Refreshing Easy Asian Cucumber Salad Recipe For Hot Days

Crafting an incredible asian cucumber salad brings pure refreshment to any meal.

Cool cucumbers dance with tangy flavors that awaken your taste buds instantly.

Crisp vegetables create a delightful texture combining sweet and zesty notes.

Summer gatherings demand simple yet impressive side dishes like this one.

Crunchy slices mingle with vibrant seasonings that spark excitement on the plate.

Quick preparation means you can enjoy this delectable salad in minutes.

Dive into a world of fresh, bright flavors that will make you smile with every bite.

How To Store Easy Asian Cucumber Salad Properly

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Keep cucumber salad chilled to maintain its crisp texture and prevent bacterial growth.
• Before serving stored salad, give it a quick stir to redistribute the dressing and revive its flavors. Let it sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes to take the chill off.
• Never freeze this cucumber salad, as it will destroy the cucumber's delicate texture and cause watery, mushy results. Fresh is always best for this delicate side dish.
• If the salad seems slightly wilted, add a few fresh cucumber slices and a quick splash of rice vinegar to perk up the flavors and restore some crunch.

Easy Asian Cucumber Salad Questions Answered

• Why slice cucumbers at an angle?

Angled slicing creates larger surface areas that absorb seasonings better and provides a more elegant, professional presentation compared to straight cuts.

• How does salting help cucumber preparation?

Salting draws out excess water, preventing the salad from becoming watery and ensuring a crisp, concentrated flavor profile with enhanced texture.

• Can I adjust the spice level?

Yes, you can easily control heat by increasing or decreasing chili oil quantity. Start with a small amount and gradually add more to match your preferred spice tolerance.

• What if I don't have rice vinegar?

White vinegar or apple cider vinegar can substitute rice vinegar, though the flavor will be slightly different. Rice vinegar provides a milder, slightly sweet taste characteristic of Asian cuisine.

Why Easy Asian Cucumber Salad Is So Refreshing

• Craft Culinary Simplicity: This Asian cucumber salad requires minimal cooking skills, making it perfect for beginners or home chefs wanting a quick, impressive side dish.
• Refresh Your Palate: Packed with vibrant flavors of sesame, soy, and chili, the salad delivers a delightful taste explosion that awakens your taste buds with every bite.
• Speed into Deliciousness: From slicing to serving, this recipe takes just a few minutes to prepare, offering a speedy solution for sudden hunger or unexpected guests.
• Customize Your Experience: Easily adjust spice levels, salt, or add extra ingredients like chopped green onions to personalize the salad according to your preferences and dietary needs.

What Goes Into Easy Asian Cucumber Salad

• Cucumbers: Crisp and cool vegetables that form the base of this light salad.

• Salt: Helps draw out excess moisture from the cucumbers.
• Sesame Oil: Adds a rich, nutty flavor to the dish.
• Soy Sauce: Provides a savory and umami depth to the salad.
• Sugar: Balances the saltiness and adds a subtle sweetness.
• Rice Vinegar: Brings a tangy and bright acidic note.

• Chili Oil: Introduces a spicy kick to the cucumber salad.
• Sesame Seeds: Offers a crunchy texture and nutty flavor as a garnish.

How To Make Easy Asian Cucumber Salad Fast

Step 1: Prepare Cucumbers

Grab fresh cucumbers and wash them thoroughly under cool running water. Slice off one end of the cucumber at a diagonal angle to create an elegant starting point for cutting.

Step 2: Create Beautiful Cucumber Slices

Continue slicing the cucumber diagonally to produce oval-shaped pieces. You can adjust the thickness depending on your texture preference – thinner for a delicate feel or slightly thicker for more crunch.

Step 3: Salt And Drain Cucumber Slices

Transfer cucumber slices into a mixing bowl. Sprinkle salt over the slices and gently toss to ensure even coverage. Place the bowl in the refrigerator for 20 minutes, allowing excess moisture to be drawn out.

Step 4: Rinse And Refresh Cucumbers

After 20 minutes, drain the released water from the bowl. Give the cucumber slices a quick rinse under cold water to remove excess salt. Pat dry with paper towels and return to the mixing bowl.

Step 5: Create Flavor Explosion

• Sesame oil
• Soy sauce
• Granulated sugar
• Rice vinegar
• Chili oil
• Sesame seeds

Step 6: Mix And Combine

Stir all ingredients thoroughly, ensuring each cucumber slice is beautifully coated with the flavorful dressing.

