Name: Asian Cucumber Salad Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 5 pcs cucumbers; 3 tsp granulated white sugar; 2 tsp sesame seeds; 1 tsp garlic, crushed; 2 to 3 tbsp green onion, chopped; 1 ½ tbsp soy sauce; 3 tsp rice vinegar; 3 tsp Chinese chili oil; 1 tsp sesame oil; 3 tsp salt

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There’s something undeniably refreshing about a crunchy, cool salad that hits all the right notes of sweet, spicy, salty, and tangy. This Asian Cucumber Salad is my absolute go-to when I want something light yet full of bold flavors—the kind of dish that disappears in minutes at gatherings and has everyone asking for the recipe. From the beautiful spiral-cut cucumbers to the zippy marinade, every bite delivers crunch and punch, making it a celebration of simple ingredients artfully combined.

Asian Cucumber Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity—each ingredient in Asian Cucumber Salad shines for a reason. They work together to deliver irresistible flavors, unique textures, and appealing color. Gather these essentials, and you’re halfway to salad perfection!

5 pcs cucumbers: Crisp, juicy, and the heart of the salad—choose thin-skinned varieties like Persian or English for the best texture and minimal seeds.
3 tsp granulated white sugar: Adds just a hint of sweetness to balance the acidity and spice—don’t skip this tiny but crucial touch.
2 tsp sesame seeds: For a pop of nuttiness and a bit of crunch; toasting them first makes the flavor even more pronounced.
1 tsp garlic, crushed: Infuses the salad with aromatic bite—freshly crushed garlic beats pre-minced every time.
2 to 3 tbsp green onion, chopped: Brings freshness and a lovely splash of green; use both the white and green parts for color and flavor depth.
1 ½ tbsp soy sauce: Salty, savory goodness—low-sodium soy sauce works great if you’re watching your salt intake.
3 tsp rice vinegar: Provides tart brightness that elevates every ingredient—unseasoned rice vinegar is best here.
3 tsp Chinese chili oil: Delivers heat, aroma, and shimmering color; use more or less to match your spice preference.
1 tsp sesame oil: Just a drizzle adds deep, toasty richness—it’s a powerhouse for flavor, so go easy!
3 tsp salt: Essential for drawing excess moisture from the cucumbers and seasoning them perfectly.

How to Make Asian Cucumber Salad

Step 1: Gather and Prep All Ingredients

First things first: gather everything you’ll need for this Asian Cucumber Salad, from the fresh cucumbers and green onions to all the seasonings. Having your ingredients ready makes the process quick and seamless, ensuring each step comes together effortlessly.

Step 2: Mix the Flavor Base

In a roomy bowl, combine the sugar, sesame seeds, crushed garlic, and chopped green onion. By mixing them together now, you allow the sugar to start dissolving and the garlic to infuse its wonderful aroma into the mix. This will be the backbone of the salad’s flavor.

Step 3: Add the Sauces and Oils

Stir in the soy sauce, rice vinegar, chili oil, and a touch of sesame oil. This combination creates a marinade that’s the very soul of this Asian Cucumber Salad—savory, spicy, sweet, tangy, and just a bit nutty. Set aside and let those flavors meld for a minute or two.

Step 4: Slice the Cucumbers into Spirals

Trim off both ends of each cucumber. Then, here’s where the magic happens: position each cucumber between a pair of chopsticks. Slice diagonal cuts all along the length, but don’t go all the way through—you want the chopsticks to stop your knife. Flip the cucumber over to the smooth side and slice again, this time making perpendicular cuts. You’ll end up with fun, twirly spirals that catch the marinade beautifully and make each bite extra special.

Step 5: Salt and Massage the Cucumbers

Transfer your cucumber spirals into a large bowl and sprinkle them generously with salt. Gently massage the salt onto the surface of the cucumbers—it’s not just for flavor! This technique draws out excess water, enhancing the cucumbers’ crunch and helping the marinade cling to every nook and cranny. Set aside for 8 to 10 minutes.

Step 6: Rinse and Dry

After salting, rinse the cucumbers with cold water to remove the excess salt. This quick rinse keeps the salad from getting too salty while locking in that addictive crunch. If you like, dry them gently with paper towels before moving on.

