Crisp & Tangy Asian Cucumber Salad Recipe For Summer

Cool summer days call for a refreshing cucumber salad that brings Asian street food flavors right to your plate.

This easy Asian cucumber salad delivers a zesty punch of tangy and spicy notes that dance across your palate.

Crisp cucumber slices mingle with a vibrant dressing that tingles your taste buds.

Red chili flakes and toasted sesame seeds add depth and crunch to every delightful bite.

The recipe comes together in mere minutes, making it a perfect side dish for busy weeknights.

Quick, simple ingredients transform an ordinary cucumber into an extraordinary culinary experience.

Serve this salad and watch your dinner table come alive with bright, bold flavors that everyone will love.

What Makes Asian Cucumber Salad So Crisp

• Enjoy a perfect balance of tangy, spicy, and sweet notes from sesame oil, rice vinegar, chili oil, and soy sauce, creating an authentic and exciting taste experience that transports your taste buds.
• Serve this refreshing salad as a side dish, light appetizer, or healthy snack that appeals to all ages, making it ideal for family gatherings, potlucks, or quick weeknight meals with minimal fuss.
• Benefit from low-calorie cucumbers loaded with hydration and essential nutrients, complemented by heart-healthy sesame seeds and minimal added ingredients for a guilt-free, vibrant dish that supports wellness goals.

Ingredients in Easy Asian Cucumber Salad

• Persian Cucumbers: Fresh, crisp vegetables that create the foundation of this light and refreshing salad.

• Salt: Helps draw out moisture and enhances the cucumber's natural flavor.
• Sugar: Balances the tangy and savory elements of the dressing.
• Light Soy Sauce: Adds a classic Asian umami flavor to the salad.
• Rice Vinegar: Provides a sharp, tangy note to the dressing.

• Sesame Oil: Introduces a rich, nutty essence to the cucumber salad.
• Chili Oil: Adds a subtle heat and depth to the overall flavor profile.
• Sesame Seeds: Provides a delicate crunch and nutty undertone.
• Minced Garlic: Offers a pungent and aromatic kick to the salad.

Making Asian Cucumber Salad

Step 1: Prepare Cucumber Base

Grab your fresh Persian cucumbers and wash them thoroughly under cool water.

Using a sharp knife, slice the cucumbers at a diagonal angle to create elegant oval-shaped pieces.

Keep the thickness consistent for an even texture and appearance.

Step 2: Remove Cucumber Moisture

Transfer cucumber slices to a mixing bowl.

Sprinkle salt over the slices and gently mix.

This technique helps draw out excess water, ensuring a crisp salad texture.

Allow cucumbers to rest in the refrigerator for 20 minutes.

Step 3: Rinse and Drain

Drain the liquid from the cucumbers.

Quickly rinse under cold water to remove extra salt.

Pat the cucumber slices dry using a clean kitchen towel or paper towels.

Step 4: Create Flavor Explosion

• Sesame oil
• Light soy sauce
• Granulated sugar
• Rice vinegar
• Chili oil
• Sesame seeds
• Minced garlic

Thoroughly mix the ingredients, ensuring each cucumber slice is evenly coated with the vibrant dressing.

Step 5: Final Touch and Serving

Transfer the cucumber salad to a serving dish.

Garnish with additional sesame seeds if desired.

The salad can be served immediately or chilled for enhanced flavor.

Enjoy this refreshing and zesty side dish that brings a burst of Asian-inspired taste to your meal.

Tips for Fresh Asian Cucumber Salad

• Use a sharp knife to create uniform, angled cucumber slices for even texture and visual appeal.
• Let salt draw out moisture for 20 minutes to ensure a crisp, not watery salad texture.
• Quick 10-second cold water rinse removes excess salt while maintaining cucumber's natural flavor.
• Blend sesame oil, soy sauce, vinegar, and chili oil carefully to create a harmonious, complex taste profile.
• Adjust chili oil quantity to match your personal spice tolerance without overwhelming the cucumber's freshness.

How to Store Asian Cucumber Salad

• Transfer leftover cucumber salad to an airtight container and seal tightly. Keeps fresh for 2-3 days in the refrigerator, maintaining crisp texture and vibrant flavors.
• Skip freezing this salad as cucumbers become watery and lose their delightful crunch when thawed. Texture and quality will significantly deteriorate.
• Since this is a cold salad, serve directly from the refrigerator. If slightly chilled, let sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes to enhance flavor release.
• Before serving stored salad, gently stir to redistribute dressing and revive the cucumber's crispness. Add a sprinkle of fresh sesame seeds for renewed visual appeal and texture.

