Cucumber salad, or ensaladang pipino, is a simple Filipino side dish made with fresh cucumbers and a sweet, tangy vinegar dressing.
It's crisp, refreshing, and easy to make with just a few ingredients.
Serve it with grilled or fried dishes for a quick side that goes with just about anything.
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Ingredients You'll Need
Notes and Substitutions
- Cucumber: I used Persian cucumbers, but English, Kirby, or garden cucumbers work too. No need to peel unless the skin feels thick or waxy.
- Vinegar: I used cane vinegar, but white vinegar, apple cider vinegar, or rice vinegar all work well.
How to Make Cucumber Salad (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Prepare the vegetables
Thinly slice about 10 ounces cucumbers (thinly sliced) and ½ small red onion (thinly sliced).
Then place them in a large bowl.
Step 2: Make the dressing
In a small bowl, combine:
- 3 tablespoons vinegar
- 2 teaspoons sugar (or to taste)
- bird's eye chili (if using)
- salt and pepper
Stir until the sugar dissolves.
Step 3: Toss together
Pour the dressing over the cucumbers and onion. Toss to combine.
Serve right away, or chill for about 15 minutes so the flavors can come together.
This cucumber salad is especially good with grilled or fried dishes.
I like it with fried fish, grilled pork, barbecue, or anything rich that needs something crisp and tangy on the side.
Recipe FAQs
Ensaladang pipino is a Filipino cucumber salad with a sweet, tangy vinegar dressing.
Not usually. Peel them only if the skin is thick or waxy.
Cane, white, apple cider, or rice vinegar all work.
What to Serve with Cucumber Salad
- Inihaw na liempo: Marinated grilled pork belly.
- Lechon kawali: Crispy fried pork belly.
- Tortang talong: Filipino eggplant omelet.
- Crispy fried fish: Simple, crunchy, and great with the tangy salad.
- Pork barbecue: Sweet and savory grilled pork skewers.
- Beef tapa: Garlicky beef, usually served with rice and egg.
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📖 Recipe
Cucumber Salad Recipe (Ensaladang Pipino)
Ingredients
- 10 ounces cucumbers thinly sliced
- ½ small red onion thinly sliced
- 3 tablespoons vinegar
- 2 teaspoons sugar or to taste
- 1 bird's eye chili (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Thinly slice the cucumbers and red onion and place in a large bowl.
- In a small bowl, stir together the vinegar, sugar, chili (if using), salt, and black pepper until the sugar dissolves.
- Pour the dressing over the cucumbers and onion. Toss to combine.
- Serve right away, or chill for 15 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Cucumber: Persian, English, Kirby, or garden cucumbers all work. Peel only if the skin is thick or waxy.
- Vinegar: Cane, white, apple cider, or rice vinegar all work.
May says
Thanks for the recipe. I just live simple recipes like this that i can make.
Nora Rey says
Hi May! You're very welcome!😊 If you have any questions or need more recipes, I'm here to help. Happy cooking! 👨🍳👩🍳