Easy Asian cucumber salad with fresh vegetables and sesame dressing

Easy Asian Cucumber Salad

BySavannah Brooks
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Why Make This Recipe

If you’re looking for a refreshing and healthy dish, Easy Asian Cucumber Salad is a perfect choice. It’s not only quick to prepare, but it’s also flavorful and light. This salad is a great way to enjoy fresh cucumbers paired with delicious Asian flavors. It works as a perfect side dish for grilled meats or can be enjoyed on its own as a snack.

How to Make Easy Asian Cucumber Salad

Making this cucumber salad is simple and requires just a few steps. You’ll be amazed at how quick and easy it is to whip up this zesty side dish. Let’s dive into the ingredients and the straightforward directions.

Ingredients:

  • 5 Persian cucumbers
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tbsp sesame oil
  • 3/4 tbsp light soy sauce
  • 1/2-1 tbsp sugar (see notes)
  • 3/4 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1 tbsp chili oil
  • 1/2 tbsp sesame seeds
  • 1/2 tbsp garlic (minced, optional)

Directions:

  1. Rinse and slice one end of the cucumber at an angle.
  2. Continue slicing the cucumber at an angle. Aim for oval shapes rather than round ones. The thickness is up to your preference.
  3. Place the sliced cucumbers in a bowl or container and sprinkle with 1/2 tsp of salt.
  4. Mix well and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes to draw out excess water.
  5. After 20 minutes, drain the water and give the cucumbers a quick rinse for about 10 seconds before returning them to the bowl or container.
  6. Add sesame oil, light soy sauce, sugar, rice vinegar, chili oil, sesame seeds, and garlic (if using).
  7. Stir until everything is well combined and then serve. Enjoy!

How to Serve Easy Asian Cucumber Salad

This salad is best served cold. You can place it in a nice bowl and enjoy it as a side dish or a light snack. It pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, tofu, or any Asian-inspired meal. Garnishing with a few extra sesame seeds can add a nice touch!

How to Store Easy Asian Cucumber Salad

You can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best consumed within 1-2 days for optimal freshness. The cucumbers may release more water over time, so just give it a quick stir before serving again.

Tips to Make Easy Asian Cucumber Salad

  • Adjust the sugar based on your taste. If you prefer it sweeter, add more sugar.
  • If you like a bit more heat, increase the amount of chili oil.
  • For added crunch, consider including other vegetables like carrots or bell peppers.

Variation

Feel free to customize the salad by adding other ingredients such as sliced radishes or bell peppers for extra crunch and color. You can also use different types of cucumbers if available, though Persian cucumbers are recommended for their crisp texture.

FAQs

1. Can I use other types of cucumbers?
Yes, you can use English cucumbers or regular cucumbers, but make sure to peel them if they have thick skin.

2. Is this salad vegan?
Yes, this Easy Asian Cucumber Salad is vegan as it contains no animal products.

3. How can I make this salad spicier?
Increase the amount of chili oil or add some sliced fresh chili peppers for an extra kick!

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Easy Asian Cucumber Salad

  • Author: admin
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Diet: Vegan
Print Recipe

Description

A refreshing and healthy cucumber salad with delicious Asian flavors, perfect as a side dish or light snack.

Ingredients

  • 5 Persian cucumbers
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tbsp sesame oil
  • 3/4 tbsp light soy sauce
  • 1/2-1 tbsp sugar
  • 3/4 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1 tbsp chili oil
  • 1/2 tbsp sesame seeds
  • 1/2 tbsp garlic (minced, optional)

Instructions

  1. Rinse and slice one end of the cucumber at an angle.
  2. Continue slicing the cucumber at an angle for oval shapes.
  3. Place the sliced cucumbers in a bowl and sprinkle with salt.
  4. Mix well and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes.
  5. After 20 minutes, drain the water and rinse the cucumbers briefly.
  6. Add sesame oil, light soy sauce, sugar, rice vinegar, chili oil, sesame seeds, and garlic.
  7. Stir until everything is well combined and serve chilled.

Notes

Adjust sugar and chili oil to taste. Can add other vegetables for extra flavor and crunch.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Salad
  • Method: Mixing
  • Cuisine: Asian

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Hi, I’m Savannah Brooks, 35 years old, born in Charleston, South Carolina, and now living in Seattle, Washington. My kitchen is small but full of life shelves stacked with spices from all over the world, a sourdough starter that feels like part of the family, and usually a pot bubbling away with something hearty and comforting.

Food has always been the center of my world. Growing up in Charleston, I was surrounded by Southern cooking shrimp and grits, okra stews, biscuits that could melt in your mouth. My grandmother was the first person who showed me that recipes are more than instructions they’re stories passed from one hand to another. I still keep her stained recipe cards in a box, though I’ve long since memorized every one.

My path wasn’t traditional. I studied journalism first, thinking I’d write stories for a living. And I do but now I write them on the plate. After years of working late nights in small cafés, catering weddings, and even running a food truck, I found my true rhythm in cooking that bridges my Southern roots with global inspiration. These days, you’ll find me folding lemongrass into chicken soup, adding harissa to cornbread batter, or topping fried green tomatoes with a touch of miso.

I don’t believe cooking is about perfection it’s about connection. My kitchen is a place for experiments, happy accidents, and plenty of laughter. I’ve burned cookies, curdled sauces, and dropped more than one cake. But every mistake taught me something, and every shared meal reminded me why I love this work.

I cook for people who want food that feels like home but isn’t afraid to wander a little. My hope is that when someone takes a bite of my food, they feel cared for, seen, and maybe a little inspired to try something new in their own kitchen.

So, welcome to my world where Southern comfort meets global curiosity, and every dish tells a story.

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