Refreshing Asian Cucumber Salad

Crisp, refreshing bites of cucumber tossed in a tangy soy dressing—this Asian Cucumber Salad is like a mini vacation for your taste buds. Imagine the crunch as you take that first bite, with the zesty flavors transporting you straight to a bustling street market in Tokyo. Each bite bursts with flavor and has the power to lift your spirits on even the most mundane of days.

This delightful salad has been my go-to for summer barbecues and family potlucks. I still remember the time my cousin took one look at it and exclaimed, “Is this really just cucumbers?” It’s hard to believe something so simple can be so delicious! Whether you’re serving it alongside grilled chicken or enjoying it on its own during a hot day, this salad never fails to impress.

I once made this salad for a picnic and had everyone fighting over the last scoop—definitely a win!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Fresh Cucumbers: Choose firm cucumbers for the best crunch; English cucumbers work great too!
• Rice Vinegar: Adds a lovely tang; opt for unseasoned rice vinegar for better control over the flavor.
• Soy Sauce: Use low-sodium soy sauce to maintain a lighter taste without sacrificing flavor.
• Sesame Oil: Just a splash adds richness; don’t go overboard or it may overpower the other flavors.
• Chili Paste or Flakes: Spice things up with your preferred heat level; it’s all about personal taste here.
• Green Onions: Fresh green onions add brightness; slice them thinly for an enjoyable crunch.
• Sesame Seeds: Toasted sesame seeds add texture and visual appeal; sprinkle generously before serving.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Prepare Your Cucumbers: Start by rinsing your cucumbers under cold water. Slice them thinly using either a knife or mandoline for uniform pieces that soak up dressing beautifully.

Create the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, and chili paste until well combined. Adjust seasoning based on your taste preferences.

Toss It All Together: In a large mixing bowl, combine sliced cucumbers with chopped green onions. Pour over your prepared dressing and toss gently until every piece is coated.

Add Some Crunch: Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds over the top for added texture and nutty flavor. Toss lightly again to ensure even distribution.

Let It Marinate: Allow the salad to sit for at least 15 minutes before serving. This marination time enhances flavors and allows cucumbers to soften slightly.

Serve & Enjoy: Transfer to a serving bowl or plate and enjoy immediately! This refreshing dish pairs wonderfully with grilled meats or can be enjoyed standalone as a light snack.

This quick guide will have you whipping up an amazing Asian Cucumber Salad that will impress all your friends and family!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by slicing the cucumbers thinly; this ensures they absorb all the delicious dressing flavors. While waiting for them to sit in salt, gather your other ingredients so that everything is ready when it’s time to mix.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap in different veggies like bell peppers or carrots for added color and crunch. You can also adjust the dressing’s sweetness or spice level based on your personal preferences.

Storing & Reheating

Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. Avoid reheating; this salad is best enjoyed cold and fresh.

Sometimes I whip up this salad for impromptu summer picnics, and everyone raves about how refreshing it tastes! Just last week, my friend insisted I share the recipe—so here we are!

FAQ

Can I use other types of cucumbers for Asian cucumber salad?

Yes, both Persian and English cucumbers work great for this salad!

Is Asian cucumber salad gluten-free?

Absolutely! Just ensure that you use gluten-free soy sauce in your dressing.

How long can I store Asian cucumber salad?

You can keep it in the fridge for about two days before it loses its crunch.

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📖 Recipe Card

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Asian Cucumber Salad

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• Author: Jennifer
• Total Time: 10 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

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Description

Asian Cucumber Salad is a crisp, refreshing dish that bursts with zesty flavors, making it the perfect side for summer gatherings or a light snack.

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Ingredients

• Fresh cucumbers
• Rice vinegar
• Low-sodium soy sauce
• Sesame oil
• Chili paste or flakes
• Green onions
• Toasted sesame seeds

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Instructions

1. Rinse and thinly slice cucumbers using a knife or mandoline.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, and chili paste until well combined.
3. In a large bowl, combine sliced cucumbers and chopped green onions. Pour dressing over the salad and toss gently.
4. Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds on top and toss lightly to distribute.
5. Let the salad marinate for at least 15 minutes before serving to enhance flavors. Serve chilled.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Salad
• Method: No Cook
• Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (150g)
• Calories: 60
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 400mg
• Fat: 3g
• Saturated Fat: 0.5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 8g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 0mg