinly slice the cucumbers using a mandoline or a sharp knife.
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Tame the onion (optional): Thinly slice the red onion. If you prefer a milder flavor, soak the slices in a bowl of ice water for about 10 minutes. This will mellow out the taste without sacrificing their satisfying crunch. Drain and pat dry before adding to the salad.
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Handle the heat: Finely mince the serrano pepper. Remember: Serrano peppers pack a punch! Adjust the amount according to your spice preference. Start with half a pepper and add more if desired.
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Whisk the vibrant dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, olive oil, sugar, salt, and black pepper. This simple vinaigrette adds a bright and tangy element that complements the spicy kick.
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Combine and chill: In a large bowl, combine the sliced cucumbers, red onion slices, minced serrano pepper, and chopped fresh cilantro. Pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss to ensure everything is evenly coated.
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Rest and serve: For optimal flavor, cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and the cucumbers to soak up the delicious spicy dressing.
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Ingredients:
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2 medium cucumbers
1/4 red onion
1 serrano pepper, finely minced (adjust to taste)
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
2 tablespoons lime juice
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
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Recipe Note: This recipe is easily customizable to your liking. Feel free to adjust the amount of serrano pepper to control the heat level. You can also add other fresh herbs like mint or Thai basil for a different flavor profile. For a milder heat, substitute jalapeño pepper for the serrano pepper.
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#spicycucumbersalad #saladspiration #saladinspiration
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