Persian Cucumber Recipe

If you’re looking for a light and refreshing dish, this Persian cucumber recipe is just what you need.

With its crisp texture and mild flavor, Persian cucumbers are perfect for salads, snacks, or even as a side for your main meals.

In this article, we’ll guide you step by step on how to prepare this easy and delicious recipe that’s sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.

🥗 Why This Persian Cucumber Recipe Works So Well

There are countless cucumber recipes out there, but this one has the perfect balance:

• crunchy and refreshing
• zesty and tangy
• slightly sweet
• filled with fresh herbs
• light, healthy, and hydrating
• takes only 5–8 minutes to make

This Persian cucumber recipe is perfect for summer meals, meal-prep, picnics, BBQs, or even as a low-calorie snack you can eat straight from the fridge.

🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s everything you need to make this fresh and delicious recipe:

You can customize this recipe easily. Some people like it sweeter, others like it tangy, some add yogurt. It’s very flexible!

👩‍🍳 How to Make This Persian Cucumber Recipe

(Step-by-Step Instructions)

This recipe is super simple, but each step helps the flavors shine.

Step 1: Slice the Cucumbers

Wash your cucumbers and slice them thinly using a knife or mandoline.
You can cut them into:

• thin rounds
• half-moons
• diagonal slices (my favorite—looks fancy!)

Persian cucumbers keep their crunch even when sliced very thinly.

Step 2: Make the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together:

• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 1–2 tbsp olive oil
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• ½–1 tsp honey
• optional: minced garlic

Taste the dressing—it should be bright, tangy, lightly sweet, and perfectly balanced. If you love tanginess, add more lemon. If you want richness, add more olive oil.

Step 3: Toss Everything Together

Place the cucumbers in a mixing bowl and pour the dressing over them.
Add:

• chopped dill
• chopped mint
• red pepper flakes

Toss gently until all the cucumber slices are coated.

Step 4: Chill Before Serving

This dish tastes amazing immediately, but chilling it for 10–15 minutes makes the cucumbers extra refreshing and allows the herbs and lemon to infuse.

🍋 What to Serve With This Persian Cucumber Recipe

This recipe pairs so well with almost any meal. Here are some delicious ideas:

Mediterranean & Middle Eastern Meals

• Chicken shawarma
• Falafel
• Hummus & pita
• Kebab platters
• Rice pilaf
• Lamb chops

Light Summer Meals

• Grilled fish
• Lemon garlic chicken
• Quinoa salad
• Couscous bowls

BBQ & Picnic Plates

• Burgers
• Grilled veggies
• Sandwiches
• Wraps

Healthy Snacks

Eat it straight from the fridge as a guilt-free, hydrating snack. It’s less than 60 calories per serving!

Delicious Variations to Try

Here are some fun ways to switch things up while keeping the essence of a classic Persian cucumber recipe:

Creamy Yogurt Persian Cucumber Salad: Add ¼ cup Greek yogurt, A pinch of garlic powder extra dill. This turns the recipe into something similar to Iranian mast-o-khiar or Greek tzatziki—creamy, herby, and incredibly cool.

Spicy Persian Cucumber Bowl: Add Chili oil, Sliced jalapeños Sesame seeds. Great for people who love a kick.

Japanese-Style Persian Cucumbers: Add Rice vinegar, A splash of soy sauce, Sesame oil, Sesame seeds. It will be sure Light, tangy, and savory.

Persian Cucumbers with Feta: Add Crumbled feta, A drizzle of olive oil, Black olives. This tastes like a Mediterranean summer in a bowl.

Honey-Lime Cucumber Salad: Swap lemon juice for lime juice and add extra honey. Fresh, sweet, and kid-friendly.

🌿 Important Tips Before You Start

These little details make a big difference:

• Choose firm, bright green cucumbers: Soft cucumbers = watery salad.
• Don’t oversalt: Salt draws moisture out of cucumbers. Add a little at first, more later.
• Herbs matter: Dill and mint elevate the flavor—use them fresh, not dried.
• Slice evenly: Thin slices soak up dressing better. Add garlic only if you want a strong flavor. A little goes a long way.
• Chill it: Cold cucumber salad hits differently—trust me.
• For meal prep: Add herbs right before serving to keep them vibrant.

FAQs About the Persian Cucumber Recipe

1. Can I use regular cucumbers instead of Persian cucumbers?

Yes, but remove the seeds and peel if the skin is thick. Persian cucumbers are naturally better for salads.

2. How long does this salad last?

Up to 2 days in the refrigerator.
However, it tastes best within the first 12 hours.

3. Can I make it ahead?

Yes—but add herbs and dressing right before serving for best texture.

4. Can I skip the honey?

Absolutely. It just balances the lemon flavor.

5. Can I add other vegetables?

Yes! Tomatoes, bell peppers, radishes, red onions, or avocado work well.

🎉 Final Thoughts

This Persian cucumber recipe is everything you want in a quick, refreshing, and flavorful side dish. It’s crisp, bright, tangy, and totally effortless—perfect for everyday meals, summer gatherings.

Once you try it, you’ll start making it all the time because it’s just that good.

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Persian Cucumber Recipe

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 8 minutes mins

Total Time 8 minutes mins

Course Salad

Cuisine Middle Eastern

Servings 4 servings

Calories 55 kcal

Ingredients

  

• 4 –5 Persian cucumbers thinly sliced
• 2 tbsp fresh dill chopped
• 1 tbsp fresh mint chopped
• 2 tbsp lemon juice freshly squeezed
• 1 –2 tbsp olive oil extra-virgin
• ½ tsp salt adjust to taste
• ¼ tsp black pepper freshly ground
• 1 small clove garlic minced (optional)
• ½ –1 tsp honey or sugar to balance acidity
• A pinch of red pepper flakes optional

Instructions

 

• Slice the Cucumbers: Wash cucumbers and slice thinly using a knife or mandoline. Cut into thin rounds, half-moons, or diagonal slices.

  Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, salt, black pepper, honey, and optional garlic until well combined.

  Toss Everything Together: Place cucumber slices in a bowl, pour dressing over them, add dill, mint, and red pepper flakes, and toss gently until coated.

  Chill Before Serving: Chill in the fridge for 10–15 minutes for extra refreshing flavor