Introduction

This vibrant Irish Flag Clementine Cucumber Salad is the perfect 5-minute, refreshing side dish. It’s incredibly easy to assemble with crisp cucumber, sweet clementines, and fresh mint, creating a light and festive combination. For more quick citrus treats, try this Irresistibly Delicious Cranberry Orange Cake Recipe for Any Occasion or these simple Creamsicle Truffles: Easy No-Bake Recipe (Ready in 30 Minutes).

Ingredients

This vibrant Irish Clementine Cucumber Salad is a crisp, sweet, and tangy medley of fresh greens, juicy citrus, and creamy avocado, all brought together with a honey-kissed dressing.

• 10 cups clean greens
• 6 medium clementines (peeled, halved and cut in ¼-inch slices)
• 2-3 medium-size mini cucumbers (sliced thin)
• 1 medium ripe avocado, cored (halved, peeled and sliced into one-quarter-inch slices)
• ¼ medium white onion (thinly sliced vertically)
• ⅓ cup crumbled goat cheese (feta is a good substitute)
• ⅓ cup salted, roasted pistachios, shelled
• Honey White Balsamic Dressing

Timing

Prep Time	15 minutes
Cook Time	0 minutes
Total Time	15 minutes

Context: This Irish Clementine Cucumber Salad comes together in about 15 minutes, making it roughly 30% faster than similar composed salad recipes that require cooking or marinating.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 — Prepare the Citrus and Herbs

Zest one clementine and set the zest aside. Then, supreme the remaining clementines by cutting off the peel and pith, then slicing between the membranes to release the segments. Pick the fresh dill fronds from their stems and roughly chop them.

Tip: Supreme the clementines over a bowl to catch any juice, which can be added to the dressing for extra flavor.

Step 2 — Slice the Cucumber

Using a mandoline or a very sharp knife, slice the cucumber into thin, uniform rounds, about 1/8-inch thick. This ensures even marinating and a pleasant texture in every bite.

Tip: For a less watery salad, you can optionally salt the cucumber slices lightly, let them sit for 10 minutes, then pat them dry with a paper towel.

Step 3 — Make the Honey-Lime Dressing

In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the fresh lime juice, honey, reserved clementine zest, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stream in the extra virgin olive oil while whisking continuously until the dressing is emulsified.

Tip: Taste the dressing and adjust the balance. If your clementines are very sweet, you may want a touch more lime juice for acidity.

Step 4 — Combine the Main Ingredients

In a large serving bowl, gently combine the clementine segments, sliced cucumber, and most of the chopped dill. Be careful not to break up the delicate citrus segments while mixing.

Step 5 — Dress and Marinate

Pour the prepared honey-lime dressing over the salad and toss very gently to coat everything evenly. Let the Irish Clementine Cucumber Salad marinate at room temperature for 15-20 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and the cucumbers to soften slightly.

Tip: Do not marinate for much longer than 30 minutes at room temperature, or the cucumbers may become too limp.

Step 6 — Garnish and Serve

Just before serving, give the salad one final gentle toss. Garnish with the remaining fresh dill and a final crack of black pepper. This bright, refreshing salad is best served immediately.

Serving Cue: The salad is ready when the cucumber slices have taken on a slightly translucent edge and the flavors taste unified.

Nutritional Information

Calories	85 kcal
Protein	1.5 g
Carbohydrates	15 g
Fat	3 g
Fiber	2 g
Sodium	5 mg

This Irish Clementine Cucumber Salad is a refreshing source of vitamin C and hydration. The values are approximate and can vary based on specific ingredient brands and exact portion sizes.

Healthier Alternatives

This vibrant Irish Clementine Cucumber Salad is wonderfully adaptable. Here are several ingredient swaps to tailor it to different dietary needs without sacrificing its fresh, zesty character.

