Turkey Free Cucumber Mint Sauce
Cool, bright, and herbaceous, this blended sauce is the kind of condiment that makes everything it touches taste more alive. English cucumber forms the refreshing base, while packed fresh mint leaves and a hit of lemon juice and zest give it that unmistakable garden-fresh zing. A small clove of garlic and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil round out the flavor, adding just enough depth to keep things interesting without overwhelming the delicate herbs. The technique here is simple but smart — salting and draining the cucumber first pulls out excess moisture so the sauce stays vibrant and cohesive rather than watery. A few quick pulses in the blender keep the texture pleasantly chunky, which means it clings beautifully to whatever you're serving it with. Optional fresh parsley adds a subtle earthiness if you want to layer the flavor a little further. This is a completely plant-based, meat-free sauce built entirely from fresh produce and pantry staples, so there's zero guesswork about what's in it. It comes together in minutes and keeps in the fridge for up to two days, making it an easy make-ahead option for weeknight meals or entertaining.
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!