Mexican Style Cucumbers with Lime (Printer-friendly)

Cool cucumbers meet zesty lime and spicy chili for a refreshing Mexican-inspired snack ready in minutes.

# What You'll Need:

→ Vegetables

01 - 2 medium cucumbers, peeled and sliced into rounds or sticks

→ Citrus

02 - 1 large lime, juiced

→ Seasonings

03 - 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (such as Tajín or regular chili powder)
04 - 1/4 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
05 - 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

→ Optional Garnishes

06 - 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro
07 - 1 tablespoon crumbled cotija cheese (omit for vegan/dairy-free)

# Directions:

01 - Place the sliced cucumbers in a medium mixing bowl.
02 - Drizzle the lime juice over the cucumbers.
03 - Sprinkle with chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Toss gently to coat evenly.
04 - Taste and adjust seasoning as desired.
05 - Transfer to a serving dish and garnish with chopped cilantro and crumbled cotija cheese, if using. Serve immediately.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The lime and chili wake up your palate without overwhelming the fresh cucumber crunch
  • Takes literally ten minutes but tastes like something from a street vendor in Mexico City
  • You can keep everything in your fridge for impromptu snacking anytime
02 -
  • The cucumbers release water as they sit, so toss them right before serving to keep them crisp
  • If you are making these ahead, wait to add the salt and chili until just before serving
  • A pinch of cayenne or dash of hot sauce transforms this into something completely different and wonderful
03 -
  • If your cucumbers have thick skins, use a vegetable peeler to remove strips instead of peeling completely
  • Letting the seasoned cucumbers sit for just 5 minutes allows the flavors to meld beautifully without sacrificing crunch