How to Make Ensalada de Pepino (Easy Cucumber Salad)

Some variation of ensalada de pepino makes its way onto my dinner table almost daily. The kids love cucumbers, I crave something fresh with every meal, and it seriously doesn’t get much easier than this!

WHAT IS ENSALADA DE PEPINO?

Ensalada de pepino is a recipe I learned from my mother, who learned it from her mother. It’s now been in the family for four generations and is the perfect complement to so many dishes we make at home. My Grandma Lola used to use regular cucumbers, but I prefer the crispiness of Persian and English cucumbers. Tossed with vinegar and sugar – it’s one of the easiest salads ever!

Once you try my fresh cucumber salad, be sure to check out my Ensalada de Pepino y Tomate, Tijuana Caesar Salad and Ensalada de Lentejas recipes.

INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED

• Cucumbers: Any variety will work, but I prefer English and Persian cucumbers because they maintain their crunch. If you’re using regular cucumbers, I recommend that you peel them.
• Red onion (optional): I love the flavor that red onion adds to this salad, but my kids don’t, so sometimes I leave it out. 
• Vinegar: My grandma Lola used to use white vinegar, but I typically use red wine vinegar for my salads.
• Sugar: The subtle sweetness is what sets this salad apart from other cucumber salads I make.
• Salt (optional): I prefer sprinkling Maldon salt or Crystal Diamond Kosher Salt when it’s time to serve my salads. 

RECOMMENDED BY LOLA FOR THIS RECIPE

GLASS PREP BOWLS

I love mixing ingredients in glass bowls and this set of comes in every size you’ll need, from itty bitty bowls for spices, to larger ones for preparing salads, cookie dough, and so much more. VIEW PRODUCT

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS

1. Prepare ingredients

• Cut cucumbers into thin rounds.
• Cut red onion into very thin slices.

2. Season your salad and mix

• Dress salad with vinegar and sugar. Mix well.
• Refrigerate and allow ingredients to marinate for at least 30 before transferring to a serving bowl when ready to eat.
• PRO TIP: You can prepare this salad up to two hours in advance so that it absorbs all of the flavors.

3. Serve and enjoy 

• Serve with a pinch of finishing salt, if desired. 

WHAT TO PAIR WITH ENSALADA DE PEPINO

If you’re hosting a special occasion or just want to create a memorable Mexican fiesta menu, here are a few ideas from appetizers and drinks, to main dishes and salsas.

• Appetizers: Nopales Asados, Cebollitas Asadas, Chiles Toreados, Jalapeño Deviled Eggs, Totopos
• Main dishes: Easy Breakfast Tostadas, Turkey Picadillo Tostadas, Tacos Dorados, Tacos de Papa, Tacos de Huevos a la Mexicana, Milanesa de Pollo, Mole Negro, Tacos de Barbacoa, Chorizo y Huevo
• Sides: Arroz Rojo, Arroz a la Primavera,  Arroz Verde con Cilantro
• Aguas frescas: Agua de Piña, Agua de Papaya, Agua de Naranja, Agua de Tamarindo, Mexican Sparkling Limonada, Agua de Melón, Agua de Piña, Agua de Limón, Agua de Limón con Chía, Agua de Tuna Roja, Agua de Tuna Verde, Agua de Limón y Pepino

LOOKING FOR MORE SALAD RECIPES?

• Tijuana Caesar Salad
• Ensalada de Pepino y Tomate
• Ensalada de Lentejas (Easy and Refreshing Lentil Salad)
• How to Make Ensaladas de Nopales (Mexican Cactus Salad)

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