What should not be mixed with cucumber salad?

In a Simple Southwest Cucumber Salad, avoid anything too watery or acidic that could make it soggy like tomatoes or too much citrus. Crunchy toppings like tortilla strips or bacon should be added last, so they don’t get soft.

How do you make Simply Recipes 5-minute cucumber salad?

While that version is more basic, this Simple Southwest Cucumber Salad keeps things just as fast around 10 minutes but adds more flavor and protein thanks to beans, corn, cheese, and creamy dressing.

What dressing goes on cucumber salad?

For this recipe, a lime-cilantro ranch dressing adds the perfect Southwest twist. You can use store-bought or homemade—just make sure it’s creamy with a citrus kick to bring out the flavor in the cucumbers and beans.

Why soak cucumbers in salt water before making cucumber salad?

Some recipes call for salting cucumbers to draw out moisture and keep them crisp. But with this Simple Southwest Cucumber Salad, it’s not necessary just slice, toss, and enjoy. The dressing clings better when cucumbers are fresh and slightly dry.

Simple Southwest Cucumber Salad – 10-Minute Flavor Boost

Name: Simple Southwest Cucumber Salad
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Southwest American
Ingredients: 2 cups sliced cucumbers (thin rounds or half-moons); ½ cup canned corn, drained; ½ cup canned black beans, rinsed and drained; ½ cup shredded pepper jack cheese; ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro; ¼ cup lime-cilantro ranch dressing (store-bought or homemade); Salt and pepper to taste; Optional: ¼ cup crumbled cooked bacon or crushed tortilla strips; Optional garnish: extra cilantro or lime wedges

Description

Fresh, crisp, and full of southwest flavor, this Simple Southwest Cucumber Salad is made in 10 minutes with corn, beans, cheese, and creamy dressing.

Ingredients

Scale

2 cups sliced cucumbers (thin rounds or half-moons)

½ cup canned corn, drained

½ cup canned black beans, rinsed and drained

½ cup shredded pepper jack cheese

¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro

¼ cup lime-cilantro ranch dressing (store-bought or homemade)

Optional: ¼ cup crumbled cooked bacon or crushed tortilla strips

Salt and pepper to taste

Optional garnish: extra cilantro or lime wedges

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine sliced cucumbers, corn, black beans, cheese, and cilantro.

2. Drizzle the lime-cilantro ranch dressing over the mix. Toss gently until coated.

3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

4. If using, add crumbled bacon or tortilla strips just before serving.

5. Garnish with extra cilantro or lime. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Notes

This salad holds up well for up to 2 days in the fridge.

Add crunchy toppings only when serving to keep the texture crisp.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 220
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 360mg
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 14g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 7g
Cholesterol: 25mg

Keywords: Simple Southwest Cucumber Salad, southwest salad, cucumber salad with beans and corn