Asian Cucumber Salad

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by Sarah Connor

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The sun is shining, and you can almost hear the cucumbers singing a refreshing tune. Picture this: crisp, cool cucumber slices tossed in a zingy dressing that dances across your palate, leaving you craving more. vibrant spring salad That’s the magic of this Easy Asian Cucumber Salad. It’s not just a salad; it’s a celebration of fresh flavors and vibrant colors that brighten any meal or occasion.

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As you dive into this delightful dish, memories come flooding back of summer picnics where laughter mingles with the tangy aroma of sesame oil and rice vinegar. Whether you’re prepping for a backyard barbecue or just looking to jazz up a weeknight dinner, this salad promises to be the star of the show. Get ready for an explosion of taste that will leave you saying, “Why didn’t I make this sooner?”

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • This Easy Asian Cucumber Salad takes minutes to prepare, making it perfect for busy weekdays or spontaneous gatherings
  • Bursting with refreshing flavors from cucumber and tangy dressing, each bite offers a delightful crunch
  • Its vibrant colors make it not just delicious but also a stunning addition to any table
  • Plus, it’s versatile enough to complement any main dish or stand alone as a light snack!

Sometimes my family thinks they’re food critics after one taste of this salad. They rave about its freshness and even argue over who gets the last spoonful—an absolute win in my book!

Recipe preparation

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish: delicious Korean BBQ meatballs.

  • Cucumbers: Use firm cucumbers; English cucumbers are great as they have fewer seeds and thicker skin.

  • Rice Vinegar: This adds a subtle sweetness; choose unseasoned for better control over flavors.

  • Soy Sauce: Opt for low-sodium soy sauce so you can enjoy the flavor without overwhelming saltiness.

  • Sesame Oil: A little goes a long way; it adds richness and nutty undertones.

  • Sugar: Regular granulated sugar balances out the acidity beautifully; feel free to use honey for an alternative sweetness.

  • Sliced Green Onions: Fresh green onions give a nice crunch and vibrant color; chop them finely for better distribution.

  • Sesame Seeds: Toasted seeds provide extra flavor and texture; sprinkle generously on top before serving. savory smoked salmon toast.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Prepare Your Cucumbers: Start by washing your cucumbers thoroughly under cool water. Slice them thinly using either a sharp knife or mandoline for consistent cuts that enhance the texture.

Create the Dressing: In a bowl, whisk together rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, and sugar until well combined. The mixture should smell tangy and enticing as it comes together.

Toss Everything Together: In a large bowl, combine sliced cucumbers with chopped green onions. Drizzle your dressing over them while tossing gently to ensure every piece is coated evenly.

Add Final Touches: Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds over the salad for added crunch and flavor. Give everything one last gentle toss to distribute those seeds beautifully throughout.

Chill Before Serving: Let your salad chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld together. When you’re ready to serve, enjoy that fresh burst of flavor!

This Easy Asian Cucumber Salad is not only simple but also offers an incredible balance of flavors—perfect for any occasion! For more inspiration, check out this Panda Express Orange Chicken recipe.

You Must Know

  • This Easy Asian Cucumber Salad is refreshing and versatile, perfect as a side dish or snack
  • The vibrant flavors and crisp textures will elevate any meal
  • Enjoy its delightful crunch while knowing it’s super easy to whip up in minutes!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by slicing cucumbers thinly for maximum crunch. Combine them with the dressing ingredients while letting flavors meld. Toss everything together just before serving for the freshest taste.

Serving and storing

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out sesame oil for olive oil or add chili flakes for a spicy kick. tasty peanut butter chicken You can also throw in chopped peanuts for an extra crunch.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. Avoid reheating; this salad is best served cold and crisp.

Chef's Helpful Tips

  • Use English cucumbers for less seeding and more crunch
  • Make sure to salt cucumbers beforehand to draw out excess moisture
  • Experiment with different vinegars like rice or apple cider for varied flavors

My friends always rave about this salad at summer picnics, claiming it steals the show with its brightness and flavor!

FAQs

FAQ

Can I make Easy Asian Cucumber Salad ahead of time?

Yes, prepare it a few hours ahead but add dressing just before serving.

What can I substitute if I’m out of rice vinegar?

You can use white vinegar or apple cider vinegar as alternatives.

How do I keep my cucumbers crunchy?

Salting cucumbers before mixing helps maintain their crispiness by removing excess water.

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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Easy Asian Cucumber Salad


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  • Author: Jennifer
  • Total Time: 10 minutes
  • Yield: Serves 4

Description

Easy Asian Cucumber Salad is a vibrant, refreshing dish perfect for summer gatherings or weeknight dinners. Crisp cucumber slices are tossed in a tangy dressing made with rice vinegar, soy sauce, and sesame oil, creating a delightful crunch that complements any meal. This salad is not just quick to prepare but also visually stunning, making it a guaranteed favorite at picnics and parties. Enjoy this light and zesty salad that brings a taste of the East to your table!


Ingredients

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  • 2 medium English cucumbers (sliced thin)
  • 3 tbsp rice vinegar (unseasoned)
  • 2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp sesame oil
  • 1 tsp granulated sugar
  • 2 green onions (sliced)
  • 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds

Instructions

  1. Wash and thinly slice cucumbers using a sharp knife or mandoline.
  2. In a bowl, whisk together rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, and sugar until well combined.
  3. In a large bowl, mix sliced cucumbers and green onions. Drizzle dressing over them and toss gently.
  4. Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds on top and give one last toss.
  5. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving for the best flavor.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Salad
  • Method: No cooking required
  • Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup (150g)
  • Calories: 80
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 380mg
  • Fat: 4g
  • Saturated Fat: 0.5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 10g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 2g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg

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