The sound of a crisp cucumber being sliced takes me straight back to summer picnics in the backyard, where laughter mingled with the smell of fresh herbs. This Easy Asian Cucumber Salad is everything you need on a warm day! Light, refreshing, and oh-so-simple, it’s a family favorite that’s made a lovely comeback at dinner tables everywhere.
Easy Asian Cucumber Salad: Quick and Delicious Recipe
This easy Asian cucumber salad is a refreshing and flavorful dish featuring thinly sliced cucumbers dressed in a tangy, savory, and slightly spicy dressing. Perfect as a quick appetizer or a side dish, this recipe highlights the best of spicy cucumber salad Asian style and sesame cucumber salad classics. Enjoy a crisp, low carb Asian cucumber side dish with a boost of chili oil and rice vinegar for a bright, vibrant taste.
Trim one end of each cucumber and cut into angled thin slices to form oval shapes to your preferred thickness.
Place the cucumber slices into a bowl and sprinkle with salt, then toss to coat evenly.
Cover and chill the salted cucumbers in the refrigerator for at least 20 minutes to release excess moisture.
After chilling, drain the liquid and rinse cucumbers briefly under cold water for about 10 seconds; drain well.
Return the cucumbers to the bowl and stir in sesame oil, light soy sauce, sugar, rice vinegar, chili oil, sesame seeds, and minced garlic if using.
Mix all the ingredients thoroughly until the cucumbers are well coated with the dressing.
Serve the salad immediately for the best fresh flavor and crunch. Enjoy!
Notes
Start with 1/2 tbsp sugar and adjust to your taste depending on the chili oil used.
Garlic is optional but recommended for added flavor.
Adjust chili oil quantity based on your preferred spice level.
This salad is best enjoyed freshly made.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Quick & Easy: This Easy Asian Cucumber Salad is ready in just 25 minutes, making it perfect for those busy days.
Light & Refreshing: The crisp cucumbers and tangy dressing create a delightful balance that feels refreshing on warmer days.
Family Favorite: It’s a hit with everyone! Kids love the crunch, while adults appreciate the lovely flavors.
Versatile: Serve it as an appetizer, side dish, or even a light snack. It fits any occasion!
Key Ingredients & Tools
Cucumbers: Five Persian cucumbers provide that perfect crunch.
Seasonings: Salt, sesame oil, light soy sauce, sugar, rice vinegar, chili oil, and sesame seeds bring the flavors together.
Tools: A slicing knife or mandoline (if you have one) for those lovely thin slices, and a mixing bowl to combine the ingredients.
How It Works Step-by-Step
Start by rinsing and slicing the cucumbers at an angle to get those oval-shaped slices. Aim for thickness that feels just right for you!
Sprinkle the slices with 1/2 tsp salt, mix well, and let them sit in the fridge for about 20 minutes to draw out extra moisture.
After the cucumbers have relaxed a bit, drain the water, give them a quick rinse, then return them to the bowl.
Add the sesame oil, light soy sauce, sugar (start with 1/2 tbsp), rice vinegar, chili oil, sesame seeds, and optional garlic. Stir until everything is nicely combined!
Dig in as soon as you’re ready! The sooner you serve, the crunchier it’ll be.
Troubleshooting & Tweaks
Too Salty: If you accidentally over-salt, just rinse the cucumber slices quickly again.
Too Sweet: Adjust sugar to your taste! You have the flexibility to make it just right for you.
Heat Adjustment: Not a chili oil fan? Feel free to reduce the amount or omit it for less heat.
Serving & Storage Tips
This Easy Asian Cucumber Salad is best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. The flavors may intensify, giving you an even more flavorful bitejust know that the cucumbers will lose some crunch over time.
It makes a fabulous addition to any summer meal, picnic, or as part of your weekly meal prep!
Timing
Activity
5 minutes
Slicing cucumbers
20 minutes
Refrigerate to draw out water
5 minutes
Mixing the dressing & serving
Expert Says
Fresh cucumbers are a staple in an EASY ASIAN CUCUMBER SALAD, not just for their crunch, but also for their high water content, which helps keep you hydrated. Additionally, the natural sugars in cucumbers can balance the acidity of dressings, creating a delightful flavor harmony that enhances the dish’s freshness.
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The Journey to My Easy Asian Cucumber Salad
This easy Asian cucumber salad didn’t come together overnight; it took me a few tries to find the perfect balance of sweet and tangy. I remember one batch ended up way too salty, and my kids teased me about it for days. Now, it’s a family favoritecrisp and refreshing, ready in no time.
FAQs ( Easy Asian Cucumber Salad )
How long does cucumber salad last in the fridge?
This dish can last in the refrigerator for about 3 to 5 days if stored properly in an airtight container. However, for the best flavor and crunch, it’s ideal to eat it within the first couple of days.
Can I make cucumber salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare this meal a few hours in advance. Just be sure to keep it refrigerated until serving to maintain its freshness and crispness.
What kind of cucumbers are best for salad?
For salads, English cucumbers or Persian cucumbers are great choices because they are sweeter and have fewer seeds. They also have a thinner skin, which adds to the crisp texture.
How do I prepare cucumbers for salad?
Start by washing your cucumbers thoroughly. Slice them thinly for a refreshing bite, and if they are particularly watery, you can sprinkle them with salt and let them sit for 10-15 minutes before rinsing to remove excess moisture.
What dressings go well with cucumber salad?
This dish pairs well with light dressings like rice vinegar or sesame oil. For extra flavor, you can add a splash of soy sauce or a touch of sesame seeds to enhance the taste.
Conclusion
You’ll love how this Easy Asian Cucumber Salad comes together in no time! With just a bit of chopping and tossing, you’ll enjoy a refreshing crunch that brightens any meal. It’s the perfect companion for a summer barbecue or a light weekday dinner.
For a fun twist, try adding some sliced bell peppers or a handful of cilantro for an extra layer of flavor. A trick I learned from my aunt’s kitchen? Serve it chilled alongside grilled chicken for an unforgettable feast! If you have leftovers, just store them in an airtight containerit’ll keep in the fridge for up to two days.
I’d love to hear how your family enjoyed this dish! Did you grow up with salads like this? Snap a photo and share your thoughts! Don’t forget to save or share this recipe; it’s a little piece of homemade joy just waiting to brighten someone’s table.
With a passion for wholesome cooking inspired by family traditions, I create healthy, simple recipes focused on sourdough, shrimp, chicken, and balanced meals for everyday wellness.
Every recipe here is tested in my kitchen using U.S. measurements and easy-to-find ingredients, so you can cook confidently.
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