Cucumber Salad (Ensaladang Pipino)

Name: Cucumber Salad (Ensaladang Pipino)
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Ingredients: 10 ounces cucumbers (thinly sliced (see note)); ½ small red onion (thinly sliced); 3 tablespoons vinegar ((see note)); 2 teaspoons sugar; 1 bird's eye chili ((optional)); Salt and pepper (to taste)

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Cucumber Salad (Ensaladang Pipino) is the easiest five-minute side dish you can make. With its slightly sweet and tangy vinaigrette dressing, it pairs perfectly with grilled or fried meats and seafood. Use any cucumbers you have on hand and elevate your meal effortlessly.

Try other Filipino salads like Mango Salad (Ensaladang Mangga), Jicama Salad, Ensaladang Talong (Eggplant Salad), or Salted Egg Salad (Ensaladang Itlog na Maalat).

Cucumber Salad (Ensaladang Pipino) in a bowl.

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Ingredients you'll need
Notes and substitutions
How to make this recipe
Recipe FAQs
Other vegetable recipes you may like
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Ingredients you'll need

Individual ingredients for Cucumber Salad (Ensaladang Pipino). — Salt and pepper are not in the picture.

Notes and substitutions

Cucumber: I used Persian cucumbers. You can also use English, Kirby, or garden cucumbers. Generally, there's no need to peel or remove the seeds as these cucumbers have thin skin and small seeds. However, if you find the skin too thick or waxed, feel free to peel—it's totally up to you.
Vinegar: For the vinaigrette, you can use various types of vinegar to suit your taste. I used cane vinegar, but white vinegar, apple cider vinegar, or rice vinegar also work well.

How to make this recipe

Step 1 (Prepare the Vegetables): Thinly slice the cucumbers and red onion. Place them in a large mixing bowl.

Slicing red onion thinly with sliced cucumbers on a cutting board.

Step 2 (Make the Dressing): In a small bowl, combine the vinegar, sugar, bird's eye chili (if using), salt, and ground black pepper. Mix well.

Mixing the vinegar-based salad dressing.

Step 3 (Dress the Salad): Pour the dressing over the sliced cucumbers and onion.

Pouring the dressing into the sliced vegetables.

Step 4 (Toss to Combine): Toss the cucumbers and onion until well combined with the dressing.

Mixing the salad and dressing in a bowl.

Serve the salad immediately or let it chill in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes to let the flavors meld together. Cucumber Salad (Ensaladang Pipino) is delicious with Inihaw na Liempo (Grilled Pork Belly)!

Grilled Liempo (Inihaw na Liempo) with Cucumber Salad (Ensaladang Pipino) on a banana leaf-line plate.

Recipe FAQs

Should you peel cucumbers?

Whether to peel cucumbers largely depends on personal preference and the cucumber variety. Persian, English, and Kirby cucumbers have thin, tender skin that many enjoy eating. On the other hand, garden cucumbers often have a thicker, waxier skin. If you are concerned about pesticides or bitterness, you may choose to peel.

What type of vinegar is best for salad dressing?

The best vinegar for salad dressing can vary, but in the Philippines, cane vinegar is a popular choice for its bright tanginess. Other options include apple cider for a subtle flavor, rice vinegar for mild acidity, basic white vinegar for a clean sharpness, or red wine vinegar for a fruity zing. Choose one that complements the flavors of your salad.

Other vegetable recipes you may like

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