Step 7: Serve And Enjoy

Serve the cucumber salad immediately to experience the perfect balance of crisp texture and vibrant flavors. This refreshing side dish pairs wonderfully with grilled meats or as a standalone light meal.

Tips That Help Easy Asian Cucumber Salad Taste Better

• Slice Smartly: Use a sharp knife and cut cucumbers at a 45-degree angle for beautiful, elegant oval pieces that enhance visual appeal and texture.
• Salt and Drain Technique: Salting cucumbers helps remove excess water, ensuring a crisp, non-watery salad that maintains its refreshing crunch.
• Adjust Spice Level: Control the heat by adding more or less chili oil to suit your personal taste preferences and tolerance for spiciness.
• Chill for Maximum Flavor: Let the salad rest in the refrigerator for 20-30 minutes before serving to allow ingredients to marinate and develop deeper taste profiles.
• Quick Serving Tip: Consume the salad within a few hours of preparation to enjoy the best texture and prevent cucumber from becoming soggy.

Fun Styles Of Easy Asian Cucumber Salad

• Spicy Thai Cucumber Remix: Replace chili oil with sriracha sauce and add chopped Thai basil for an intense Southeast Asian flavor profile.
• Low-Sodium Garden Variation: Swap soy sauce with coconut aminos and reduce salt content for a lighter, health-conscious option.
• Mediterranean Cucumber Salad: Substitute sesame oil with olive oil, add crumbled feta cheese, and incorporate fresh dill for a Greek-inspired version.
• Vegan Zesty Edition: Use agave nectar instead of sugar, add crushed red pepper flakes, and garnish with chopped cilantro for extra brightness.

What Works Well With Easy Asian Cucumber Salad

• Pair with Crisp Riesling: Complement the salad's tangy and spicy notes with a chilled, slightly sweet German Riesling that balances the cucumber's cool crunch.
• Serve alongside Grilled Teriyaki Chicken: The salad's bright acidity and sesame undertones create a perfect counterpoint to the rich, caramelized protein.
• Match with Chilled Soba Noodles: Create a harmonious cold dish where the cucumber salad's zesty dressing enhances the nutty, delicate soba noodle flavor profile.
• Enjoy with Crispy Tofu Stir-Fry: The salad's refreshing texture and light dressing cut through the stir-fry's warm, robust flavors, providing a cooling contrast.

Easy Asian Cucumber Salad Recipe

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4.6 from 20 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Cool cucumber slices dance with zesty sesame dressing in this quick Asian cucumber salad. Crisp ingredients and bold flavors bring refreshing excitement to summer dining with minimal prep and maximum satisfaction.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Vegetables:

• 5 Persian cucumbers

Seasonings:

• 0.5 teaspoon (2.5 milliliters) salt
• 0.5 tablespoon (7.5 milliliters) sesame oil
• 0.75 tablespoon (11.25 milliliters) light soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) rice vinegar

Sweeteners and Spices:

• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) sugar
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) chili oil
• 0.5 tablespoon (7.5 milliliters) sesame seeds

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Instructions

1. Trim cucumber ends and slice diagonally into elegant oval medallions, ensuring uniform thickness for consistent texture.
2. Transfer cucumber slices to a mixing vessel and generously dust with salt, allowing moisture extraction through a 20-minute chilling period.
3. Carefully drain accumulated liquid and perform a quick rinse to eliminate excess sodium.
4. Create a vibrant dressing by whisking together sesame oil, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sugar until harmoniously blended.
5. Drizzle the prepared dressing over cucumber slices, gently tossing to ensure comprehensive coating.
6. Enhance the salad’s visual appeal and flavor profile by sprinkling toasted sesame seeds and optional chili oil across the surface.
7. Serve immediately to preserve the cucumber’s crisp texture and maximize the dressing’s zesty impact.

Notes

• Choose English cucumbers for a crunchier, less watery salad with fewer seeds.
• Pat cucumbers dry after rinsing to prevent diluting the dressing’s bold flavors.
• For a low-carb version, replace sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia.
• Enhance heat levels by adjusting chili oil quantity or adding fresh chopped chilies for extra kick.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Mixing
• Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 69 kcal
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 534 mg
• Fat: 5 g
• Saturated Fat: 0.7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4.3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 7 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 1 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg