Artificial Flavors Free Cucumber Mint Sauce
Cool, herbaceous, and genuinely refreshing, this cucumber mint sauce is the kind of condiment that makes everything it touches taste more alive. It comes together with nothing but whole, recognizable ingredients — fresh cucumber, real mint, bright lemon, a whisper of garlic, and good olive oil — so you know exactly what you're eating without squinting at a label. Bottled sauces and dressings are notorious for sneaking in artificial flavor compounds, but this one is built entirely from scratch, which means zero mystery additives and all the flavor you'd actually want. Salting and draining the cucumber first is the quiet genius of the recipe, pulling out excess water so the sauce stays vibrant and concentrated rather than watery and flat. A few quick pulses in the blender keep the texture pleasantly chunky, while the drizzle of olive oil at the end ties everything into a silky, cohesive sauce. Spoon it over grilled chicken or fish, use it as a dip for warm pita, or dollop it alongside roasted vegetables — it's endlessly versatile. Make a batch and keep it in the fridge for up to two days, though honestly it rarely lasts that long.
About FigFig is a food discovery app that helps you find foods and recipes that fit your dietary needs. Whether you have food allergies, intolerances, or follow a specific diet, Fig makes it easy to eat with confidence.
Learn more →Ingredients
4 servings
- 1 medium english cucumber, peeled, seeded, and roughly chopped
- ½ cup fresh mint leaves, packed
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 small clove garlic, minced
- ¼ tsp sea salt, or to taste
- ⅛ tsp ground black pepper
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley leaves, roughly chopped (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Place the chopped cucumber in a fine mesh strainer set over a bowl. Sprinkle with a pinch of the sea salt and let it drain for 15 minutes, until the cucumber has released most of its excess water.
- 2
Transfer the drained cucumber to a blender or food processor. Add the mint leaves, parsley (if using), garlic, lemon juice, and lemon zest.
Want the full recipe?
Create a Fig account for step-by-step instructions, access to our full recipe library, and more!