Tajin Cucumbers, or Mexican cucumbers, are a refreshing and flavorful snack that combines the crispness of fresh cucumbers with the zesty kick of Tajin seasoning. This simple yet flavorful recipe is perfect if you’re looking for a light appetizer or snack that’s easy to make in minutes.
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If you’ve been to Mexico before, you’ve most certainly seen street vendors selling fresh fruit or veggies with Tajin. It’s a popular beach snack, too, that I used to love when we lived in Mexico.
Originating in Mexico, Tajin is a popular seasoning blend crafted from a harmonious mix of chili peppers, dehydrated lime, and salt. This unique spice mix adds a burst of flavor to various dishes, elevating them with its tangy and spicy notes.
This Mexican cucumber recipe, also called pepinos con chile or pepino con chile y limon, is a great way to enjoy fresh cucumbers without having to make an entire salad. A sprinkle of Tajin adds so much flavor to cucumber slices.
The combination of crunch and zest is perfect for hot summer days when you need a refreshing snack to cool down with. It has quickly become one of my favorite snacks!
What is Tajin?
Tajin is a popular Mexican seasoning blend that has become a culinary sensation for its unique and vibrant flavor profile. Originating in Mexico, this distinctive spice mix is crafted from a combination of chili peppers, dehydrated lime, and salt. The result is a tangy and spicy powder that adds a burst of bold taste to a variety of dishes.
The use of Tajin extends beyond just cucumbers; it’s a versatile seasoning that enhances the taste of fruits, vegetables, snacks, and even beverages. It’s great on the rim of margaritas or a chia lime agua fresca. Its chili-lime combination provides a perfect balance of heat and acidity.
Tajin has gained popularity worldwide. Whether sprinkled on fresh produce or used as a rimming salt for cocktails, Tajin has become a go-to choice! You can find it in most large chain grocery stores these days.
Ingredient Notes
This cucumber tajin recipe only requires 3 ingredients! See the recipe card below for exact measurements and instructions.
- Crunchy cucumbers: Choose fresh and crisp cucumbers for the best texture and flavor. English cucumbers or Persian cucumbers work well for this recipe.
- Lime Juice: Freshly squeezed lime juice is recommended to up the citrusy element to the Tajin cucumbers and help the Tajin stick to the cucumbers better. The acidity of the lime complements the spiciness of the Tajin seasoning, creating a refreshing and flavorful combination.
- Tajin: Tajin is the star of this recipe, providing a unique blend of chili peppers, dehydrated lime, and salt. This seasoning adds a zesty and spicy kick to the cucumbers. Feel free to adjust the amount of Tajin based on your spice preference. If you don’t have Tajin, you can easily make your own chili lime seasoning home. It’s really simple to do with just a handful of ingredients. The key is using citric acid (a common ingredient in canning recipes), which gives it the citrusy lime flavor without needing to dehydrate lime zest.
- Salt (Optional): While Tajin already contains salt, you can add a pinch of additional salt if desired. This is entirely optional and can be adjusted to suit your taste preferences. Taste the cucumbers before adding extra salt to prevent making them too overly salty.
How to Make Tajin Cucumbers
This tajin cucumber recipe is an easy snack to make with just a few steps and a few minutes!
If desired, peel the cucumbers before slicing. This is completely optional. I like it both ways but some cucumbers have a thicker peel which may not be as enjoyable depending on your preference. Slice the cucumber into thin rounds and place in a mixing bowl.
Squeeze fresh lime juice over the cucumber slices and toss to coat.
Sprinkle the Tajin seasoning over the cucumbers. Start with 1 teaspoon and add more to taste. If you prefer more salt, sprinkle a pinch of salt as desired.
Recipe Tips
- This tajin cucumber salad is easy to customize. Adjust the amount of Tajn to your preference, add more salt for savory, or more lime juice for tanginess.
- Tajin Cucumbers are best enjoyed fresh. Serve them immediately to preserve the crunchiness of the cucumbers.
- English cucumbers or Persian cucumbers are best for their thinner peel and minimal seeds. Garden cucumbers are more watery and have more seeds but they can work in a pinch.
Storage
Tajin cucumbers are best consumed fresh for best texture. If they sit out for more than a few hours they will release a lot of moisture and become soggy.
If you absolutely need to, you can store them in and airtight container in the fridge for a day or two, but keep in mind the texture will change.
FAQ’s
The primary components of Tajin include chili peppers, dehydrated lime, and salt. It has a moderate level of spiciness, a zesty and tangy citrus flavor, and a salty undertone.
Absolutely! Eating cucumbers with Tajin is a popular and delicious way to enjoy this unique seasoning. The cool and crisp texture of cucumbers pairs exceptionally well with the spicy, tangy, and salty flavors of Tajin.
Tajin pairs well with a variety of vegetables. Cucumbers, jicama, radishes, carrots, corn, zucchini, avocado, and bell peppers. It even goes great with fruits like mango and pineapple.
If you enjoyed this popular Mexican cucumber snack, make sure to leave a star rating!
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Tajin Cucumber Salad (Mexican Cucumber Salad)
Ingredients
- 2 cucumbers
- 1 lime juiced
- 1 teaspoon Tajin
- sea salt optional
Instructions
- Before starting, wash the cucumbers well with cold water and peel if desired.2 cucumbers
- Slice the cucumber into thin rounds and place in a mixing bowl.
- Squeeze the lime juice over the cucumber slices and toss to coat.1 lime
- Sprinkle the Tajin over the cucumbers. Start with 1 teaspoon and add more to taste. If you prefer it more salty, add a sprinkle of sea salt as well.1 teaspoon Tajin, sea salt
Yum these cucumbers were so easy to make and so refreshing! New fav snack!
Thanks so much, Lani! I’m so glad to hear they’re you’re new favorite snack 😀