Asian Cucumber Salad Recipe

🥒 Asian Cucumber Salad is a refreshing, crunchy dish bursting with vibrant flavors. Ideal for summer or any light meal, this salad combines crisp cucumbers with a zesty, savory dressing that highlights the perfect balance of sweet, sour, and spicy notes. The versatility of this salad makes it a favorite side dish for BBQs, family gatherings, or as a light lunch. Its simple preparation and vibrant taste will win the hearts of everyone at your table.

Whether you are looking for a healthy dish or just want something deliciously tangy to accompany your main course, this Asian cucumber salad ticks all the boxes.

With just a few ingredients and a simple dressing, you’ll have a light, satisfying meal that’s also perfect for meal prep!

Recipe Preparation Equipment

🍴 To make the Asian Cucumber Salad, you will need the following equipment:

• Sharp Knife: To slice the cucumbers thinly.
• Cutting Board: For chopping vegetables.
• Large Bowl: For tossing the salad.
• Whisk: To mix the dressing ingredients.
• Measuring Cups & Spoons: For precise amounts of dressing ingredients.

What Do You Need to Prepare Asian Cucumber Salad?

🥒 Ingredients for Asian Cucumber Salad:

• 3 medium cucumbers (English cucumbers are best for this recipe)
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 1/4 cup rice vinegar
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for a gluten-free version)
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes (optional for spice)
• 2 tablespoons sesame seeds (for garnish)
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro (optional for garnish)

How to Make Easy Asian Cucumber Salad Step-by-Step?

👩‍🍳 Instructions for Making Asian Cucumber Salad:

Step 1: Prepare the Cucumbers

Begin by washing the cucumbers thoroughly. Slice them thinly into rounds or half-moons, depending on your preference. If you prefer less skin, peel the cucumbers partially or completely. Once sliced, place them in a large bowl.
Tip: You can also use a mandoline slicer to get evenly thin cucumber slices for an extra professional touch.

Step 2: Salting the Cucumbers

Sprinkle the salt over the cucumber slices and toss them well. Let them sit for about 10-15 minutes. The salt will help draw out excess water from the cucumbers, ensuring a crispier texture for the salad.

Step 3: Prepare the Dressing

While the cucumbers are resting, mix the rice vinegar, soy sauce, sugar, and sesame oil in a small bowl. Stir well until the sugar dissolves completely. If you like your salad spicy, add chili flakes to the dressing mixture.

Step 4: Drain the Cucumbers

After the cucumbers have released some moisture, drain them in a colander to remove the excess water. Gently press them with a paper towel or clean cloth to ensure they are not too wet.

Step 5: Combine and Toss

Add the drained cucumbers back into the large bowl and pour the dressing over the top. Toss well to ensure the cucumbers are evenly coated with the flavorful dressing. Garnish with sesame seeds and fresh cilantro. Serve immediately or chill for 30 minutes for the best flavor.

Variations

🌱 Variations of Asian Cucumber Salad:

1. Add Protein: If you want to turn your Asian cucumber salad into a more substantial meal, consider adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu for extra protein.
2. Spicy Kick: For those who love heat, you can increase the amount of chili flakes or even add some freshly chopped chili peppers to the dressing.
3. Additional Vegetables: Feel free to toss in other crunchy vegetables like shredded carrots, radishes, or bell peppers to add more color and texture.
4. Avocado: For a creamy twist, adding slices of ripe avocado can complement the fresh crunch of the cucumbers, making the salad more indulgent and filling.
5. Peanut Dressing: For a different flavor profile, try substituting sesame oil with peanut butter or a peanut dressing for a richer, nutty taste.

Cooking Note

🍽️ Cooking Notes for Asian Cucumber Salad:

• Cucumbers: The key to this salad is fresh, crisp cucumbers. English cucumbers are ideal because they are less bitter and have smaller seeds, making them perfect for this dish. If you use regular cucumbers, be sure to remove the seeds before slicing them.
• Marinating Time: While you can enjoy the salad immediately, letting it sit for 10-15 minutes after mixing with the dressing allows the flavors to meld together, resulting in a more flavorful experience.
• Storage: This salad is best eaten fresh, but you can store leftovers in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just keep in mind that the cucumbers may release more water, making the salad a bit soggier the longer it sits.
• Taste Adjustment: If you prefer a sweeter salad, add a bit more sugar to the dressing. For a tangier flavor, increase the amount of rice vinegar.

Serving Suggestions

🍴 Serving Suggestions for Asian Cucumber Salad:
This Asian cucumber salad is a versatile side dish that pairs wonderfully with many main courses. It complements Asian-inspired dishes like teriyaki chicken, stir-fries, or grilled fish. For a lighter meal, you can serve it alongside a bowl of rice or noodles, such as soba or udon. If you’re hosting a BBQ, this salad is a fantastic accompaniment to grilled meats or seafood, balancing the richness of grilled foods with its fresh crunch and tangy flavor.

For a complete meal, try serving it with other salads, like a sesame kale salad or a simple tomato salad, for a colorful and nutritious spread. Top your salad with some crispy fried onions or crunchy wonton strips for added texture.

Helpful Tips

💡 Helpful Tips for Making the Best Asian Cucumber Salad:

1. Thin Slicing: The key to this salad’s texture is the thinness of the cucumber slices. Aim for very thin slices to create a refreshing crunch. If you have a mandoline slicer, it will help you achieve uniform slices.
2. Resting Time: Letting the cucumbers sit with salt is essential to removing excess moisture. This will help keep the salad crisp and prevent it from becoming soggy.
3. Make Ahead: This salad can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 24 hours. The flavors will develop even more with time, but keep in mind that the cucumbers might soften a bit.
4. Adjusting the Dressing: Feel free to tweak the dressing to your taste preferences. If you like it more tangy, add extra vinegar; if you prefer sweetness, increase the sugar slightly.
5. Chill Before Serving: While the salad can be served immediately, chilling it for 30 minutes can enhance the flavor, allowing the dressing to soak into the cucumbers.

Tips for the Best Asian Cucumber Salad

🥒 Tips for the Best Asian Cucumber Salad:

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh cucumbers and high-quality rice vinegar and soy sauce to get the best flavor.
• Chill for Flavor: While you can eat the salad right away, letting it chill for about 30 minutes in the fridge will help the dressing soak in, giving you a more flavorful experience.
• Taste as You Go: If you’re unsure about the balance of flavors, taste the dressing before adding it to the cucumbers. Adjust the sweetness or tanginess according to your preference.

Timing Overview

⏰ Prep Time: 15 minutes
🍳 Cooking Time: 0 minutes (No cooking required)
⏱️ Total Time: 15 minutes

Nutritional Information

🧮 Nutritional Information (Per Serving):

• Calories: 90
• Protein: 2g
• Sodium: 500mg
• Carbs: 11g
• Fat: 5g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 4g

FAQs

❓ Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare it in advance, but be sure to store it in the fridge. The cucumbers will release more moisture as it sits, so give it a good stir before serving.

❓ Can I make the dressing spicy?
Absolutely! If you like heat, you can add more chili flakes or even some chopped fresh chili to the dressing for an extra kick.

❓ Can I substitute soy sauce with something else?
If you need a gluten-free option, tamari is a great alternative to soy sauce.

Conclusion

🥗 Asian Cucumber Salad is a light, flavorful dish that’s perfect for any meal. With its crisp cucumbers, tangy dressing, and savory flavors, it’s sure to become a favorite side dish in your recipe rotation. Whether you’re looking to add a fresh salad to your BBQ spread or enjoy a healthy snack, this recipe is quick, easy, and bursting with flavor.

Enjoy the crunch and zing with every bite!