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Mexican Cucumber Lime Salad

Mexican Cucumber Lime Salad with crisp cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and a zesty lime-chili dressing. Quick toss with cilantro and optional avocado, then a short chill for bright, refreshing flavor.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Chill 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: Mexican
Calories: 210
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Mexican Cucumber Lime Salad
  • 4 large cucumbers
  • 0.5 small red onion
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes
  • 0.25 cup fresh cilantro
  • 2 tbsp fresh lime juice
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 0.5 tsp Tajín seasoning
  • 0.5 tsp garlic powder
  • 0.5 tsp salt
  • 0.25 tsp black pepper
  • 1 avocado optional
  • 0.5 lime wedges for serving

Method
 

Prep and slice
  1. Slice the cucumbers into thin rounds, keeping pieces fairly even for a crisp bite and easy tossing.
  2. Thinly slice the red onion into rounds so it blends into the salad without large chunks.
Build the salad
  1. Add cucumbers, red onion, cherry tomatoes, and chopped cilantro to a large bowl.
Make the lime chili dressing
  1. Whisk the lime juice, olive oil, chili powder, Tajín seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl until smooth and uniform in color.
Toss and chill
  1. Pour the dressing over the vegetables and toss until evenly coated, with a glossy lime tone on the cucumbers and tomatoes.
  2. Fold in diced avocado if using, then toss gently just until the avocado is distributed.
  3. Chill the salad for 15 minutes before serving so the cucumbers stay crisp and the flavors set.
Serve
  1. Garnish with extra cilantro and serve with lime wedges on the side so each bite can be brightened to taste.

Notes

For best texture, slice cucumbers right before mixing and chill only briefly; longer chilling can soften them. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator up to 2 days (add lime wedges at serving). Freezing is not recommended due to watery cucumbers. For a dairy-free option, no changes are needed; for a vegan swap, keep the avocado optional and omit any dairy-free add-ins if you choose to customize.