• Protein Boost — Add a handful of toasted pumpkin seeds or crumbled feta cheese for a satisfying protein and texture contrast.
• Lower-Carb Option — Reduce the clementine segments slightly and swap the honey in the dressing for a few drops of liquid stevia or monk fruit sweetener.
• Dairy-Free / Vegan — Replace the honey with maple syrup or agave nectar to make the dressing completely plant-based.
• Gluten-Free Note — This salad is naturally gluten-free; just ensure any pre-made mustard or vinegar used is certified gluten-free if you have a severe intolerance.
• Low-Sodium Version — Omit the added salt and use a low-sodium soy sauce or coconut aminos in the dressing for a savory depth.
• Nut-Free — If avoiding nuts, substitute the seeds mentioned above or use roasted chickpeas for crunch instead of any nut garnish.
• Herb Swap — Fresh dill or chives can stand in for mint, offering a different but equally refreshing herbal note.
• Creamier Dressing — For a richer texture, blend a quarter of an avocado into the dressing until smooth and emulsified.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair this bright Irish Clementine Cucumber Salad with rich, savory mains like roasted salmon or a classic shepherd’s pie to cut through the richness.
• Serve it as a refreshing starter for a St. Patrick’s Day feast or a light summer lunch alongside crusty soda bread.
• For a beautiful brunch spread, plate it next to a quiche Lorraine or a selection of Irish cheeses and cold cuts.
• Use a wide, shallow bowl or a platter to showcase the vibrant colors of the oranges, cucumbers, and fresh herbs.
• Garnish with extra mint or dill fronds and a final drizzle of the citrus dressing just before serving for maximum freshness.
• This salad travels well, making it a perfect, make-ahead dish for picnics or potlucks.

The crisp textures and citrusy zing of this Irish Clementine Cucumber Salad make it a versatile companion to many meals, effortlessly elevating your table with its fresh, festive appeal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Mistake: Using thick, unpeeled cucumber slices, which can be watery and bitter. Fix: Use a mandoline or sharp knife to create paper-thin slices and peel the cucumber for a more delicate texture.
• Mistake: Adding the dressing too early, causing the salad to become soggy. Fix: Dress the salad just before serving to maintain the crisp, fresh character of your Irish Clementine Cucumber Salad.
• Mistake: Leaving the bitter white pith on the clementine segments. Fix: Supreme the clementines by carefully cutting away all pith for pure, sweet citrus flavor.
• Mistake: Skipping the salting step for the cucumbers, leading to a diluted dressing. Fix: Lightly salt cucumber slices, let them drain for 10 minutes, then pat dry to concentrate flavor.
• Mistake: Using a bland, neutral oil that doesn’t complement the citrus. Fix: Choose a high-quality extra virgin olive oil or a nutty avocado oil to carry the bright flavors.
• Mistake: Overcomplicating the dressing with too many herbs or spices. Fix: Let the clementine and cucumber shine; a simple dressing of citrus juice, oil, honey, and a pinch of salt is often best.
• Mistake: Not balancing the acidity, resulting in a tart or sharp salad. Fix: Taste and adjust the dressing with a tiny pinch of sugar or more honey if your clementines are particularly tart.
• Mistake: Serving the salad too cold, which mutes the aromatic flavors. Fix: Assemble the Irish Clementine Cucumber Salad at cool room temperature for the most vibrant taste.
• Mistake: Cutting the ingredients into uneven, chunky pieces that don’t marry well. Fix: Aim for uniform, thin slices or small pieces to ensure every forkful is a perfect blend.

Storing Tips

• Fridge: Store your Irish Clementine Cucumber Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The cucumbers will begin to soften and release water after this time, so it’s best enjoyed fresh.
• Freezer: Freezing is not recommended for this fresh salad. The high water content in the cucumbers and clementines will cause the texture to become mushy and unappealing upon thawing.
• Reheat: This Irish Clementine Cucumber Salad is designed to be served cold and should not be reheated. For food safety, always keep it refrigerated below 40°F (4°C) until ready to serve.

For the best flavor and texture, assemble this vibrant salad just before serving. If you need to prep ahead, you can chop the vegetables and segment the clementines, storing them separately in the fridge, then combine with the dressing when ready to eat.

Conclusion

This vibrant Irish Clementine Cucumber Salad is a refreshing, healthy side perfect for any gathering. We hope you love this simple, flavorful dish. Give it a try and let us know what you think in the comments! For more citrus inspiration, check out our Orange Jam Recipe or Easy 4-Ingredient Orange Chicken Recipe.

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FAQs

Can I make this Irish Clementine Cucumber Salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare this salad a few hours in advance. For the best texture, combine the clementines, cucumber, and onion, then add the dressing just before serving to keep everything crisp and fresh.

What can I use if I don’t have fresh clementines?

You can substitute mandarin oranges or tangerines for the clementines in this recipe. The Irish Clementine Cucumber Salad will still have a bright, sweet citrus flavor that pairs perfectly with the cucumber.

Is this salad suitable for a dairy-free diet?

Absolutely. This Irish Clementine Cucumber Salad recipe is naturally dairy-free. The simple vinaigrette dressing uses olive oil and vinegar, making it a light and refreshing option for various dietary needs.