Zesty Lime Cucumber Salad
A refreshing, crisp salad featuring juicy cucumbers and tomatoes tossed in a vibrant lime vinaigrette, delivering a perfect balance of tangy sourness and cool freshness. This general-inspired salads ready in about 10 minutes pairs medium, thinly sliced cucumbers, halved cherry tomatoes, finely diced red onion 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 220 calories and feeds 2, 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.
Ingredients
- 2 medium, thinly sliced cucumbers
- 1 cup, halved cherry tomatoes
- 1/4 cup, finely diced red onion
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons, chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 2 thinly sliced cucumbers, 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes, and 1/4 cup finely diced red onion.
- Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice, 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil, 1/4 teaspoon sea salt, and 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin until emulsified and slightly thickened.
- Step 3: Pour the lime dressing over the cucumber mixture and toss gently until all ingredients are evenly coated. Sprinkle with 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro and let sit for 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Zesty Lime Cucumber Salad take to make?
Total time is about 10 minutes (10 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 Zesty Lime 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 halved cherry tomatoes from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Zesty Lime 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 Zesty Lime Cucumber Salad for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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.
What goes well with Zesty Lime Cucumber Salad?
General salads like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
The flavors in this zesty are incredible.
- ★★★★☆
Solid recipe. Not groundbreaking but definitely making it again.
- ★★★★☆
Good flavors but the sauce was a bit thin. I'd reduce it longer.
