Lime-Mint Cucumber Salad

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A crisp, refreshing salad featuring thinly sliced cucumbers and red onion dressed in a zesty lime-mint vinaigrette. This mediterranean-inspired salads (dairy-free) ready in about 15 minutes pairs cucumber, red onion, fresh mint into a side that holds its own next to almost any main — bright, balanced, and quick enough to slot into a weeknight plate. Each serving lands at about 60 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly next to roasted proteins, grain bowls, or weeknight mains. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.6 (14 ratings) Prep: 15 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 60 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Peel 2 large cucumbers and slice them into 1/4-inch thick rounds, then thinly slice 1/4 cup red onion into half-moons.
  2. Step 2: Finely chop 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves and combine with the cucumber and red onion in a large bowl.
  3. Step 3: In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice, 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/8 teaspoon black pepper until emulsified.
  4. Step 4: Pour the dressing over the cucumber mixture and toss gently to coat evenly.
  5. Step 5: Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld and enhance crispness.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Lime-Mint Cucumber Salad take to make?

Total time is about 15 minutes (15 min prep + 0 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Lime-Mint Cucumber Salad?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep cucumber from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Lime-Mint Cucumber Salad?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Lime-Mint Cucumber Salad for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Lime-Mint Cucumber Salad dairy-free?

Yes — this recipe is tagged dairy-free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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