Name: Asian Cucumber Salad
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 2 cups sliced cucumbers (about 2 medium English cucumbers); 3 tbsp unseasoned rice vinegar; 2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce; 1 tbsp sesame oil; 1 tbsp honey or sugar (to taste); 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds; 2 green onions, chopped; 1/4 tsp chili flakes (optional)

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

If you’re looking for a light and refreshing dish to brighten your table, this Asian Cucumber Salad is just the ticket! It’s one of my go-to recipes because it’s so quick to whip up and bursting with flavor. The crispness of the cucumbers combined with the tangy dressing makes it a delightful addition to any meal, whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue or enjoying a cozy family dinner.

What I love most about this salad is its versatility. It can be served as a side dish, tossed into wraps, or enjoyed on its own as a snack. Plus, it’s perfect for those busy weeknights when you want something fresh but don’t have much time to spare.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: With minimal prep and only a few ingredients, you’ll have this salad ready in no time.
Family-Friendly Flavor: The balance of sweet and savory appeals to both kids and adults alike.
Make-Ahead Magic: It tastes even better after sitting in the fridge for a bit, making it perfect for meal prep or gatherings.
Refreshing and Light: This salad is the ideal way to add some crunch and brightness to your meals without weighing you down.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering these ingredients is super simple! You likely have many of them in your pantry already. They are all wholesome and easy to find, making this recipe stress-free.

2 cups sliced cucumbers (about 2 medium English cucumbers)
3 tbsp unseasoned rice vinegar
2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
1 tbsp sesame oil
1 tbsp honey or sugar (adjust to taste)
1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
2 green onions, chopped
1/4 tsp chili flakes (optional)

Variations

One of the best things about this Asian Cucumber Salad is how flexible it is! Feel free to get creative with what you have on hand or tailor it to your taste.

Add Some Protein: Toss in cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu for a heartier version.
Mix Up the Veggies: Consider adding bell peppers, carrots, or radishes for extra color and crunch.
Change the Sweetness: Experiment with different sweeteners like maple syrup or agave if honey isn’t your thing.
Spice It Up: If you enjoy heat, add more chili flakes or include sliced jalapeños for an extra kick.

How to Make Asian Cucumber Salad

Step 1: Prepare the Cucumbers

Start by washing your cucumbers thoroughly. Then slice them thinly—about 1/8 inch thick—using either a knife or a mandoline. The thinner the slices, the better they soak up that delicious dressing!

Step 2: Make the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together unseasoned rice vinegar, low-sodium soy sauce, honey or sugar, sesame oil, and optional chili flakes until well combined. Tasting at this stage is key; adjust the sweetness if needed so that it suits your palate perfectly.

Step 3: Combine

In a large mixing bowl, add your sliced cucumbers along with chopped green onions. Drizzle that flavorful dressing over everything and toss gently to coat all those lovely veggies. This step ensures every bite is full of flavor!

Step 4: Add Crunch

Just before serving, sprinkle toasted sesame seeds over the top for added texture and nutty flavor. This little touch makes all the difference!

Step 5: Chill

Let your salad sit in the refrigerator for at least 15-20 minutes before serving. This allows all those wonderful flavors to meld together beautifully! Enjoy your Asian Cucumber Salad chilled—it’s refreshing perfection!

Pro Tips for Making Asian Cucumber Salad

Creating the perfect Asian cucumber salad is all about balancing flavors and textures, so here are some tips to help you shine in the kitchen!

Choose Fresh Cucumbers: Opt for firm, unblemished cucumbers for the best crunch. Fresh cucumbers are key to a refreshing salad and will provide that satisfying bite.
Adjust the Sweetness: Taste as you go! Depending on your personal preference and the acidity of your vinegar, you may want to tweak the amount of honey or sugar in the dressing. This will ensure that the salad is perfectly balanced.
Let It Chill: Allowing the salad to sit in the refrigerator for at least 15-20 minutes allows the flavors to meld beautifully. This short marinating time makes a huge difference in taste!
Use Toasted Sesame Seeds: Toasted sesame seeds add an extra layer of flavor and a delightful crunch. You can easily toast them yourself by heating them in a dry skillet over medium heat until golden brown.
Explore Variations: Don’t hesitate to experiment with additional ingredients! Adding shredded carrots or bell peppers can enhance both color and texture, making your salad even more appealing.

How to Serve Asian Cucumber Salad

Serving your Asian cucumber salad beautifully can elevate any meal. Here are some ideas to make it shine on your table!

Garnishes

Chopped Cilantro: Fresh cilantro adds a burst of herbal freshness that complements the tangy flavors of the salad.
Sliced Red Chili: For those who enjoy an extra kick, thinly sliced red chili peppers can be added on top for both heat and visual appeal.

Side Dishes

Grilled Chicken Skewers: Marinated chicken skewers grilled to perfection are a fantastic protein addition that pairs wonderfully with the crispness of the salad.
Steamed Jasmine Rice: A side of fluffy jasmine rice is perfect for soaking up all those delicious dressing flavors, making for a satisfying meal.
Vegetable Spring Rolls: These fresh rolls filled with vegetables and herbs offer a light, crunchy texture that complements the cucumber salad beautifully.
Sesame Noodles: Cold sesame noodles tossed in a sesame sauce create a delightful combination and keep with Asian flavors, making for a harmonious dining experience.

Enjoy this refreshing dish alongside these suggestions, and you’re sure to impress everyone at your table!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Asian cucumber salad is perfect for meal prep! It not only tastes great fresh but also allows the flavors to develop even more when stored. Here are some tips for storing and enjoying this dish later.

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover salad in an airtight container.
Keep it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
If you prefer, you can store the dressing separately to maintain the crunch of the cucumbers.

Freezing

This salad is not suitable for freezing due to the high water content in cucumbers, which can become mushy when thawed.
For best taste and texture, consume it fresh or within a couple of days.

Reheating

There’s no need to reheat this salad; it’s best enjoyed cold!
If you’ve stored it with the dressing, give it a gentle toss before serving.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making this delicious Asian cucumber salad.

Can I make Asian Cucumber Salad in advance?

Absolutely! This salad actually tastes better when allowed to sit for a little while. Just prepare it a few hours ahead of time and let it chill in the fridge to enhance the flavors.

What’s the best way to serve Asian Cucumber Salad?

Serve it chilled as a refreshing side dish at barbecues, picnics, or alongside your favorite main courses. Its lightness complements many dishes wonderfully!

Can I adjust the sweetness in Asian Cucumber Salad?

Yes! You can easily adjust the sweetness by adding more honey or sugar according to your taste preference.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making this vibrant Asian cucumber salad! It’s not just a dish; it’s a delightful celebration of fresh ingredients that can brighten any meal. Whether you’re prepping for a gathering or just treating yourself, this recipe is sure to impress. Enjoy every crunchy bite and feel free to come back and share your experience!