With its cooling cucumber, fresh herbs and zesty kick of lime, pico de gallo doesn't get more refreshing! While this Mediterranean-inspired cucumber pico gallo takes only minutes to put together and requires just a handful of ingredients, it delivers big-time flavor and is always a crowd favorite. In just one bite, you'll instantly fall in love with this delicious cucumber salsa.
Warmer days have finally arrived, and I'm so here for it. Bring on all the salsa, tacos and cocktails, starting with a big bowl of this cucumber pico de gallo. This lady thrives during patio season.
And best of all? Sure, this cucumber salsa delivers on flavor with the spicy jalapeno and Mediterranean-inspired fresh mint and parsley, but it’s the perfect appetizer for those impromptu gatherings when you need something on the table fast with little fuss. Although preparing an elaborate meal is certainly fun and satisfying, this quick salsa means you have more time to sip on margaritas, and I'm not one to turn down more tequila-drinking time. I'm sure you feel the same.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Truly, you won't find an easier recipe. If you can chop, you can make this cucumber pico de gallo. Let's get started.
For this recipe, we need a cutting board, a sharp knife and a large bowl. A hand-held citrus juicer will be handy as well, though it's not required. Even our equipment needs are simple.
We start by chopping a cucumber, Roma tomato, red onion and jalapeno, and then mix them together in a bowl. Since this is the base of our salsa, I like to make sure it's well-mixed before we add our flavorings. For some salsas, I like to include jalapeno seeds, but with the delicate mint and parsley, I recommend skipping the seeds this time. Too much heat can overwhelm those flavors.
Now we mix in chopped fresh mint and parsley with a little salt and lime juice -- and just like that, we have our cucumber pico de gallo! See? This recipe is as simple as it gets.
How to Serve
Obviously, you can grab pita or tortilla chips and dig in, but that's not the only way to enjoy this tasty little number. Here are a few additional ideas.
- Spoon onto tacos or nachos.
- Use as a lamb burger topping.
- Add to hummus to make a layered dip.
- Spread onto avocado toast.
- Use on your next pita bread sandwich.
- Stir into tuna or chicken salad.
- Replace cucumber slices for an upgraded cucumber tea sandwich.
Can You Make in Advance?
You sure can. I usually make this a few hours before serving to give the flavors time to meld, but I'm always impressed by how well the cucumber maintains its crunch after two or three days in the refrigerator.
While I prefer to make this pico de gallo the same day I serve it, if whipping it up a couple days ahead of time makes your life easier, go for it. Just make sure you store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Perfect Pairing
With beer, you have some options. Anything light and snappy will allow the cucumber and those delicate herbs to shine. Think pilsner, kolsch, blonde ale and the like.
For wine, I like a dry riesling. Even as a dry wine, we still get a touch of sweetness that I love with the mint, and it has a nice cooling effect on the jalapeno. Plus, it's light enough to not overwhelm the cucumber.
Of course, this cucumber pico de gallo is also perfect with margaritas. While I love a unique spin on margaritas, I like to keep it simple and serve this pico with my classic margarita.
When you need an easy, refreshing dip for those patio nights, I hope you try this Mediterranean-inspired cucumber pico de gallo. Please let me know how you enjoyed this recipe in the comment section and don’t forget to sign up for my newsletter. You can also catch me on Instagram, Pinterest, Facebook and Twitter.
Cheers!
Love a Good Salsa?
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Mediterranean-Inspired Cucumber Pico De Gallo
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 2 cups 1x
Description
With its cooling cucumber, fresh herbs and zesty kick of lime, pico de gallo doesn't get more refreshing! While this Mediterranean-inspired cucumber pico gallo takes hardly any time to put together and requires just a handful of ingredients, it delivers big-time flavor and is always a crowd favorite.
Ingredients
1 cup chopped cucumber
½ cup chopped Roma tomato
½ cup chopped red onion
½-1 chopped jalapeno, seeded
1 lime, juiced
1 tablespoon chopped fresh mint
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
½ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- In a large bowl, stir together the cucumber, tomato, red onion and half a chopped jalapeno.
- Stir in lime juice, mint, parsley and salt. Taste. If you'd like more spice, add the other half of the jalapeno.
- Refrigerate in an airtight container for a few hours to allow the flavors to meld. While it's best the day of making, it will still stay crisp for two or three days. Enjoy!
Notes
- For the vegetables, one cucumber, Roma tomato and red onion each should do it. Depending on the size, you'll have leftover red onion and cucumber but should use all of the tomato.
- For a Tex-Mex version, you can substitute parsley and mint for cilantro.
- Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: No Cook
- Cuisine: Mediterranean-Mexican Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 5
- Sugar: 0
- Sodium: 73
- Fat: 0
- Saturated Fat: 0
- Unsaturated Fat: 0
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 1
- Fiber: 0
- Protein: 0
- Cholesterol: 0
Keywords: cucumber pico de gallo
Oh my goodness what a fresh take on salsa! Great for fish or just for dipping, thanks!
Absolutely and you’re so welcome!
Such a refreshing recipe! I love Pico De Gallo, so I was eager to try this recipe! Great mixture of veggies and spices! I love eating it with my breakfast eggs 🙂 Thanks so much for sharing!
★★★★★
What a fun idea -- so glad you loved it!
What a splendid idea to add cucumber to pico de gallo! I like your suggestion to use it on a lamb burger. Must be really a delicious pairing.
★★★★★
It's definitely delicious! Hope you get a chance to try it.
I also love patio season especially when yummy food like this cucumber pico de gallo is being served.
★★★★★
Best season if you ask me!
I love a fresh topping on my nachos and adding it to a burger is a great idea! Yum, can't wait for summer!
★★★★★
You'll totally love this!
Wow this pico de gallo looks so fresh! I've never tried it with cucumber before. I cannot wait to give this recipe a try!
★★★★★
It's such a lovely addition!
I'm definitely falling inlove with this Mediterranean-inspired cucumber pico de gallo! It looks really delicious and I'm sure this will be our new favorite salsa.
★★★★★
I have no doubt!
Such a great twist and perfect for summertime! My mom would love this since she is a big cucumber fan...going to have to make this for her soon! Love how colorful it is ^_^
★★★★★
I hope you both love it!
This looks so fresh and delicious! What a nice twist to traditional Pico! Thanks for sharing this recipe.
★★★★★
You're so welcome!
This is my new favorite pico de gallo! I love the parsley and mint and the cooling cucumber!
★★★★★
So glad to hear that!