Simple & Zesty Easy Asian Cucumber Salad Recipe

Cool summer nights call for a crisp asian cucumber salad that bursts with vibrant flavors and refreshing crunch.

This simple dish blends tangy vinegar, delicate herbs, and a hint of sweetness that dance across your palate.

Sharp sesame seeds and sliced cucumbers create a delightful texture that surprises and satisfies.

Chopped green onions add a subtle bite to the mix, elevating every single bite.

The light dressing coats each cucumber slice with a perfect balance of zesty and smooth notes.

Chilled and ready in minutes, this salad serves as an ideal side for grilled meats or a standalone light meal.

Dive into this easy recipe and transform your dinner with a burst of Asian-inspired freshness.

Steps To Make Easy Asian Cucumber Salad

• Cucumber Prep

Slice cucumbers into delicate, elegant rounds. Let them rest with a sprinkle of salt, allowing moisture to escape. Gently rinse and dry the cucumber slices, creating a crisp canvas for the upcoming flavor adventure.

• Flavor Fusion

Craft a vibrant dressing by blending tangy rice vinegar, rich soy sauce, nutty sesame oil, and a touch of sweetness. Infuse the mixture with zesty garlic and a hint of fiery red pepper for an exciting taste profile.

• Salad Symphony

Combine the cucumber slices with the carefully crafted dressing. Gently mix, ensuring each slice gets coated with the magical flavor blend. Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and bright green onion slivers for a beautiful finish.

• Serving Suggestion

For maximum crunch, serve immediately. Want deeper flavors? Let the salad rest in the refrigerator for a short while, allowing the ingredients to mingle and create a more intense taste experience.

Flavor Ideas For Easy Asian Cucumber Salad

• Cucumber Salad Mastery: Pro Tips & Twists
• Salt-Sweating Technique: Drawing out excess water from cucumbers prevents a watery salad. Pat them completely dry after rinsing for maximum crunch and dressing absorption.
• Spice Level Control: Adjust red pepper flakes to match your heat preference. Start with a pinch for mild warmth or add more for a fiery kick that'll wake up your taste buds.
• Veggie Swap Magic: Experiment with different vegetables like thinly sliced radishes, daikon, or bell peppers for a unique twist. Each adds a different texture and flavor profile to the classic recipe.
• Special Diet Friendly: Make this salad gluten-free by using tamari instead of soy sauce. For a low-carb version, replace sugar with a sugar-free sweetener like stevia or monk fruit. Vegan friends can rejoice – this recipe is already plant-based!

Ways To Serve Easy Asian Cucumber Salad Right

• Zesty Side Dish Companion: Pair this cucumber salad with grilled chicken or fish for a refreshing and light meal that balances rich proteins perfectly.
• Picnic Perfect Pairing: Pack this salad in a portable container for outdoor gatherings, barbecues, or potluck events where guests will love its cool and tangy flavor profile.
• Noodle Bowl Topper: Sprinkle the cucumber salad over warm ramen, udon, or soba noodles to add a crisp, fresh crunch and bright acidic notes that enhance the entire dish.
• Appetizer Transformation: Serve the salad on small asian-style spoons as a quick bite-sized appetizer during cocktail parties or as a unique starter that will impress guests with its vibrant taste and elegant presentation.

How To Store Easy Asian Cucumber Salad Fresh

• Quick Chill Strategy: Store the cucumber salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for maximum freshness, keeping it crisp and delicious for up to 2 days.
• Liquid Management: Drain any excess liquid before serving to maintain the salad's optimal texture and prevent sogginess.
• Ingredient Separation: Recommend storing dressing and cucumber slices separately if preparing in advance, mixing just before serving to maintain crunchiness.
• Temperature Tip: Enjoy the salad chilled for the most refreshing taste, ideal as a cool side dish during warm weather or alongside spicy main courses.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time:

Total Time: 10 minutes

Calories: 45 kcal

Servings: 3

Ingredients You’ll Use In Easy Asian Cucumber Salad

• Cucumber: Crisp vegetable that provides a cool, hydrating crunch with subtle green freshness.

• Rice Vinegar: Tangy Asian-style vinegar that adds bright, light acidity.
• Soy Sauce: Deeply savory liquid that brings umami depth and rich saltiness.
• Sesame Oil: Nutty, aromatic oil that introduces a distinctive toasted essence.
• Sugar: Balances the sharp vinegar and salty soy sauce with gentle sweetness.
• Garlic: Pungent herb that delivers a robust, sharp undertone to the dressing.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Adds optional spicy kick and vibrant heat.

• Sesame Seeds: Crunchy, nutty toasted seeds that provide textural contrast.
• Green Onions: Mild, fresh allium that introduces a subtle oniony brightness and visual appeal.

Simple Tools To Prep Easy Asian Cucumber Salad

• Cutting Board: Sturdy surface for slicing cucumbers with precision.
• Sharp Knife: Essential for creating thin, even cucumber rounds or half-moons.
• Colander: Perfect for draining and removing excess water from cucumber slices.
• Small Mixing Bowl: Ideal for whisking together the vibrant dressing ingredients.
• Whisk or Fork: Great for blending dressing components smoothly.
• Large Serving Bowl: Spacious container for tossing and coating cucumbers with dressing.
• Clean Kitchen Towel: Useful for patting cucumbers dry after rinsing.
• Measuring Spoons: Helpful for accurate dressing ingredient proportions.

Crisp Asian Cucumber Salad

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• Total Time: 10 minutes
• Yield: 3 1x

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Description

Cool cucumber salad from China brings crisp, tangy flavors to your summer table. Fresh ingredients and quick preparation make this dish a perfect side for grilled meats or as a light, refreshing appetizer.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 large cucumbers (English or Persian)
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 tsp salt
• 2 tbsps rice vinegar
• 1 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 1 tbsp sugar (or honey for a natural sweetener)
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
• 1 tbsp sesame seeds, toasted
• 2 tbsps green onions, thinly sliced

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Instructions

1. Cucumber Preparation: Slice cucumbers into thin, uniform rounds or half-moons using a sharp knife, creating delicate, translucent pieces.
2. Moisture Extraction: Sprinkle salt over cucumber slices and let them drain in a colander for 10 minutes, drawing out excess water to enhance crispness.
3. Dressing Creation: Whisk rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, sugar, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes together, creating a harmonious blend of tangy, sweet, and spicy flavors.
4. Salad Assembly: Rinse and pat cucumber slices dry, then transfer to a mixing bowl. Pour the vibrant dressing over the cucumbers, gently tossing to ensure complete coating.
5. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions on top. Enjoy immediately for maximum crispness, or refrigerate for 15-20 minutes to allow flavors to meld and intensify.

Notes

• Optimize Cucumber Texture: Salt and drain cucumbers precisely to remove excess water, preventing a watery salad and ensuring crisp, concentrated flavor.
• Customize Heat Level: Adjust red pepper flakes quantity to personalize spiciness – start with a pinch for mild warmth or increase for bold, fiery kick.
• Elevate Freshness: Serve immediately for maximum crunch or refrigerate briefly to allow flavors to meld, creating a more complex taste profile.
• Dietary Adaptations: Replace sugar with honey or agave for natural sweetness, ensuring compatibility with various dietary preferences like vegan or low-refined sugar diets.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Mixing
• Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 3
• Calories: 45
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 200 mg
• Fat: 2 g
• Saturated Fat: 0 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 1 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 9 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 1 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg