Easy Asian Cucumber Salad
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Easy Asian Cucumber Salad is the perfect balance of crisp cucumbers, savory sesame oil, tangy rice vinegar, and a hint of chili oil for an added kick. Light, refreshing, and quick to prepare, it’s a great side dish for any meal or a healthy snack. With minimal ingredients and maximum flavor, it’s a crowd-pleasing salad that’s both satisfying and full of vibrant, crunchy texture. Serve it chilled or let it marinate for extra flavor!
Ingredients
- 2 medium cucumbers, thinly sliced
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp chili oil (optional for heat)
- 1 tsp sesame seeds (for garnish)
- Salt, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Cucumbers: Slice cucumbers thinly. If you prefer, peel them before slicing, but the skin adds extra crunch.
- Salt the Cucumbers: Place the sliced cucumbers in a colander. Sprinkle with salt, toss to coat, and let sit for 10-15 minutes to draw out excess water. Rinse with cold water and pat dry with a towel.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together sesame oil, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, and chili oil (if using). Stir until the sugar dissolves.
- Toss the Salad: Place cucumbers in a large bowl and pour the dressing over the top. Toss gently to coat the cucumbers evenly.
- Garnish & Serve: Sprinkle sesame seeds on top before serving. This salad is best served immediately, but can be chilled for a few hours to let the flavors marinate.
Notes
- Add Protein: For a more filling meal, top with grilled chicken or shrimp.
- Spicy Version: Increase the chili oil or add red pepper flakes for more heat.
- Herb Additions: Sprinkle chopped cilantro or mint for an added burst of freshness.
- Other Vegetables: Thinly sliced radishes or bell peppers can be added for more color and crunch.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook, Tossing
- Cuisine: Asian
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This salad is incredibly easy to prepare, requiring minimal ingredients but delivering maximum flavor. The cucumbers are salted and then tossed in a flavorful dressing made from sesame oil, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and a hint of chili oil. It’s light, refreshing, and perfect as an appetizer or a healthy side to complement any dish. The addition of sesame seeds adds a delightful crunch, making each bite satisfying.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 2 medium cucumbers, thinly sliced
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp chili oil (optional for heat)
- 1 tsp sesame seeds (for garnish)
- Salt, to taste
Directions
- Prepare the Cucumbers: Slice the cucumbers thinly. If preferred, you can peel them before slicing, though the skin adds a nice crunch.
- Salt the Cucumbers: Place the sliced cucumbers in a colander and sprinkle with salt. Toss to coat evenly and let them sit for 10-15 minutes to draw out excess water. Afterward, rinse the cucumbers under cold water and gently pat them dry with a towel.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, combine the sesame oil, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, and chili oil (if using). Stir well until the sugar dissolves.
- Toss the Salad: Place the cucumbers in a large bowl and pour the dressing over the top. Toss gently to coat the cucumbers evenly.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle sesame seeds on top before serving. This salad is best served immediately, but it can also be stored in the fridge for a few hours for the flavors to marinate.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
Variations
- Add Protein: Top with grilled chicken or shrimp for a more filling meal.
- Spicy Version: Add more chili oil or a pinch of red pepper flakes to increase the heat.
- Herb Additions: For added freshness, you can sprinkle some chopped cilantro or mint over the salad.
- Other Vegetables: Thinly sliced radishes or bell peppers can be added for additional color and crunch.
Storage/Reheating
This salad is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. If stored, the cucumbers will continue to release water, so make sure to drain them before serving.
FAQs
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the salad a few hours in advance and refrigerate it, but for the best texture, it’s best to serve it fresh.
Can I use a different type of oil?
If you don’t have sesame oil, you can use olive oil or vegetable oil, but it won’t give the same deep, nutty flavor.
Is this salad gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you use a gluten-free soy sauce, this salad is completely gluten-free.
Can I make this salad without chili oil?
Absolutely! If you prefer a milder version, simply leave out the chili oil or substitute with a splash of hot sauce.
Can I add other vegetables to this salad?
Yes, thinly sliced carrots, bell peppers, or even radishes can be great additions for color and crunch.
How can I adjust the sweetness?
If you prefer a sweeter salad, simply increase the amount of sugar or use honey as a natural alternative.
Can I use different types of vinegar?
Rice vinegar is ideal for this salad, but if you don’t have it, white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar can be used as substitutes.
How do I know if the cucumbers are salty enough?
Once you’ve salted the cucumbers, taste a slice before rinsing them. It should have a subtle saltiness, but not be overpowering.
Can I store the dressing separately?
Yes, you can store the dressing separately and add it to the cucumbers just before serving to keep them crisp.
Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
Yes, but it’s best to store the dressing and cucumbers separately, as cucumbers release water over time.
Conclusion
This Easy Asian Cucumber Salad is a perfect dish for warm days when you’re craving something light, refreshing, and flavorful. The tangy dressing combined with the crunchy cucumbers and sesame seeds make it a crowd-pleasing side dish for any meal. Plus, it’s quick and easy to make, with ingredients you likely already have in your pantry.