Crisp Asian Cucumber Salad Recipe

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

  • Whip Up Quickly: This cucumber salad comes together in minutes, making it perfect for busy cooks who want a fresh, tasty side dish without spending hours in the kitchen.
  • Boost Nutrition Instantly: Packed with crisp cucumbers and a zesty Asian-inspired dressing, the salad delivers a healthy punch of flavor and nutrients in every bite.
  • Transform Ordinary Meals: This versatile recipe elevates simple dinners, adding a bright, tangy element that complements grilled meats, rice dishes, or stands alone as a refreshing appetizer.
  • Master Simple Techniques: Beginners can easily learn basic culinary skills like salting vegetables, whisking dressings, and balancing flavors with this straightforward recipe.

Ingredients for Crisp Asian Cucumber Salad

Vegetables:
  • Cucumber: A crisp, refreshing vegetable that provides a cool base for the salad.
Dressing Ingredients:
  • Sesame Oil: Adds a rich, nutty flavor to the salad.
  • Soy Sauce: Brings a savory, umami depth to the dressing.
  • Rice Vinegar: Provides a tangy and slightly sweet acidic element.
  • Sugar: Balances the flavors and adds a touch of sweetness.
  • Garlic: Introduces a pungent and aromatic note to the dressing.
  • Chili Flakes: Gives a subtle heat and spicy kick to the salad.
Garnish:
  • Cilantro, Sesame Seeds: Adds fresh herbaceous flavor and a crunchy texture to finish the dish.
  • Salt: Helps draw out moisture from the cucumbers and enhances overall seasoning.

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:
  • Sesame oil
  • Soy sauce
  • Rice vinegar
  • Granulated sugar
  • Minced garlic
  • Red chili flakes

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

  • Sprinkle salt on cucumber slices and let them sit for 10 minutes to remove excess water, ensuring a crisp and not soggy salad texture.
  • Adjust soy sauce, sesame oil, and rice vinegar ratios to create a harmonious sweet, tangy, and savory profile that complements the cucumber.
  • Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld and develop a more robust taste.
  • Add protein like grilled tofu or shredded chicken to transform this side dish into a light, refreshing main course.

Flavor Twists on Asian Cucumber Salad

  • Low-Sodium Asian Cucumber Salad: Replace regular soy sauce with low-sodium soy sauce and reduce salt quantity to create a heart-friendly version.
  • Herb Fusion Cucumber Salad: Swap cilantro with fresh mint or Thai basil for a different aromatic profile and added complexity.
  • Spicy Korean-Style Cucumber Salad: Use gochugaru instead of chili flakes and add gochujang for an authentic Korean heat and depth of flavor.
  • Vegan Protein Boost: Incorporate diced tofu or edamame to add plant-based protein and make the salad more substantial for a complete meal option.

Serving Suggestions for Asian Cucumber Salad

Step-by-Step Guide for Fudge Truffle Preparation
  • Zesty Protein Pairing: Serve alongside grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu for a refreshing and balanced meal that complements the cool cucumber flavors.
  • Picnic Perfect Companion: Pack this salad in mason jars for a portable side dish during summer gatherings, outdoor concerts, or beach trips that stays crisp and delicious.
  • Texture Boost Hack: Sprinkle crushed peanuts or crispy wonton strips on top just before serving to add a delightful crunch and extra layer of texture to the salad.
  • Asian-Inspired Plating: Arrange the cucumber salad in a shallow white bowl with chopsticks on the side, creating an Instagram-worthy presentation that highlights the vibrant green colors and fresh ingredients.

How to Store Asian Cucumber Salad Properly

  • Store leftover cucumber salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep crisp by draining excess liquid before storing.
  • Before serving stored salad, gently drain any accumulated water to maintain the original texture and prevent sogginess.
  • Sprinkle fresh sesame seeds and chopped cilantro just before serving to revive the salad's appearance and flavor.
  • Do not freeze this salad, as cucumbers lose their crisp texture and become watery when thawed.

FAQs

  • Why do I need to salt the cucumbers first?

Salting helps remove excess water, making the cucumbers crispier and preventing the salad from becoming watery.

  • Can I use different types of cucumbers?

English or Persian cucumbers work best because they have fewer seeds and thinner skin, which makes them more tender and crisp.

  • How spicy will this salad be?

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.

  • Is this salad healthy?

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

Crisp Asian Cucumber Salad Recipe


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4.6 from 32 reviews

  • 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

Scale

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

  1. Slice cucumbers and generously coat with salt, allowing moisture to release for 10 minutes at room temperature.
  2. After 10 minutes, thoroughly drain and gently press cucumbers to remove excess liquid, preventing diluted dressing.
  3. Whisk together sesame oil, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, minced garlic, and chili flakes in a separate mixing bowl until sugar dissolves completely.
  4. Pour prepared dressing over drained cucumber slices, ensuring each piece is evenly coated with the vibrant, tangy mixture.
  5. Sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro and toasted sesame seeds across the salad for added texture and aromatic complexity.
  6. 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

Natalie Brooks

Co-Founder & Content Strategist

Expertise

  • Vegan and plant-based recipe creation
  • Meal planning and nutritional analysis
  • Storytelling through blog content, video, and social media

Education

eCornell

  • Program: Plant-Based Nutrition Certificate
  • Focus: Whole-food, plant-based cooking, with a foundation in nutritional science and sustainable eating habits.

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.

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