Nitrate & Nitrite Free Cucumber Mint Sauce
Cool, herby, and bright with citrus, this blended sauce is the kind of condiment that makes everything it touches taste more alive. English cucumber forms the fresh base, while packed mint leaves, lemon juice, and zest give it that clean, vibrant punch that pairs beautifully with grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or even a simple grain bowl. A quick salting and draining step pulls excess moisture from the cucumber first, so the final sauce has real body and doesn't turn watery on the plate. Every single ingredient here is whole and unprocessed — cucumber, fresh herbs, garlic, olive oil, and a squeeze of lemon — which means there's nothing hidden to worry about. Packaged condiments and store-bought sauces are notorious for sneaking in preservatives, but this one is made entirely from scratch with nothing you wouldn't recognize at a glance. The optional parsley adds an extra layer of green, earthy flavor if you have it on hand, but the sauce is completely satisfying without it. Pulse it just enough to keep a little texture, drizzle in the olive oil, and you're done in minutes.
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!