Crisp Asian Cucumber Salad Recipe: A Refreshing Summer Twist
Cool summer days call for a zesty crisp asian cucumber salad that awakens every taste bud with its vibrant flavors.
Crunch meets freshness in this simple yet elegant dish bursting with tangy goodness.
Sliced cucumbers dance with bright herbs and a delightful dressing that sings of Southeast Asian cuisine.
Each bite delivers a perfect balance of sharp and smooth textures that tantalize the palate.
Thin cucumber rounds absorb the aromatic marinade, creating a refreshing side that complements grilled meats or stands beautifully on its own.
Light, quick, and packed with bold flavors, this salad transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary culinary experience.
Crisp Asian Cucumber Salad: Why It’s So Refreshing
Ingredients for Crisp Asian Cucumber Salad
Vegetables:Dressing Ingredients:Garnish:How to Prepare Asian Cucumber Salad
Step 1: Prep Cucumber Slices
Slice cucumbers into thin, delicate rounds.
Generously sprinkle salt over the cucumber slices and let them rest for 10 minutes.
This magical process helps draw out excess moisture, ensuring a crisp and refreshing texture.
After resting, drain the liquid and gently squeeze out any remaining water using your hands or a clean kitchen towel.
Step 2: Whip Up Zesty Dressing
Create a flavor-packed dressing by combining the following ingredients in a small mixing bowl:Whisk these ingredients together until the sugar dissolves and the dressing looks smooth and glossy.
Step 3: Combine and Garnish
Pour the vibrant dressing over the prepared cucumber slices.
Gently toss the cucumbers until they are evenly coated with the tangy mixture.
Sprinkle fresh cilantro leaves and toasted sesame seeds on top for an extra burst of flavor and visual appeal.
Step 4: Chill and Serve
Refrigerate the cucumber salad for at least 15-20 minutes before serving.
This cooling period allows the flavors to meld together and intensify, creating a refreshing and delightful side dish that will tantalize your taste buds.
Tips for a Crisp Asian Cucumber Salad
Flavor Twists on Asian Cucumber Salad
Serving Suggestions for Asian Cucumber Salad
How to Store Asian Cucumber Salad Properly
FAQs
Salting helps remove excess water, making the cucumbers crispier and preventing the salad from becoming watery.
English or Persian cucumbers work best because they have fewer seeds and thinner skin, which makes them more tender and crisp.
The chili flakes provide a mild heat, but you can adjust the amount to suit your personal spice preference. For less heat, use fewer flakes or omit them completely.
Yes, it’s a low-calorie dish packed with nutrients. Cucumbers are hydrating, and the dressing uses heart-healthy sesame oil with minimal added sugar.
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Crisp Asian Cucumber Salad Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
Cool cucumber slices dance with zesty sesame ginger dressing in this crisp Asian cucumber salad, bringing refreshing crunch to your table. Tangy, light, and packed with bold flavors, you’ll love this quick side dish that elevates any meal with its simple yet exciting Asian-inspired charm.
Ingredients
Vegetables:
- 2 large cucumbers
Seasonings and Spices:
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon chili flakes
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 2 cloves garlic
Liquids and Oils:
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
Garnish:
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
Instructions
- Slice cucumbers and generously coat with salt, allowing moisture to release for 10 minutes at room temperature.
- After 10 minutes, thoroughly drain and gently press cucumbers to remove excess liquid, preventing diluted dressing.
- Whisk together sesame oil, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, minced garlic, and chili flakes in a separate mixing bowl until sugar dissolves completely.
- Pour prepared dressing over drained cucumber slices, ensuring each piece is evenly coated with the vibrant, tangy mixture.
- Sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro and toasted sesame seeds across the salad for added texture and aromatic complexity.
- Refrigerate for 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld and intensify, creating a refreshing and zesty side dish.
Notes
- Drain cucumbers thoroughly to prevent watery salad, using a clean kitchen towel or paper towels to squeeze out maximum moisture.
- Customize heat levels by adjusting chili flakes or using fresh sliced chilies for more intense spiciness.
- Make this salad vegan-friendly by replacing sugar with agave or maple syrup, ensuring clean dietary options.
- Prepare dressing in advance and store in refrigerator for up to 3 days to develop deeper, richer flavor profile.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 101 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 780 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 1.5 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
Natalie Brooks
Co-Founder & Content Strategist
Expertise
Education
eCornell
Natalie brings the vibrant, plant-powered side to Culinary Duo. After earning her Plant-Based Nutrition Certificate from eCornell, she combined her love for fresh ingredients with a passion for storytelling, aiming to make healthy cooking simple and satisfying.
Her kitchen motto: good food doesn’t need a fancy label, it just needs fresh ideas and a little creativity. Outside of writing and recipe testing, Natalie’s happiest in her garden, exploring farmers’ markets, or mixing global flavors into new kitchen experiments.