Spicy Jalapeño Cucumber Salad

If you like it spicy… you’ll LOVE this Spicy Cucumber Salad! Made with sliced cucumbers, 3 types of peppers, cilantro, lime juice, and plenty of heat… we love it as is OR topped with creamy avocado slices!

There comes a time… every year… when cucumbers are so abundant, I have to figure out what to do with them all. And I know I’m not the only one! Whether you grow them in your garden, buy them at the grocery store, or reap the benefits of your friend or coworker’s harvest… we all know what it’s like to have TOO many cucumbers!

So I’ve made everything from Cucumber Sandwiches to Cucumber Boats to Cucumber Pasta Salad and Cucumber Salsa. And… I’ve made countless cucumber salads. (A dozen different variations, to be exact!)

But the one variation I haven’t made? Spicy Cucumber Salad. Not because I don’t like spice (I do!)… but just because it hadn’t crossed my mind until now! And now that it has? I can’t get it OUT of my mind!

This Spicy Cucumber Salad is anything but boring… packed with 3 types of peppers, sliced green onions, fresh cilantro, and lime juice. It packs as much (or as little) heat as you can handle, and I’m pretty sure I’m going to be putting it on every taco I make from here on out.

what you’ll need for this recipe

Cucumbers – 4 cups of thinly sliced mini cucumbers form the base of this salad. I used a mandoline for ease and for even slices, but a sharp knife works just as well.

Peppers – I added 2 thinly sliced jalapeños, 1/2 thinly sliced serrano pepper, and 1/2 thinly sliced fresno pepper. Feel free to adjust the types and amounts of peppers you use.

Green onions – I added 1 bunch green onions, trimmed and thinly sliced. Substitute red onion or white onion if you prefer.

Cilantro – 1/3 – 1/2 cup cilantro adds delicious flavor to this salad. I used leaves only and didn’t chop or mince.

Lime juice – I added 1/4 cup fresh lime juice for flavor and acidity. If possible, always use fresh vs. bottled.

Salt & pepper – I used salt & pepper to season the salad, allowing the flavors of the other ingredients to come through.

how to make spicy cucumber salad

Slice the cucumbers. Thinly sliced the cucumbers using a sharp knife or mandoline. Transfer to a large mixing bowl.

Slice the peppers & green onions. Slice the peppers and green onions to desired size. (I used a mandoline to slice the peppers and cucumbers.) Add to the cucumbers in the bowl.

Add cilantro, lime juice, salt & pepper. Add cilantro leaves, lime juice, salt and pepper. Mix well.

make-ahead & storage tips

Spicy Cucumber Salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, with freshness peaking on day 1-2. I would not recommend making this salad more than 1 day in advance.