What Goes with Asian Cucumber Salad

• Perfect Wine Pairing: Choose Crisp Riesling to complement the salad's tangy, spicy profile with its refreshing acidity and slight sweetness that balances the chili oil's heat.
• Asian Beer Match: Select Light Lager like Tsingtao or Sapporo, which cuts through the salad's bold flavors and provides a clean, crisp counterpoint to the cucumber's freshness.
• Herbal Tea Companion: Brew Green Tea to enhance the Asian-inspired elements, offering a subtle, grassy note that echoes the cucumber's natural essence and cleanses the palate.
• Refreshing Cocktail Partner: Mix Gin and Cucumber Martini to mirror the salad's ingredients, creating a harmonious drinking experience with botanical undertones and crisp cucumber notes.

Cucumber Salad Flavor Combos

• Low-Sodium Option: Replace salt with a sprinkle of Mrs. Dash seasoning or herb blend to reduce sodium while maintaining flavor complexity.
• Vegan Adaptation: Swap light soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos to create a plant-based friendly version that keeps the authentic Asian taste profile.
• Spicy Kick Variation: Increase chili oil quantity or add sliced fresh Thai chilies for individuals who prefer more heat and intense flavor sensation.
• Gluten-Free Remix: Use gluten-free soy sauce alternative and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free to accommodate dietary restrictions without compromising taste.

FAQs

• Are Persian cucumbers necessary for this recipe?

Persian cucumbers work best because they’re naturally crisp, seedless, and have thin skin. However, you can substitute with English cucumbers or regular cucumbers if Persian aren’t available.

• Can I reduce the spiciness in this salad?

Absolutely! Simply adjust the amount of chili oil or omit it completely for a milder version. The salad will still taste delicious with the sesame and soy sauce flavors.

• Is salting the cucumbers really important?

Yes, salting is crucial. It helps draw out excess water, making the cucumber slices crunchier and preventing the salad from becoming watery. The brief rinse afterwards ensures the right salt level.

• How long can I keep this cucumber salad before serving?

This salad is best enjoyed immediately after preparation, but it can be refrigerated for up to 2 hours before serving. Beyond that, the cucumbers might start losing their crisp texture.

Easy Asian Cucumber Salad Recipe

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4.6 from 23 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Cool cucumber slices dance with zesty sesame dressing in this refreshing Asian cucumber salad. Crisp ingredients blend perfectly, offering a quick and tangy side dish that delivers bold flavors you’ll crave all summer long.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Vegetables:

• 5 Persian cucumbers

Seasonings:

• 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 milliliters) salt
• 1/2 tablespoon (7.5 milliliters) sesame oil
• 3/4 tablespoon (11.25 milliliters) light soy sauce
• 3/4 tablespoon (11.25 milliliters) rice vinegar
• 1/2 tablespoon (7.5 milliliters) sesame seeds

Flavor Enhancers:

• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) sugar
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) chili oil
• 1/2 tablespoon (7.5 milliliters) garlic minced (optional)

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Instructions

1. Thoroughly rinse Persian cucumbers under cold water, then slice diagonally into thin, elegant oval-shaped pieces ensuring uniform thickness for optimal texture and flavor absorption.
2. Transfer cucumber slices into a bowl, generously sprinkle salt, and gently mix. Refrigerate for 20 minutes to extract excess moisture, creating a crisp and refreshing base.
3. Drain accumulated liquid, quickly rinse cucumbers under cold water to remove excess salt, then return to the bowl, maintaining their crisp texture.
4. Create a vibrant dressing by combining sesame oil, light soy sauce, sugar, rice vinegar, chili oil, sesame seeds, and minced garlic. Whisk ingredients thoroughly to ensure even coating of cucumber slices.
5. Toss cucumber slices in the prepared dressing, ensuring each piece is generously and uniformly covered with the aromatic mixture. Allow flavors to meld for 2-3 minutes before serving.
6. Plate the salad in a decorative dish, showcasing the glistening cucumber slices adorned with sesame seeds. Serve immediately to enjoy maximum crunch and flavor intensity.

Notes

• Opt for Persian or English cucumbers as they’re naturally less watery and provide a crisp, clean texture without needing extensive deseeding.
• Salting cucumbers helps remove excess moisture, ensuring a crunchy salad that won’t become soggy when dressed.
• Adjust the chili oil quantity to control heat levels, making the salad suitable for different spice tolerances.
• Swap sugar with honey or stevia for a lower-glycemic option, and use coconut aminos instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free alternative.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: None
• Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 70
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Fat: 5 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 7 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 1 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg