Name: Easy Asian Cucumber Salad Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Ingredients: 2 large cucumbers, thinly sliced; 1 teaspoon salt; 2 tablespoons rice vinegar; 1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari; 1 tablespoon sesame oil; 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup; 1 clove garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger; 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes or chili oil; 2 tablespoons sesame seeds, toasted; 2 green onions, thinly sliced

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Looking for a side dish that’s crisp, cool, and bursting with fresh flavor? You’re going to love Easy Asian Cucumber Salad! This delightful salad transforms humble cucumbers into a tangy, savory, and slightly spicy sensation. Whether you’re serving it with a weeknight stir-fry or just need a refreshing snack, its quick prep and energizing crunch make it a year-round favorite in my kitchen.

Easy Asian Cucumber Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Easy Asian Cucumber Salad lies in its simple lineup of ingredients, each carefully chosen to bring just the right pop of color, flavor, and texture to your table. Here’s how every component plays a role:

Cucumbers: The star of the show! Crisp and cool, they soak up the flavors while staying wonderfully crunchy.
Salt: Essential for drawing out excess moisture and intensifying that signature crunch.
Rice Vinegar: Delivers the perfect tangy base that brightens the whole dish.
Soy Sauce (or Tamari): Adds a savory, umami depth; tamari keeps it gluten-free if needed.
Sesame Oil: Just a dash gives the salad a warm, nutty aroma and taste.
Honey or Maple Syrup: A subtle sweetness balances the acidity and brings out the natural flavors.
Garlic: That little bite of pungency we all crave in Asian-inspired dishes.
Fresh Ginger: Adds zesty brightness and gentle warmth to every bite.
Red Pepper Flakes or Chili Oil: For those who like it spicy—totally adjustable to your personal heat level!
Sesame Seeds (toasted): Offer a nutty crunch and lovely visual pop on top.
Green Onions: Sliced thin for a mild onion bite and vibrant color.

How to Make Easy Asian Cucumber Salad

Step 1: Prep the Cucumbers

Slice the cucumbers thinly—no need to peel them if the skins are tender. Transfer the slices to a colander, sprinkle with salt, and let them rest for about 15 minutes. This clever trick draws out excess water, so your salad stays crisp and never soggy!

Step 2: Pat Dry

When those 15 minutes are up, gently pat the cucumber slices dry with a paper towel. This ensures they’ll soak up every drop of that zesty dressing, instead of watering it down.

Step 3: Make the Dressing

In a medium bowl, whisk together rice vinegar, soy sauce or tamari, sesame oil, honey or maple syrup, freshly minced garlic, grated ginger, and your heat of choice—either red pepper flakes or a drizzle of chili oil. Stir until everything’s well combined and smells absolutely irresistible!

Step 4: Toss & Finish

Add the cucumbers to the bowl, along with toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions. Give everything a gentle toss so each slice is coated with that delicious dressing. Pop the salad in the fridge for 15 to 30 minutes if you can—it lets the flavors mingle and meld for a truly standout Easy Asian Cucumber Salad.

How to Serve Easy Asian Cucumber Salad

Garnishes

This salad already shines, but feel free to sprinkle on a few more toasted sesame seeds or a finishing swirl of chili oil for extra pizzazz. Fresh cilantro leaves or thin shavings of radish also make a beautiful topping if you want to get fancy.

Side Dishes

Easy Asian Cucumber Salad pairs perfectly with just about anything: Think grilled chicken, teriyaki salmon, or a steaming bowl of stir-fried noodles. It’s also a winning companion for summer barbecues or alongside spicy dishes, thanks to its cooling crunch.

Creative Ways to Present

Spoon it onto little lettuce cups for a fun, hand-held appetizer, or tuck it inside banh mi sandwiches for a fresh, tangy crunch. For another twist, try adding thinly sliced carrots or radishes for even more color and texture—kids and grown-ups alike will be reaching for seconds!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with extra Easy Asian Cucumber Salad, simply store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’ll stay crisp and tasty for up to 2 days—perfect for busy weeks or quick lunches.

Freezing

This salad isn’t a great candidate for the freezer, since cucumbers tend to lose their crunch and become watery when thawed. For best texture and flavor, stick to enjoying it fresh or from the fridge.

Reheating

Good news: No reheating required! Easy Asian Cucumber Salad is best served cold or at room temperature, so it’s always ready to go straight from the fridge to your plate.

FAQs

Can I use different types of cucumbers?

Absolutely! Persian, English, or even regular garden cucumbers all work well. Just be sure to slice them thin and adjust the peeling if the skins are on the tougher side.

Is this salad gluten-free?

It can be! Simply use tamari instead of traditional soy sauce to keep your Easy Asian Cucumber Salad gluten-free and safe for everyone to enjoy.

What can I add for extra crunch?

Try tossing in thinly sliced radishes, carrots, or even a handful of chopped peanuts. These add color and texture without overwhelming the fresh cucumber flavor.

How spicy is this dish?

The beauty of Easy Asian Cucumber Salad is that the spice is totally up to you. Add a little red pepper for a mild kick, or go bold with chili oil for deeper heat—make it your own!

Can I make Easy Asian Cucumber Salad ahead of time?

Yes! Making it a few hours ahead lets the flavors marinate, but for best crunch, enjoy within 24–48 hours of mixing up the salad.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving something light, bright, and bursting with flavor, you can’t go wrong with Easy Asian Cucumber Salad. This is one salad that’s sure to refresh and delight with every bite, and I can’t wait for you to try it—let me know how you enjoy it!

Easy Asian Cucumber Salad Recipe

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4.8 from 24 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegan

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Description

This Easy Asian Cucumber Salad is a refreshing and flavorful dish that pairs perfectly with Asian-inspired meals. Crisp cucumbers are tossed in a tangy and sweet dressing, making it a delicious side dish for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Cucumbers:

2 large cucumbers, thinly sliced

Dressing:

1 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
1 clove garlic, minced
1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes or chili oil
2 tablespoons sesame seeds, toasted
2 green onions, thinly sliced

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Instructions

Prepare Cucumbers: Place the sliced cucumbers in a colander, sprinkle with salt, and let sit for 15 minutes to draw out excess water. Pat dry with a paper towel.
Make Dressing: In a medium bowl, whisk together rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, honey, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes until well combined.
Combine Ingredients: Add the cucumbers, sesame seeds, and green onions. Toss gently to coat.
Chill and Serve: Chill the salad for 15–30 minutes before serving for the best flavor.