Published: by Nora Reyes · This post may contain affiliate links · 2 Comments
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Cucumber Salad, also known as Ensaladang Pipino, is the easiest five-minute side dish you can make. With its slightly sweet and tangy vinaigrette dressing, it pairs perfectly with grilled or fried meats and seafood. Use any cucumbers you have on hand and elevate your meal effortlessly.
![Cucumber Salad Recipe (1) Cucumber Salad Recipe (1)](https://i0.wp.com/www.recipesbynora.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Cucumber-Salad-Ensaladang-Pipino-in-a-bowl.jpg)
Jump to:
- Ingredients you'll need
- Notes and substitutions
- How to make this recipe
- Recipe FAQs
- Filipino dishes to pair with Cucumber Salad
- Other vegetable recipes you may like
- 📖 Recipe
- 💬 Comments
Ingredients you'll need
![Cucumber Salad Recipe (2) Cucumber Salad Recipe (2)](https://i0.wp.com/www.recipesbynora.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Cucumber-Salad-Ensaladang-Pipino-Ingredients.jpg)
Notes and substitutions
- Cucumber: I used Persian cucumbers. You can also use English, Kirby, or garden cucumbers. Generally, there's no need to peel or remove the seeds as these cucumbers have thin skin and small seeds. However, if you find the skin too thick or waxed, feel free to peel—it's totally up to you.
- Vinegar: For the vinaigrette, you can use various types of vinegar to suit your taste. I used cane vinegar, but white vinegar, apple cider vinegar, or rice vinegar also work well.
How to make this recipe
Step 1: Prepare the vegetables
Thinly slice the cucumbers and red onion. Place them in a large mixing bowl.
![Cucumber Salad Recipe (3) Cucumber Salad Recipe (3)](https://i0.wp.com/www.recipesbynora.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/slicing-the-vegetables.jpg)
Step 2: Make the dressing
In a small bowl, combine the vinegar, sugar, bird's eye chili (if using), salt, and ground black pepper. Mix well.
![Cucumber Salad Recipe (4) Cucumber Salad Recipe (4)](https://i0.wp.com/www.recipesbynora.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/salad-dressing.jpg)
Step 3: Dress the salad
Pour the dressing over the sliced cucumbers and onion.
![Cucumber Salad Recipe (5) Cucumber Salad Recipe (5)](https://i0.wp.com/www.recipesbynora.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/pouring-the-dressing.jpg)
Step 4: Toss to combine
Toss the cucumbers and onion until well combined with the dressing.
![Cucumber Salad Recipe (6) Cucumber Salad Recipe (6)](https://i0.wp.com/www.recipesbynora.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/mixing-the-salad.jpg)
Serve your Cucumber Salad immediately or let it chill in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
![Cucumber Salad Recipe (7) Cucumber Salad Recipe (7)](https://i0.wp.com/www.recipesbynora.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Cucumber-Salad-Ensaladang-Pipino-with-inihaw-na-liempo.jpg)
Recipe FAQs
Should you peel cucumbers?
Whether to peel cucumbers largely depends on personal preference and the cucumber variety. Persian, English, and Kirby cucumbers have thin, tender skin that many enjoy eating. On the other hand, garden cucumbers often have a thicker, waxier skin. If you are concerned about pesticides or bitterness, you may choose to peel.
What type of vinegar is best for salad dressing?
The best vinegar for salad dressing can vary, but in the Philippines, cane vinegar is a popular choice for its bright tanginess. Other options include apple cider for a subtle flavor, rice vinegar for mild acidity, basic white vinegar for a clean sharpness, or red wine vinegar for a fruity zing. Choose one that complements the flavors of your salad.
Filipino dishes to pair with Cucumber Salad
- Inihaw na Liempo: Grilled pork belly marinated in soy sauce, calamansi, banana ketchup, and garlic.
- Lechon Kawali: The crispy, fatty goodness of fried pork belly is complemented by the lightness of the salad. Air-fried Pork Belly is a healthier alternative.
- Tortang Talong: An eggplant omelet made with grilled or roasted eggplant dipped in beaten eggs, then pan-fried.
- Crispy Fried Fish: Its texture and flavor contrast beautifully with the refreshing salad.
- Pork Barbecue Skewers: Savory and sweet pork skewers perfect with the acidity and freshness of the salad.
- Beef Tapa: Traditionally served as part of a Tapsilog breakfast with Sinangag (garlic fried rice) and a fried egg.
Other vegetable recipes you may like
- Ginataang Puso ng Saging Recipe
- Tofu and Mushroom Adobo Recipe
- Laing Recipe
- Adobong Talong Recipe
![Cucumber Salad Recipe (12) Cucumber Salad Recipe (12)](https://i0.wp.com/www.recipesbynora.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/tag-me-on-instagram-@-recipesbynora-17.png)
Did you make this recipe? I would love to know! Your feedback helps me make better recipes. Please rate, review, or comment below. Questions about this recipe are welcome, too!
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📖 Recipe
Cucumber Salad
The easiest five-minute side dish that pairs perfectly with grilled or fried meats and seafood.
5 from 1 vote
Print Pin Rate
Course: Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine: Asian, Filipino
Diet: Gluten Free, Low Calorie
Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: 28kcal
Author: Nora Rey
Cost: $2-$4
Ingredients
- 10 ounces cucumbers thinly sliced (see note)
- ½ small red onion thinly sliced
- 3 tablespoons vinegar (see note)
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- 1 bird's eye chili (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Prepare the Vegetables: Thinly slice the cucumbers and red onion. Place them in a large mixing bowl.
Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, combine the vinegar, sugar, salt, and ground black pepper. Mix well.
Dress the Salad: Pour the dressing over the sliced cucumbers and onion.
Toss to Combine: Toss the cucumbers and onion until well combined with the dressing.
Serve the salad immediately or let it chill in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
Notes
- Cucumber: I used Persian cucumbers. You can also use English, Kirby, or garden cucumbers. Generally, there's no need to peel or remove the seeds as these cucumbers have thin skin and small seeds. However, if you find the skin too thick or waxed, feel free to peel—it's totally up to you.
- Vinegar: For the vinaigrette, you can use various types of vinegar to suit your taste. I used cane vinegar, but white vinegar, apple cider vinegar, or rice vinegar also work well.
Nutrition
Calories: 28kcalCarbohydrates: 6gProtein: 1gFat: 0.2gSaturated Fat: 0.02gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.03gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.01gSodium: 294mgPotassium: 153mgFiber: 1gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 158IUVitamin C: 19mgCalcium: 16mgIron: 0.3mg
Disclaimer: The nutritional information provided here is solely for informational purposes. I am not a certified nutritionist, and this data hasn't been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration or any other authority. It shouldn't be seen as health or nutrition advice. The figures are estimates calculated from various food composition databases and might vary based on product types, brands, natural variations in produce, and ingredient processing methods. Individual results may differ.
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Reader Interactions
Comments
May
Thanks for the recipe. I just live simple recipes like this that i can make.Reply
Nora Rey
Hi May! You're very welcome!😊 If you have any questions or need more recipes, I'm here to help. Happy cooking! 👨🍳👩🍳
Reply