Tajin Cucumber Salsa Recipe

OMG, you’ve got to try this cucumber salsa—it’s seriously life-changing with that perfect kick from the jalapeño and Tajín seasoning. Just whip it up in no time and let those flavors meld in the fridge; it’s the ultimate millennial snack for when you’re Netflix-ing or grilling with friends!

Diced cucumbers are among the most refreshing ingredients, and when combined with the zesty tang of Tajín, they form the absolute perfect base for a salsa. My cucumber salsa is made with fresh lime juice, just enough heat from a jalapeño, and enough red onion and cilantro to let you know it’s a salsa.

Tajín is not a common ingredient in most salsas, but it makes this one sing.

Tajin Cucumber Salsa Recipe Ingredients

• Cucumbers: Low in calories, hydrating, adds refreshing crunch.
• Red Onion: Provides fiber and antioxidants, adds sharp flavor.
• Jalapeño: Adds spice and vitamins, boosts metabolism.
• Cilantro: Rich in vitamins, offers citrusy herbal notes.
• Lime Juice: High in vitamin C, adds tangy brightness.
• Tajín Seasoning: Tangy and spicy, enhances flavor with chili and lime.

Tajin Cucumber Salsa Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 3 medium cucumbers, peeled, seeded, and diced
• 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
• 1 jalapeño, seeded and finely diced
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
• 1 tablespoon Tajín seasoning
• Salt to taste

How to Make this Tajin Cucumber Salsa Recipe

1. Start with the cucumbers. They need to be peeled, then cut in half lengthwise, and their seeds removed with a spoon. Finally, they should be diced into small, bite-sized pieces. At least this is how I prepare them when making this salad, though my mother-in-law’s version was more refined and involved puréeing the cucumbers.

2. Put the diced cucumbers in a big mixing bowl.

3. Combine the much smaller, finely chopped, red onion with the thinly sliced cucumber in the bowl.

4. Finely dice the jalapeño after taking out the seeds. This goes into the cucumber and onion mixture.

5. Finely chop the fresh cilantro. Add it to the mixture in the bowl.

6. Fresh lime juice should be squeezed over the cucumber mixture, and then it should be tossed to combine.

7. Tajin should be applied somewhat delicately here, as it’s relatively easy to dump too much seasoning into any dish and then be unable to taste anything else afterward. With that in mind, I recommend starting with about 1/2 teaspoon of Tajín and increasing to your desired amount. 1/2 teaspoon of Tajín, which has a nice balance of salt, acid, and heat, mixed into
1.5 cups of fresh tomato salsa is a good amount.

8. Sample the salsa and adjust the salt, if necessary, mixing again to assure even seasoning.

9. Placing the salsa in a bowl, covering it with plastic wrap or a lid, and refrigerating it for at least 30 minutes allows the flavors to meld.

10. Prior to serving, stir the salsa gently once more and relish it at a low temperature with your selection of chips or as a zesty, provocative blanket for grilled meats or tacos.

Tajin Cucumber Salsa Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Vegetable peeler
2. Chef’s knife
3. Cutting board
4. Spoon (for deseeding)
5. Large mixing bowl
6. Small bowl or juicer (for lime juice)
7. Measuring spoons
8. Plastic wrap or a lid
9. Refrigerator

FAQ

• Q:Can I use English cucumbers or another variety? A: Yes, English cucumbers work well and have fewer seeds and thinner skin. They may save prep time.
• Q:What steps can I take to increase the heat level in this salsa? A: Use additional jalapeños or mix in some finely chopped habanero peppers to really kick up the heat.
• Q:Is it permissible to use cilantro that has been dried in place of fresh cilantro? A: For the best flavor, nothing beats fresh cilantro. But if dried is all you’ve got, use about 1 tablespoon and adjust to taste.
• Q:Is there an alternative to Tajín seasoning?
  A: If you can’t find Tajín, you can substitute it with a mixture of chili powder, salt, and a hint of lime zest.
• Q:Salsa’s lifespan in the refrigerator: Salsa can remain fresh for up to 3 days in the fridge, provided it is stored in an airtight container.
• Q:Can I include other components such as tomatoes or avocados? A: You most certainly can! Tomatoes bestow juiciness, while avocados contribute creaminess. You may want to tweak the seasonings, though.
• Q:Which dishes work well with this salsa? A: This salsa works well with grilling proteins, tacos, and as a fresh snack with tortilla chips.

Tajin Cucumber Salsa Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Red onion: Substitute with 1/2 cup of finely chopped green onions or shallots for a milder flavor.
Substitute a serrano pepper for more heat, or use a bell pepper for no heat at all.
Cilantro: Substitute fresh parsley if cilantro is not to your taste.
Lemon juice can be used in place of lime juice when a different citrus acid is needed. The flavor will be less lime-y but still delicious in whatever application you use it.
If Tajín is not available, prepare a mixture of chili powder, lime zest, and a pinch of salt to replace it.

Pro Tips

1. Chill the Ingredients: Before you start preparing the salsa, chill the cucumbers and cilantro. This helps in making the salsa refreshing and enhances the flavors when served chilled.