Easy Cucumber Coins with Tajin

This little snack is exactly what it sounds like: crisp cucumber slices brushed with lime, sprinkled with Tajín, and somehow wildly addictive. It’s fresh, bright, no-cook, and the kind of thing you can pull together while five other things are burning on the stove. Perfect for hot afternoons, snack attacks, or when you want something crunchy and tangy without guilt.

My husband eats these like they’re chips. No joke — we’ll have a bowl at movie night and I’ll go to pour us popcorn, and he’s still standing there eating cucumber coins, cheeks red from the Tajín. It started as a “let me make something while dinner’s cooking” thing and now it’s a full-on household staple. The kids like to stack them into tiny towers and then wipe the Tajín into their palms like it’s treasure. I once served them at a BBQ and someone actually asked for the recipe — major win.

Kitchen Talk

MORE EASY APPETIZERS RECIPES...

APPETIZERS

Easy Energy Balls Recipe

APPETIZERS

Korean Vegetable Pancakes Recipe

APPETIZERS

Savory Mini Mushroom Gruyere Pot Pies

APPETIZERS

Easy Curry Date Dip

This recipe is the kind of thing that makes me feel like I’m cheating at cooking — mostly because it’s so easy and the payoff is huge. I experimented with skins on vs. peeled; we kept the skins for texture and because it looks pretty. Also tried different salts (sea vs. kosher) and honestly, kosher salt with a quick squeeze of lime is my go-to. One time I used a mandoline and nearly sliced a fingertip — learned my lesson, now I slice like a normal person with a sharp knife. If you’ve got a zester, a tiny lime zest over the top is a lovely move.

Shopping Tips

– Vegetables: Choose cucumbers that feel heavy for their size and have taut, unwrinkled skin. Persian or English cucumbers work best for thin, pretty coins.
– Spices: Buy a small shaker of Tajín if you can — it’s the star here; generic chili-lime blends can work but the original hits differently.
– Citrus: Pick limes that give a little when squeezed; avoid hard, dry ones. If limes are sad-looking, use lemon in a pinch but it’ll change the vibe.
– Fresh Herbs: Cilantro or mint are lovely if you want a garnish; buy small bunches and use within a few days for the brightest flavor.
– Crunch Extras: If you like texture, grab toasted pepitas or crushed roasted salted nuts to sprinkle on top for extra bite.

Prep Ahead Ideas

– Slice cucumbers and store them in an airtight container lined with paper towel to absorb excess moisture; they’ll keep a day or two crisp-ish.
– Pre-mix Tajín and lime juice in a small jar for quick assembly; give it a shake and drizzle at serving.
– If you want tiny servings ready for guests, prep individual little plates with coins, a wedge of lime, and a sprinkle of Tajín so people can grab and go.

✔Time-Saving Tricks

– Use a sharp chef’s knife and a quick rocking motion to slice faster without a mandoline hazard.
– Keep a small squeezer in the snack drawer so you’re not hunting for tools — a fast lime squeeze makes all the difference.
– Pre-wash and dry cucumbers when you get home from the store to shave minutes off prep later.
– Don’t rush the little rest after sprinkling the Tajín — a minute or two helps the flavors mingle.

✔Common Mistakes

– Over-slicing: paper-thin coins can flop and lose crunch. I once sliced mine like confetti and they turned mushy in minutes — thicker is better.
– Salting too early: salt draws water out; if you salt and sit, your coins get soggy. Salt (or Tajín) right before serving.
– Using bland limes: if the lime is dry, the cucumber will taste flat — taste a squeeze first.
– Heavy-handed toppings: a little Tajín goes a long way; start small and add more.

What to Serve It With

– Cold grilled chicken or fish for a light summer plate.
– A simple quinoa salad or tabbouleh to make it a fuller meal.
– Soft cheeses and crackers for a snack board.
– Dollop of hummus or tzatziki on the side for dipping.

✔Tips & Mistakes

– Use a sharp knife — dull ones crush cucumbers.
– Salt or Tajín just before serving, not a long time ahead.
– If coins wilt, pat dry with paper towels to re-crisp a bit.
– Don’t skip the lime; acid wakes up the whole thing.

✔Storage Tips

Leftovers keep in an airtight container up to 24 hours, but they’ll lose some crunch — still tasty cold, and fine for breakfast if you’re weird like me and enjoy savory mornings. If they go watery, drain the liquid and pat dry before serving again. No shame in reheating something else and piling them on top.

✔Variations and Substitutions

– Swap Tajín for a mix of chili powder + lime zest + a pinch of salt if you don’t have it. It won’t be identical but still good.
– Try cucumber ribbons instead of coins for a more elegant presentation — use a peeler.
– Add a smear of cream cheese or labneh under each coin for a richer bite.
– If you’re out of lime, lemon works but expect a different bright note.

Frequently Asked Questions

Easy Cucumber Coins with Tajin

Crisp cucumber slices tossed with zesty chile-lime seasoning and a squeeze of lime. A bright, crunchy snack ready in minutes.

Rate This Yum Pin This Recipe For Later! Share The Yum On Facebook Print

Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes

Total Time: 10 minutes minutes

Servings: 4

Ingredients

 

1x2x3x

Main Ingredients

• ▢ 16 oz cucumber, sliced into 1/4-inch coins
• ▢ 1 tbsp fresh lime juice
• ▢ 1.25 tsp chile-lime seasoning
• ▢ 0.125 tsp kosher salt
• ▢ 1 tbsp chamoy sauce optional, for drizzling

Instructions

Preparation Steps

• Rinse cucumbers, then slice into 1/4-inch coins and pat dry.
• Toss the slices with lime juice in a large bowl to lightly coat.
• Sprinkle on the chile-lime seasoning and salt. Fold until evenly seasoned.
• Arrange on a plate. Drizzle with chamoy if using and serve chilled or at room temperature.

Notes

Variation: Add thin slices of jicama or mango to the bowl for extra crunch and sweetness. Or swap chamoy for a light drizzle of hot honey. Storage: For best crunch, store sliced cucumbers undressed up to 2 days; season just before serving.

This recipe is an original creation inspired by classic Easy Cucumber Coins with Tajin flavors. All ingredient ratios and instructions are independently developed.