Asian Cucumber Salad

My fondest memories of summer come to life with this Asian Cucumber Salad. The sun is shining, and the air is filled with laughter as friends and family gather around the picnic table. This salad, vibrant and refreshing, always seems to steal the show. It’s the perfect accompaniment to grilled dishes and adds a delightful crunch that enhances every meal. As a fan of easy, flavorful dishes, I find that this Asian Cucumber Salad satisfies cravings without demanding hours in the kitchen. You can whip it up in no time, allowing you to enjoy your time outside, perhaps with a cold drink in hand. The best part? The ingredients are simple yet pack a punch of flavor, and it’s a dish that never fails to impress.

Ingredients to Make Asian Cucumber Salad

When it comes to the Asian Cucumber Salad, the ingredients are simple, yet they work harmoniously together to create a dish that bursts with flavor. Each element plays its part in delivering the perfect balance of taste and texture.

• 7-8 small cucumbers: These crisp vegetables form the base of the salad. Their coolness brings refreshing notes to the dish.
• 1 tablespoon salt: Salting the cucumbers draws out moisture, ensuring maximum crunch.
• 4 scallions: Chopped scallions add a mild onion flavor without overpowering the freshness of the cucumbers.
• 1 teaspoon soy sauce: This ingredient provides a rich, umami flavor that enhances the overall taste of the salad.
• 2 teaspoons rice vinegar: The acidity from rice vinegar brightens the dish and balances the saltiness.
• 1 1/2 teaspoons sugar: A touch of sweetness elevates the flavors and rounds out the salad nicely.
• 1/3 cup chili oil: This spicy addition gives the salad its signature kick and depth of flavor.
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil: A drizzle of sesame oil adds richness and a nutty aroma.
• Chili flakes: Use as needed to spice things up! Perfect for those who enjoy a little extra heat.

Cooking Instructions for Asian Cucumber Salad

Making this Asian Cucumber Salad is straightforward and fun! Follow these steps, and you’ll have a beautiful dish ready to impress in no time.

1. Start with the cucumbers. You can either cut them into chunks or create a spiral shape. To achieve the spiral effect, place your cucumber over two chopsticks and cut at a 45-degree angle in half-inch intervals. This will give you a unique presentation that’s both fun and delicious.
2. Once you have your cucumbers prepared, it’s time to salt them. Generously sprinkle the salt over the cucumbers and let them sit for about 10 to 15 minutes. This step is crucial as it helps remove excess moisture, keeping your salad crunchy and delightful.
3. After salting, pat dry the cucumbers to remove any excess water. This ensures that your salad won’t turn soggy and retains that satisfying crunch.
4. Next, place the prepared cucumbers in a large bowl. Add the chopped scallions to the bowl, followed by the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, chili oil, and sesame oil. Each of these ingredients contributes to a beautiful blend of flavors.
5. Mix everything together gently but thoroughly. You want the flavors to coat the cucumbers evenly, so toss them well until every piece is nicely dressed.
6. If you like a bit of heat, sprinkle some chili flakes over the top. Adjust the amount according to your taste preference.
7. This salad can be served immediately, but if you have time, letting it sit for a while allows the flavors to meld beautifully. You can also store it in the refrigerator for up to two hours before serving.
8. When serving, give the salad a final toss and taste for seasoning. Adjust with more soy sauce or vinegar if needed.
9. Enjoy your Asian Cucumber Salad right away, and relish in the compliments you’ll receive!

Ways to Customize

This Asian Cucumber Salad can be tailored to fit your preferences perfectly. Here are some ideas to make it your own!

• Add protein: Toss in some grilled chicken or shrimp for a heartier meal.
• Include other veggies: Bell peppers or carrots can add color and crunch.
• Make it spicy: If you love heat, try adding sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.
• Experiment with herbs: Fresh herbs like cilantro or mint can elevate the flavor profile even further.
• Serve it cold: Chill the salad in the fridge for 30 minutes before serving to enhance the refreshment.
• Pair with grains: Serve it over quinoa or rice for a complete meal.

