Refreshing Asian Cucumber Salad Recipe for Summer Zest

Cool summer breezes carry whispers of a zesty asian cucumber salad that promises refreshing delight.

Crisp vegetables dance with vibrant seasonings, creating a symphony of flavors.

Each bite promises a crisp crunch that awakens your taste buds.

Delicate slices of cucumber intertwine with tangy dressing, offering a light and invigorating experience.

Minimal ingredients transform into a culinary masterpiece that speaks volumes about simplicity.

Fragrant herbs and bright notes blend seamlessly, making this dish a perfect companion for warm afternoons.

Rush to your kitchen and let this salad become your new favorite summer sensation.

What Makes Asian Cucumber Salad So Crunchy & Fresh

• Speedy Prep Magic: Whips up in just 15 minutes with minimal chopping and simple ingredients, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you want something quick and delicious.
• Refreshing Summer Delight: Crisp cucumbers and zesty Asian-inspired dressing create a cool, light side dish that beats the heat and tantalizes taste buds with vibrant flavors and minimal effort.
• Health-Conscious Crowd-Pleaser: Packed with low-calorie, nutrient-rich ingredients like fresh vegetables and minimal oil, this salad offers a guilt-free option that satisfies both nutrition lovers and flavor seekers.
• Versatile Serving Star: Adapts easily as a side dish for grilled meats, a topping for rice bowls, or a standalone light lunch, making it a flexible recipe that fits multiple meal scenarios.

Asian Cucumber Salad Items

• Cucumber: Fresh, crisp base for the salad, helps release water through salting process. English or Persian cucumbers work best for better texture.

• Rice Vinegar, Soy Sauce: Tangy and savory liquid base providing depth of flavor. Seasoned rice vinegar adds extra complexity.
• Sesame Oil: Rich, nutty flavor enhancer. Choose toasted sesame oil for more intense taste.
• Honey: Smooth sweetness to balance the acidic and salty components. Light or dark honey both work well.

• Garlic, Ginger: Powerful flavor boosters adding warmth and depth. Fresh ingredients preferred over dried versions.
• Green Onions, Cilantro: Fresh, bright herbs providing color and additional layer of taste. Optional but recommended for authentic Asian profile.

• Salt: Essential for drawing out cucumber moisture and enhancing overall seasoning.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Adds subtle heat and spiciness. Adjust quantity based on personal spice preference.
• Sesame Seeds: Crunchy garnish with nutty undertone. Toasted seeds provide more robust flavor.

Asian Cucumber Salad Tossing Steps

Step 1: Slice and Salt Cucumbers

Grab your fresh cucumbers and slice them super thin using a sharp knife or mandoline.

Sprinkle salt over the cucumber slices and let them hang out in a colander for 10-15 minutes.

This magical step helps draw out extra moisture, making your salad crisp and perfect.

After waiting, give the cucumbers a quick rinse and gently pat them dry with paper towels.

Step 2: Whip Up the Zesty Dressing

• Rice vinegar
• Soy sauce
• Sesame oil
• Honey
• Minced garlic
• Freshly grated ginger
• Red pepper flakes

Whisk everything together until it’s smooth and well-blended, creating a tangy and aromatic dressing that’ll make your taste buds dance.

Step 3: Create the Cucumber Mixture

Grab a large bowl and toss in your prepped cucumber slices.

• Toasted sesame seeds
• Chopped green onions
• Fresh cilantro leaves

Pour the vibrant dressing over the cucumber mixture and gently toss until every slice is beautifully coated.

Step 4: Chill and Enjoy

Pop the salad into the refrigerator for at least 10 minutes.

This allows all those amazing flavors to mingle and get to know each other.

When ready, serve the salad cold and watch everyone dig in with excitement!

Asian Cucumber Salad Prep Hints

• Remove excess moisture from cucumbers by salting and resting to prevent a watery salad and ensure crisp, flavorful bites.
• Adjust red pepper flakes according to your heat tolerance, adding more for a fiery kick or reducing for a milder experience.
• Select firm, cool cucumbers and crisp green onions to maximize the salad's vibrant texture and fresh taste.
• Transform this side dish into a light meal by adding grilled chicken, tofu, or shrimp for extra protein and substance.
• Make the dressing in advance and store separately from vegetables to maintain cucumber crunchiness and prevent soggy results.