Step 7: Dress and Toss

Pour the prepared marinade over the cucumbers—in the bowl or arrange the spirals on a serving plate, then drizzle the dressing on top. Toss gently until every cucumber spiral glistens with that delicious sauce. That’s it—your Asian Cucumber Salad is ready to be enjoyed!

How to Serve Asian Cucumber Salad

Garnishes

Sprinkle a few extra sesame seeds and chopped green onions right on top just before serving. If you’re feeling fancy, add chopped cilantro or a few red chili slices for color and heat—garnishes turn this salad into a vibrant showpiece.

Side Dishes

This salad makes a perfect companion to grilled meats, sticky rice, or sweet-glazed tofu. Its lively flavors are a refreshing palate cleanser alongside spicy stir-fries and heavier main dishes, making Asian Cucumber Salad truly versatile at any table.

Creative Ways to Present

To wow guests, stack the cucumber spirals in a high mound on a shallow platter, letting the dressing pool around them. Serve individual portions in glass jars or line up the spiraled cucumbers on skewers for a grab-and-go party version—no one can resist such a fun presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any salad left, keep it in an airtight container in the fridge. The flavors actually deepen as the cucumbers marinate longer, though the salad will get a bit softer over time. It’s still delicious for up to two days—just give it a toss before serving.

Freezing

Asian Cucumber Salad is best enjoyed fresh, as cucumbers don’t freeze well; they tend to thaw out soggy and watery. If you want to prep ahead, stick with making the marinade in advance and slice cucumbers just before serving.

Reheating

This salad isn’t meant for reheating, and it’s truly at its best chilled. Serve it straight from the fridge for maximum crispness and refreshing flavor—if you want to revive the seasoning a little, a last-minute splash of vinegar or chili oil does the trick.

FAQs

Can I use regular cucumbers instead of Persian or English cucumbers?

Absolutely! Just peel regular cucumbers and scoop out excess seeds if they’re large. This keeps the texture crunchy and avoids excess wateriness in your Asian Cucumber Salad.

Is it possible to make Asian Cucumber Salad less spicy?

Yes! Simply reduce the amount of Chinese chili oil or leave it out entirely—the rest of the dressing is so flavorful, you’ll still have a tasty, vibrant salad without the heat.

Do I have to spiral the cucumbers, or can I slice them normally?

If you’re short on time, go ahead and slice the cucumbers into thin rounds or batons. The spiral cut is fun and helps soak up more dressing, but the salad’s signature taste shines either way.

How far in advance can I make Asian Cucumber Salad?

You can make it up to a few hours ahead. The salad benefits from a short marinating time, but any longer and the cucumbers may start to soften too much. For potlucks or parties, toss everything together right before serving for the best crunch.

What can I do if my cucumbers are too watery?

Letting the cucumbers sit with salt (and then rinsing them) is key for removing excess moisture. If they’re still wet, pat them dry with paper towels before dressing to keep your Asian Cucumber Salad crisp and vibrant.

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you’ll try this irresistible Asian Cucumber Salad and make it a staple in your kitchen, just as it’s become in mine. Whether for a refreshing lunch, a crowd-pleasing side, or a light snack, it’s endlessly adaptable and bursting with flavor in every bite. Give it a go—you’re in for a treat!

Asian Cucumber Salad Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 13 reviews

Author: Jack
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

A refreshing and flavorful Asian Cucumber Salad recipe that combines crisp cucumbers with a savory, tangy marinade for a perfect side dish or light meal.

Instructions

Gather all the ingredients for the Asian cucumber salad.

Mix sugar, sesame seeds, crushed garlic, and chopped green onion in a bowl.

Stir in the soy sauce, rice vinegar, chili oil, and sesame oil. Set aside.
Cut both ends of each cucumber. Place the cucumber between a pair of chopsticks to hold it in place and prevent the knife from slicing all the way through.
To achieve the spiral shape, make diagonal cuts down the length of the cucumber. Then, flip it over with the smooth side facing you and create perpendicular cuts. Repeat on all the cucumbers.
Place the cucumber spirals in a bowl and sprinkle them with salt. Massage the salt onto the cucumbers and let them sit for 8 to 10 minutes.
Rinse the cucumbers with cold water.
Pour the Asian marinade over the cucumbers and mix until evenly coated. Enjoy!

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Category: Salad
Method: Mixing
Cuisine: Asian