What to Serve Alongside Asian Cucumber Salad

• Grilled chicken: This salad complements the smoky flavors of grilled chicken perfectly, offering a refreshing contrast.
• Asian-inspired dishes: Serve it with dishes like teriyaki salmon or stir-fried vegetables for a cohesive meal.
• As a side: It’s also a fantastic side for barbecue dishes, balancing the richness of grilled meats.
• During summer gatherings: It’s a staple for summer parties and potlucks, bringing color and flavor to the table.
• Pair with rice: Serve it alongside steamed white rice or fried rice for a complete meal.
• Make it a wrap: Use it as a filling in wraps or lettuce cups for a light and satisfying lunch.

FAQ

Conclusion

The Asian Cucumber Salad is a vibrant, refreshing addition to any meal, perfect for warm days when you crave something light and satisfying. Its simplicity and versatility allow it to shine on any table, making it a go-to recipe for gatherings and weeknight dinners alike. So why not give this delightful salad a try? You’ll love how easy it is to make, and the burst of freshness it brings with every bite!

Asian Cucumber Salad

This Asian Cucumber Salad is the perfect summer dish, bursting with fresh flavors and a delightful crunch. Crisp cucumbers are complemented by a zesty dressing, making it a must-try for any meal. Perfect as a side dish or a light lunch, you'll want to make this refreshing salad tonight!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 20 minutes mins

Course Side Dishes

Cuisine Asian

Servings 4 servings

Calories 90 kcal

Equipment

• Chef's Knife

Ingredients

  

• 7-8 small cucumbers small cucumbers
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 4 scallions scallions
• 1 teaspoon soy sauce
• 2 teaspoons rice vinegar
• 1.5 teaspoons sugar
• 1/3 cup chili oil
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• as needed chili flakes

Instructions

 

• Start with the cucumbers. You can either cut them into chunks or create a spiral shape. To achieve the spiral effect, place your cucumber over two chopsticks and cut at a 45-degree angle in half-inch intervals. This will give you a unique presentation that’s both fun and delicious.
• Once you have your cucumbers prepared, it’s time to salt them. Generously sprinkle the salt over the cucumbers and let them sit for about 10 to 15 minutes. This step is crucial as it helps remove excess moisture, keeping your salad crunchy and delightful.
• After salting, pat dry the cucumbers to remove any excess water. This ensures that your salad won’t turn soggy and retains that satisfying crunch.
• Next, place the prepared cucumbers in a large bowl. Add the chopped scallions to the bowl, followed by the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, chili oil, and sesame oil. Each of these ingredients contributes to a beautiful blend of flavors.
• Mix everything together gently but thoroughly. You want the flavors to coat the cucumbers evenly, so toss them well until every piece is nicely dressed.
• If you like a bit of heat, sprinkle some chili flakes over the top. Adjust the amount according to your taste preference.
• This salad can be served immediately, but if you have time, letting it sit for a while allows the flavors to meld beautifully. You can also store it in the refrigerator for up to two hours before serving.
• When serving, give the salad a final toss and taste for seasoning. Adjust with more soy sauce or vinegar if needed.
• Enjoy your Asian Cucumber Salad right away, and relish in the compliments you'll receive!

Notes

Make sure you have the right type of cucumbers for this recipe. Seedless is key. Other than that, any type would work. However for the spiral cut, you'll need the Persian small cucumbers.

If you don't want that spiral shape, cut the cucumbers into 1 inch chunks and smash them. Alternatively you can ust smash them into irregular chunks.

You can also use a fork to scrape the skin off and make dents for the dressing to seep in.

Salting the cucumbers is KEY to crisp salad!

Dress the salad and keep it in the fridge for up to 2 hours before serving if you want the flavors to blend in.

We recommend enjoying this Asian cucumber salad the same day as it loses some of it's crisp texture with time. The flavors will be amazing with time, but the texture will be compromised. The salad can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.

It's a great side dish for MANY meals.

Keyword Asian Salad, Cucumber Salad, Healthy side dish, refreshing summer salad

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Meet Layla Reed

I’m Layla! I am happiest when I’m cooking with ingredients that are fresh from the market and in season. I love creating rustic, wholesome dishes that truly celebrate the natural flavors of the produce. I worked alongside Romina to ensure this recipe feels grounded, authentic, and absolutely delicious. I hope it brings a taste of the season to your home!