Asian Cucumber Salad

This Asian Cucumber Salad is light, refreshing, and packed with vibrant flavors. The crisp cucumbers are paired with a tangy sesame dressing that’s balanced with just the right amount of sweetness and spice. It’s the perfect side dish for summer barbecues, as a starter, or even as a healthy snack. Best of all, it’s quick to prepare and full of satisfying textures!

Why You’ll Love This Asian Cucumber Salad

✔ Refreshing & Crisp – The cucumbers stay cool and crunchy, perfect for a light side dish.
✔ Tangy & Flavorful – A savory, slightly sweet dressing adds bold flavor without being overwhelming.
✔ Quick & Easy – Ready in just 10 minutes, with no cooking required.
✔ Customizable – Add your favorite toppings, like chili flakes, sesame seeds, or cilantro, for extra flavor.

Ingredients for Asian Cucumber Salad

• 2 large cucumbers, thinly sliced (preferably English cucumbers, but regular cucumbers work too)
• ½ small red onion, thinly sliced
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (toasted, if desired)
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
• 1 teaspoon chili flakes or red pepper (optional, for spice)

For the Dressing:

• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon honey or sugar (adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger
• 1 small garlic clove, minced
• Salt & pepper, to taste

Tools You’ll Need

✔ Mixing bowl
✔ Whisk or spoon
✔ Knife and cutting board
✔ Measuring spoons

How to Make Asian Cucumber Salad

Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables

• Slice the cucumbers thinly using a knife or mandolin for an even texture.
• Thinly slice the red onion. If you want a less intense onion flavor, you can soak the slices in water for 10 minutes before adding them to the salad.

Step 2: Make the Dressing

• In a small bowl, whisk together the rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, honey (or sugar), grated ginger, and minced garlic.
• Taste the dressing and adjust with salt, pepper, or additional honey/sugar if you prefer more sweetness.

Step 3: Toss the Salad

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the cucumber and red onion slices.
• Pour the dressing over the cucumbers and toss to coat everything evenly.
• Let the salad sit for about 5-10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

Step 4: Garnish & Serve

• Before serving, sprinkle toasted sesame seeds and chopped fresh cilantro over the salad.
• Add chili flakes for extra spice, if desired.

Serving Suggestions

• With Grilled Meat – This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, pork, or shrimp.
• As a Side Dish – It makes a perfect side to complement any Asian-inspired meal, such as teriyaki chicken, sushi, or stir-fries.
• With Rice – Serve alongside a bowl of steamed white rice for a more filling meal.

Tips for the Best Asian Cucumber Salad

✔ Use English Cucumbers – These cucumbers have fewer seeds and a thinner skin, making them perfect for salads.
✔ Don’t Over-Salt – The soy sauce already adds saltiness, so be cautious when seasoning the dressing.
✔ Chill Before Serving – For the best flavor, let the salad chill in the fridge for about 15 minutes before serving.
✔ Customize – You can add other vegetables, like carrots or bell peppers, or even toss in some crispy wonton strips for crunch.

Storage & Reheating

Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. The cucumbers will soften slightly but the salad will still be delicious.
Reheat: Not recommended, as the salad is best served cold.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Can I make this salad ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can prepare the salad a few hours in advance, but it’s best to add the sesame seeds and cilantro just before serving to keep them fresh.

Q2: Can I use regular cucumbers instead of English cucumbers?
A: Yes, but you may want to peel them and remove the seeds if they’re too large or watery.

Q3: Can I make the dressing spicier?
A: Absolutely! Add a little more chili flakes or even a dash of Sriracha to make it spicier.

Conclusion: A Refreshing & Flavorful Salad

This Asian Cucumber Salad is an easy and flavorful side dish that brings the perfect balance of tangy, sweet, and savory flavors. Whether you’re pairing it with a meal or enjoying it as a light snack, it’s sure to become a favorite.

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Chill Time: 10 minutes (optional)
Total Time: 20 minutes
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired

Nutritional Information (per serving)
Calories: 80
Protein: 2g
Carbohydrates: 10g
Fat: 4g
Fiber: 2g

Enjoy this fresh, zesty salad as a healthy, flavorful addition to any meal!

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