Tajin Creamy Cucumber Salad with Queso Fresco

Honestly, this has been our favorite this summer, but this tajin creamy cucumber salad with queso fresco is amazing year-round. The creaminess with the crisp cucumber, the hit of tajin, it just works. The queso fresco adds just the right saltiness, and the lime gives it a little tangy taste.

It’s even better the next day. Any leftovers are the best for lunch or dinner the next day.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Ready in under 15 minutes
• No cooking needed, which makes this the best meal option if you're tight on time (my favorite recipes)
• Easy to make for a big group, or family dinner
• Stores well in the fridge for a day or two
• Great balance of creamy, spicy, and fresh

Ingredients You'll Need For This Tajin Creamy Cucumber Salad with Queso Fresco Recipe

• Organic slicing cucumbers – Use slicing cucumbers, not the tiny ones. Thinly slice them by hand or with a mandoline for even pieces.
• Red onion – Use half. Slice it thin so it softens quickly in the lemon juice. I love to cut them the same way I would for fajita veggies, if you're not too sure how to slice onions for fajitas I break it down here.
• Sour cream – This is what makes it creamy. If you're out, plain Greek yogurt works too.
• Lime juice – Adds a bright, fresh kick. Lemon works fine if that’s what you have.
• Tajin – Brings a mild chili-lime heat. Trader Joe's has a chile lime blend (their version of tajin), but you can make it at home, try chili powder with a little salt and a squeeze of lime.
• Queso fresco – Crumbly and mild. Cotija or even feta will work as a backup.
• Fresh cilantro – Roughly chop it by hand.
• Black pepper – Cracked fresh if you can.
• Salt – Just a pinch to bring it all together.

How To Make This Creamy Cucumber Salad

Prep First

• Slice the red onion and toss it in a bowl with a little lemon juice and salt
• Rinse and chop your cilantro
• Crumble the queso fresco and set a small handful aside for topping

Instructions

While the onions are hanging out in the lime juice, slice your cucumbers directly into the same bowl.

In a second bowl, stir together the sour cream, the rest of the lime juice, Tajin, and a little salt. Mix until smooth.

Pour the creamy mixture into the cucumber bowl.

Add the chopped cilantro and toss everything together gently using two spoons.

Crumble most of the queso fresco in and toss again to coat.

Taste it. Add more salt or a little pepper if needed.

Serve cold with the last bit of cheese sprinkled over the top.

What to Serve with This

I love these recipes with this refreshing and crisp cucumber salad:

• Greek chicken meatballs with lemon orzo
• Peruvian grilled chicken with creamy green sauce
• Sweet corn fried rice with kielbasa
• Chimichurri rice

If You Like This Recipes, You’ll Love These

Here are a few other salads I’ve made and loved:

• Cucumber feta salad with lemon Greek vinaigrette
• Creamy ranch pasta salad with crispy bacon and garbanzos
• Strawberry spring salad with feta, blueberries, and balsamic drizzle
• 20-minute simple black bean pasta salad

If you make this tajin creamy cucumber salad with queso fresco, leave a comment. I love reading your comments and will try to get back to every single one.

Olga

Tajin Creamy Cucumber Salad with Queso Fresco

No ratings yet

Tajin creamy cucumber salad with queso fresco is a quick, no-cook recipe made with sour cream, lime, and queso fresco. A great warm-weather side.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

5 minutes mins

Total Time 15 minutes mins

Servings: 4 people

Course: Brunch, Dinner, Lunch

Cuisine: American, Latin American

Ingredients Equipment Method

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x?

• 2 slicing cucumbers organic, thinly sliced
• ½ medium red onion thinly sliced
• ½ cup sour cream
• 1½ tbsp lime juice
• ½ tsp Tajin
• 4 oz queso fresco crumbled, or crumbled cotija cheese (saltier)
• 2 tbsp chopped cilantro
• ⅛ tsp cracked black pepper
• Salt to taste

Equipment

• 1 Mandoline
• 2 Mixing Bowls
• 2 Spoons for tossing
• 1 Wooden Cutting Board
• 1 Knife

Method

 

Prep

1. Thinly slice the red onion and place it in a large bowl with ½ tbsp lime juice and a pinch of salt.
2. Rinse and chop the cilantro.
3. Crumble the queso fresco and set a small amount aside for topping.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Slice the cucumbers and add them to the bowl with the onions.
2. In a second bowl, mix sour cream, remaining lime juice, Tajin, and a pinch of salt until smooth.
3. Pour the dressing over the cucumbers and onions.
4. Add the chopped cilantro and toss gently using two spoons.
5. Add most of the queso fresco and toss again until well mixed.
6. Taste and adjust with salt and pepper.
7. Serve cold with the reserved cheese crumbled on top.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!