Asian Cucumber Salad: Tips to Keep It Crunchy

• Store leftover cucumber salad in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Keep chilled to maintain crispness and flavor.
• Before storing, gently drain any accumulated liquid to prevent soggy cucumbers.
• Do not freeze this salad, as cucumbers will lose their texture and become mushy when thawed.
• Quickly toss the salad and add a splash of fresh dressing if needed to revive the flavors before enjoying leftovers.

Best Match for Asian Cucumber Salad

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a bright, acidic Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio that complements the salad's tangy dressing and refreshing cucumber notes.
• Match with Grilled Protein: Serve alongside grilled chicken, salmon, or tofu to balance the salad's light, zesty flavors with a substantial protein component.
• Enhance with Asian Appetizers: Combine with spring rolls, dumplings, or edamame to create a cohesive Asian-inspired meal that highlights similar flavor profiles and textures.
• Complete with Chilled Green Tea: Offer a cold, subtly grassy green tea that echoes the salad's cool, clean taste and provides a traditional Asian beverage pairing.

Try These Ideas for Asian Cucumber Salad

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos for a celiac-friendly option that maintains the original flavor profile.
• Low-Carb Cucumber Salad: Eliminate honey and use a sugar-free sweetener like stevia or monk fruit to reduce carbohydrate content while keeping the salad's zesty taste.
• Protein-Packed Variation: Add diced tofu, grilled chicken, or shredded crab meat to transform the light side dish into a complete meal with extra protein.
• Spicy Korean-Inspired Remix: Incorporate gochugaru (Korean red pepper flakes) instead of standard red pepper flakes and add a splash of gochujang for an authentic Korean heat and depth of flavor.

FAQs

• Why salt the cucumbers before making the salad?

Salting draws out excess moisture, preventing the salad from becoming watery and helping the cucumbers maintain a crisp texture while allowing the dressing to coat them more effectively.

• Can I use a different type of vinegar?

While rice vinegar is traditional, you can substitute with apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar for a similar tangy flavor profile.

• Is this salad considered healthy?

Yes, this cucumber salad is low in calories, high in hydration, and packed with nutrients from fresh vegetables and a light, flavorful dressing that provides antioxidants and anti-inflammatory benefits.

• How spicy will the salad be with red pepper flakes?

The red pepper flakes add a mild heat that can be easily adjusted by increasing or decreasing the amount. For less heat, use just a pinch; for more kick, add more flakes according to your spice preference.

Asian Cucumber Salad Recipe

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4.7 from 27 reviews

• Total Time: 10 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Cool cucumber slices mingle with zesty Asian cucumber salad, creating a refreshing harmony of tangy and crisp flavors. Quick and simple ingredients come together in mere minutes, promising a delightful side dish you can enjoy alongside grilled meats or as a light, cooling appetizer.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Vegetables:

• 2 large cucumbers (English or Persian), thinly sliced

Liquids and Seasonings:

• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil

Aromatics and Garnishes:

• 1 teaspoon salt (for sweating the cucumbers)
• 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup (for a hint of sweetness)
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
• 2 green onions, sliced
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro (optional)

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Instructions

1. Drain cucumber moisture by sprinkling salt over thinly sliced pieces and letting them rest in a colander for 10-15 minutes.
2. Thoroughly rinse cucumber slices and gently blot with paper towels to remove excess liquid.
3. Create a vibrant dressing by whisking rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, honey, minced garlic, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes in a small mixing bowl.
4. Transfer cucumber slices to a spacious serving bowl and incorporate sesame seeds, finely chopped green onions, and fresh cilantro.
5. Drizzle the aromatic dressing over the cucumber mixture, ensuring each slice is evenly coated through gentle tossing.
6. Refrigerate the salad for a minimum of 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and intensify.
7. Serve the chilled cucumber salad as a refreshing side dish, garnishing with additional herbs or sesame seeds if desired.

Notes

• Salt the cucumbers to draw out excess moisture, ensuring a crisp and refreshing texture without waterlogging the salad.
• Adjust the heat level by modifying red pepper flakes, making the dish mild or spicy according to personal preference.
• Swap traditional ingredients for dietary needs: use tamari for gluten-free version, agave for vegan honey alternative, or add protein like tofu for a more substantial meal.
• Prepare salad ahead of time for meal prep, as the flavors intensify and become more complex when marinating in the refrigerator for a few hours.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: None
• Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 50
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 250 mg
• Fat: 4 g
• Saturated Fat: 0.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3.5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 6 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 1 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg