Easy Asian Cucumber Salad Recipe

If you’re searching for a crisp, refreshing side that bursts with flavor, look no further than this Easy Asian Cucumber Salad. With every bite, you get a sweet, tangy, spicy crunch—perfect for summertime meals, Asian-inspired feasts, or just an everyday craving for something light and vibrant. This recipe comes together in almost no time, making it a go-to favorite whenever you want to impress with minimal effort. The blend of cool cucumber, zesty dressing, and a hint of chili delivers a dish that feels both wholesome and indulgent at the same time.

Easy Asian Cucumber Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Easy Asian Cucumber Salad is all about fresh, approachable ingredients that work together to deliver punchy flavor and lively color. Each element has a role, whether it’s crunch, savory depth, or that addictive sesame aroma. Here’s what you’ll need:

  • Persian cucumbers (5): The perfect choice for this salad—they’re sweet, practically seedless, and have thin skins, so there’s no need to peel.
  • Salt (½ teaspoon): Draws out excess water from the cucumbers, ensuring a wonderfully crisp salad.
  • Sesame oil (½ tablespoon): Lends a toasty, nutty fragrance that’s absolutely essential for depth.
  • Light soy sauce (¾ tablespoon): Provides a balanced saltiness and umami to contrast the cucumbers’ freshness.
  • Sugar (1 tablespoon): Brings just the right amount of sweetness to round out the flavors.
  • Rice vinegar (¾ tablespoon): Adds a gentle tang that makes every bite bright and zippy.
  • Chili oil (1 tablespoon, adjust to taste): A customizable kick of heat; add more or less depending on your spice preference.
  • Sesame seeds (½ tablespoon): Sprinkle on for crunch and a pretty finish—they also amplify that beloved sesame note.

How to Make Easy Asian Cucumber Salad

Step 1: Slice the Cucumbers

Start by giving your Persian cucumbers a quick rinse under cool water. Slice off one end at an angle, then continue slicing at the same angle to create elegant, oval-shaped slices. You can choose to cut them thin for maximum crunch or a tad thicker for an extra juicy bite. These angled slices not only look beautiful but soak up more of that mouthwatering dressing.

Step 2: Salt the Cucumbers

Transfer the sliced cucumbers into a large mixing bowl and sprinkle them evenly with salt. Toss everything together until the cucumbers are well-coated—don’t be afraid to get in there with your hands! Pop the bowl into the refrigerator for at least 20 minutes. The salt works its magic here, drawing out water so your salad isn’t watery and the flavor doesn’t get diluted.

Step 3: Drain and Rinse

After chilling, you’ll see quite a bit of liquid released by the cucumbers. Drain this water out, and give the cucumbers a quick 10-second rinse with cold water to remove excess salt and keep things crisp. Return the rinsed cucumbers to the bowl, shaking off any remaining water, so they’re ready to absorb all the flavorful dressing.

Step 4: Make the Dressing

Now comes the fun part! Add the sesame oil, light soy sauce, sugar, rice vinegar, chili oil, and sesame seeds to the bowl of cucumbers. Stir everything together until the slices are glistening and evenly coated. This is where the Easy Asian Cucumber Salad truly comes alive—a simple toss and the bold flavors do all the work.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

This salad is best enjoyed immediately while the cukes are perfectly crisp and each bite is infused with the zesty dressing. Serve it straight from the bowl, or transfer to a platter for maximum presentation points. It’s refreshing, light, and so good you’ll be tempted to eat the whole thing straight away!

How to Serve Easy Asian Cucumber Salad

Easy Asian Cucumber Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

For a little extra flair, sprinkle your Easy Asian Cucumber Salad with extra toasted sesame seeds or even a few finely sliced green onions. If you want to amp up the heat, add a light scatter of chili flakes or thinly sliced fresh red chilies on top. These finishing touches not only look beautiful but bring an extra pop of texture and flavor.

Side Dishes

This salad works wonders alongside any Asian-inspired entrée. It’s perfect with grilled chicken skewers, miso-glazed salmon, or a bowl of warm jasmine rice. The bright, tangy flavors make it a natural palate cleanser between heartier dishes—and it’s light enough to serve alongside a spicy noodle bowl or dumplings, too.

Creative Ways to Present

Feeling fancy? Serve your Easy Asian Cucumber Salad in mini cups or elegant small plates for party appetizers. Or layer the cucumbers over a bed of fresh greens for a more substantial salad. You can even toss in some chopped peanuts or fresh herbs like cilantro or mint for a fun twist that adds another dimension to the dish.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers, store the salad in an airtight container in your refrigerator. While the cucumbers will stay tasty for up to two days, they’ll gradually soften as they soak up more dressing. For the very best crunch, enjoy within 24 hours of making.

Freezing

Unfortunately, this Easy Asian Cucumber Salad isn’t a freezer-friendly dish. Freezing affects the cucumbers’ texture, making them watery and limp when thawed. For that fresh, snappy bite, it’s best to make and eat this salad fresh.

Reheating

There’s no need to reheat this salad—it’s best served chilled or at cool room temperature. If you’ve chilled the salad for a while, just give it a quick stir and enjoy straight from the fridge. The flavors often deepen a bit, making each bite even more delicious the next day.

FAQs

Can I use regular cucumbers instead of Persian cucumbers?

Absolutely! While Persian cucumbers are ideal because they’re petite and virtually seedless, you can substitute English cucumbers or seedless mini cucumbers. Just remove excess seeds and consider peeling if the skin is thick or waxy.

How spicy is this Easy Asian Cucumber Salad?

The heat level is fully customizable. The chili oil adds warmth, but you control the kick—use a little for just a hint or turn it up if you love spice. Taste as you go and adjust to your preference.

Is it necessary to salt and drain the cucumbers?

Yes, this step ensures your salad isn’t soggy and keeps the cucumbers deliciously crisp. Salting draws out excess water, so the dressing clings and every bite is flavorful.

Can I make this salad ahead of time for a party?

You sure can! Slice and salt the cucumbers a few hours in advance, and mix the dressing separately. Combine them just before serving to keep everything bright and crunchy—your guests will love it!

What else can I add to the Easy Asian Cucumber Salad?

This recipe is a fantastic base, but feel free to play! Add slivers of red onion, chopped fresh herbs, or even a handful of roasted peanuts for extra flavor and texture. It’s easy to customize to fit your mood or the occasion.

Final Thoughts

Give this Easy Asian Cucumber Salad a whirl—it’s so simple to make and it brightens up any meal, any time of year. I can’t wait for you to try it and see just how much flavor you can pack into such an easy and irresistible salad. Happy crunching!

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Easy Asian Cucumber Salad Recipe

Easy Asian Cucumber Salad Recipe


  • Author: Lila
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This Easy Asian Cucumber Salad is a refreshing and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. The combination of crunchy cucumbers with a savory and tangy dressing makes it a delightful side dish or light meal.


Ingredients

Scale

Cucumbers:

  • 5 Persian cucumbers

Dressing:

  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ tablespoon sesame oil
  • ¾ tablespoon light soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • ¾ tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon chili oil (adjust to taste)
  • ½ tablespoon sesame seeds

Instructions

  1. Slice the Cucumbers: Rinse and slice the cucumbers at an angle to create oval-shaped pieces. Adjust thickness to your preference.
  2. Salt the Cucumbers: Add the sliced cucumbers to a bowl, sprinkle with salt, mix well, and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes.
  3. Drain and Rinse: Drain the water, rinse the cucumbers, and return them to the bowl.
  4. Make the Dressing: Combine sesame oil, soy sauce, sugar, rice vinegar, chili oil, and sesame seeds with the cucumbers.
  5. Serve and Enjoy: Best served immediately for optimal flavor!
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Salad
  • Method: Mixing
  • Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 68 kcal
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 366mg
  • Fat: 4g
  • Saturated Fat: 1g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 7g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 1g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: Asian, Cucumber Salad, Easy Recipe, Side Dish, Vegan, Vegetarian

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