Name: Honey Lime Cucumber Salad
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 large cucumbers, thinly sliced; 2 tablespoons honey; 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice; 1 teaspoon lime zest; 1 tablespoon chopped fresh mint (optional); ¼ teaspoon salt; ⅛ teaspoon black pepper

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This Honey Lime Cucumber Salad is a crisp, refreshing dish that bursts with tangy sweetness and light flavors. It’s the perfect side for summer gatherings or anytime I want something light and hydrating. The combination of crunchy cucumbers, zesty lime, and sweet honey is irresistible and comes together in just minutes. Honey Lime Cucumber Salad

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how incredibly quick and easy this salad is to prepare. It’s made with simple, wholesome ingredients that I usually have on hand, and it’s naturally gluten-free and vegetarian. The balance of flavors—sweet, tart, and fresh—makes it incredibly satisfying. Whether I’m serving it at a barbecue, enjoying it as a snack, or adding it to a light lunch, this salad always hits the spot.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

2 large cucumbers, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons honey
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
1 teaspoon lime zest
1 tablespoon chopped fresh mint (optional)
¼ teaspoon salt
⅛ teaspoon black pepper

Directions

I start by peeling the cucumbers if desired, then slicing them thinly using a sharp knife or mandoline.
In a large bowl, I whisk together the honey, lime juice, lime zest, salt, and pepper until the honey is fully dissolved.
I add the sliced cucumbers to the bowl and toss everything together until the cucumbers are well coated in the dressing.
If I’m using fresh mint, I stir it in at the end.
I let the salad chill in the refrigerator for at least 10–15 minutes before serving, so the flavors can meld beautifully.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 4 servings. It takes roughly 10 minutes to prepare and another 10–15 minutes of chilling time. There’s no cooking involved, making it a great last-minute option.

Variations

I like switching things up depending on what I have available:

I sometimes add thinly sliced red onion or radishes for extra crunch and flavor.
For a spicy kick, I mix in a pinch of red pepper flakes or thinly sliced jalapeños.
If I don’t have mint, I use fresh cilantro or basil for a different herbaceous note.
Adding a few crumbles of feta cheese brings a salty contrast to the sweetness.

storage/reheating

I store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. The cucumbers will release some water as they sit, so I give the salad a quick stir before serving. This dish is meant to be served cold and doesn’t require reheating.

FAQs

How thin should I slice the cucumbers?

I slice them as thin as possible for the best texture and flavor absorption. A mandoline slicer works perfectly for this.

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, I often make it a few hours ahead. Just keep it refrigerated and stir before serving.

Is it okay to leave out the mint?

Absolutely. The mint is optional—I skip it when I want a simpler version or if I don’t have it on hand.

Can I use lemon instead of lime?

Yes, lemon juice and zest will work too. The flavor will be slightly different, but still bright and delicious.

What type of cucumber works best?

I usually use English cucumbers because they’re seedless and have tender skin, but any variety works if I peel and deseed them as needed.

Conclusion

Honey Lime Cucumber Salad is one of those simple recipes that never fails to impress. It’s quick, refreshing, and packed with flavor. Whether I’m enjoying it solo or bringing it to a picnic, it always adds a burst of freshness to the table.