Description
Cucumber lovers rejoice with this bold Mexican-inspired Zesty Spicy Cucumber Salad that dances with lime, chili, and fresh herbs. Crisp cucumber slices mingle with tangy dressing, promising a cool yet fiery companion for your summer meals you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2 large cucumbers, thinly sliced
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
Seasoning and Dressing:
- 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon (5 milliliters) soy sauce (low sodium)
- 1 teaspoon (5 milliliters) honey or maple syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 milliliters) red chili flakes (adjust to taste)
Garnish:
- 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) sesame seeds, toasted
Instructions
- Craft a vibrant dressing by whisking together sesame oil, rice vinegar, soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, and chili flakes in a mixing bowl until thoroughly combined.
- Slice cucumbers into thin, uniform rounds or half-moons, ensuring consistent thickness for optimal dressing absorption.
- Gently fold the cucumber slices into the prepared dressing, carefully coating each piece to distribute the zesty flavors evenly.
- Allow the salad to marinate for 10-15 minutes in the refrigerator, enabling the cucumbers to absorb the tangy and spicy notes.
- Just before serving, generously garnish the salad with toasted sesame seeds and finely chopped green onions for added texture and visual appeal.
- Serve chilled as a refreshing side dish that delivers a perfect balance of cool crunch and spicy kick.
Notes
- Opt for English cucumbers to avoid excess water and ensure a crisp texture in the salad.
- Slice cucumbers thinly and uniformly to help them absorb the dressing more effectively and create a consistent bite.
- Adjust the chili flakes according to your heat tolerance, starting with a small amount and gradually increasing for personalized spiciness.
- Prepare the salad just before serving to maintain the cucumber’s crunchiness and prevent sogginess from sitting in the dressing too long.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg