Easy Asian Cucumber Salad

Craving a vibrant, refreshing side dish that’s both easy to make and bursting with flavor? This Easy Asian Cucumber Salad is your answer! Crisp cucumbers mingle with a tangy, umami-rich dressing, creating a symphony of textures and tastes perfect for any occasion. Inspired by the simplicity of Asian cuisine, this salad is a delightful addition to your culinary repertoire. Let’s dive in and discover its magic!

Why You’ll Love This Easy Asian Cucumber Salad

This salad is a game-changer for several reasons. Get ready to be amazed!

• Quick & Easy: Ready in under 15 minutes – perfect for busy weeknights.
• Refreshing & Light: A cool and crisp complement to any meal.
• Flavorful: A delightful balance of sweet, savory, and tangy.
• Versatile: Pairs perfectly with grilled dishes, rice bowls, or as a standalone snack.
• Budget-Friendly: Uses simple, readily available ingredients.
• Healthy: Packed with vitamins and low in calories.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Always a hit at potlucks and gatherings.
• Easy to Customize: Adjust the spice level and ingredients to your liking.

It’s truly an irresistible and effortless recipe, simple enough even for your first try.

Ingredients Needed for Asian Cucumber Salad

Let’s gather the ingredients for this incredible salad. Remember, fresh ingredients make all the difference!

• 2 cucumbers, thinly sliced (about 500g) – Look for firm, vibrant green cucumbers.
• 1/4 cup (60ml) rice vinegar – Adds a tangy base to the dressing.
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) soy sauce – Provides umami and savory depth.
• 1 tablespoon (15ml) sesame oil – Essential for that nutty Asian flavor.
• 1 tablespoon (12g) sugar – Balances the acidity and adds sweetness.
• 1 teaspoon (2g) grated ginger – Use fresh ginger for the best aroma.
• 1 clove garlic, minced (about 3g) – Adds a pungent kick.
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) – Adjust to your spice preference.
• 2 tablespoons sesame seeds (about 16g) – Adds a nutty crunch and visual appeal.
• 2 green onions, thinly sliced (about 30g) – Provides a fresh, oniony flavor.

For spices, lightly toast sesame seeds in a dry pan over medium heat until fragrant to unlock their flavor.

Essential Equipment List

Having the right tools makes the process smooth and enjoyable.

• Medium bowl: For mixing the dressing and salad.
• Whisk: To blend the dressing ingredients smoothly.
• Knife: For slicing the cucumbers and green onions.
• Cutting board: To protect your countertop while chopping.
• Measuring spoons & cups: For accurate ingredient measurements.

A mandoline slicer can be used to achieve uniformly thin cucumber slices quickly and efficiently.

Recipe Details

• • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Chill Time: 30 minutes

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• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Difficulty: Easy

Scale up this Easy Asian Cucumber Salad for a larger gathering or halve it for a personal treat.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Delicious Cucumber Salad

Follow these simple steps to create a refreshing and flavorful salad. Each step is detailed for perfect results.

Prepare the Dressing

1. In a medium bowl, combine the rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, sugar, grated ginger, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes (if using).
2. Whisk until the sugar is completely dissolved, ensuring a smooth and even dressing. The aroma should be fragrant and inviting.

Combine the Salad

1. Add the thinly sliced cucumbers to the bowl with the dressing.
2. Toss gently to coat the cucumbers evenly. Be careful not to bruise or break the cucumber slices.

Add the Final Touches

1. Sprinkle the sesame seeds and sliced green onions over the cucumber salad.
2. Toss again lightly to distribute the sesame seeds and green onions evenly. This adds texture and flavor to every bite.

Chill and Serve

1. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. For the best flavor, chill for 1-2 hours.
2. Before serving, give the salad a final toss to redistribute the dressing.
3. Serve chilled and enjoy this delightful Easy Asian Cucumber Salad!

CHECK OUT: Easy Cucumber Caprese Salad – A light summer option!

Tips for Success

Here are some expert tips to ensure your salad turns out perfectly every time.

• Thin Slices: Ensure cucumbers are thinly sliced for optimal flavor absorption and texture.
• Fresh Ginger: Use fresh ginger for a more vibrant and aromatic flavor.
• Adjust Sweetness: Taste the dressing and adjust the amount of sugar to your liking.
• Chill Time: Don’t skip the chilling time! It allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
• Toasting Sesame Seeds: Toasting sesame seeds enhances their nutty flavor, adding depth to the salad.

Save time by using pre-grated ginger from the store.

Variations & Substitutions

Customize this recipe to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs.

• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of chili oil for extra heat.
• Sweetener: Substitute honey or maple syrup for sugar.
• Vinegar: Use apple cider vinegar or white vinegar if rice vinegar isn’t available.
• Add Protein: Toss in some grilled tofu or shredded chicken for a complete meal.

For a gluten-free option, ensure your soy sauce is gluten-free.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings with Easy Asian Cucumber Salad

This salad is a versatile side dish that pairs well with a variety of dishes.

• Grilled Meats: Perfect with grilled chicken, beef, or fish.
• Rice Bowls: Add it to your favorite rice bowl for a refreshing crunch.
• Noodle Dishes: Complements noodle dishes like ramen or stir-fries.
• Appetizer: Serve it as a light and refreshing appetizer.

A chilled glass of green tea pairs perfectly with the light and refreshing flavors of this salad.

Health Benefits

This Easy Asian Cucumber Salad is not only delicious but also packed with health benefits.

• Cucumbers: Hydrating and low in calories, plus a good source of vitamin K.
• Ginger: Known for its anti-inflammatory properties and digestive benefits.
• Sesame Seeds: Rich in minerals like calcium, iron, and magnesium.

This salad is a low-fat, low-calorie option that supports a healthy lifestyle.

Storage & Reheating

Proper storage ensures your salad stays fresh and delicious.

• Storage: Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Not recommended for reheating. Best served cold.
• Freezing: Freezing is not recommended as it will affect the texture of the cucumbers.

Cool the salad completely before sealing to prevent condensation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions and answers to help you perfect this recipe.

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can! In fact, chilling it for at least 30 minutes enhances the flavor. Just don’t let it sit for more than a few hours, or the cucumbers might get soggy.

How do I prevent the cucumbers from getting watery?

Slice the cucumbers right before assembling the salad and avoid adding too much dressing. You can also salt the cucumber slices and let them sit for 10-15 minutes to draw out excess moisture before rinsing and drying them.

Can I use a different type of vinegar?

While rice vinegar is preferred for its mild sweetness, you can substitute apple cider vinegar or white vinegar in a pinch. Use a little less, as they are more acidic.

Is this salad spicy?

The recipe includes a pinch of red pepper flakes, but it’s optional. Adjust the amount to your spice preference or omit it altogether for a milder salad.

Can I add other vegetables?

Absolutely! Thinly sliced carrots, bell peppers, or radishes would be great additions. Just keep the cucumber as the star of the show!

Nutritional Information

• Serving Size: Approximately 1 cup
• Calories: 85
• Total Fat: 6g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Cholesterol: 0mg
• Sodium: 290mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 7g
• Dietary Fiber: 1g
• Sugars: 5g
• Protein: 2g

Exact stats need a nutrition calculator.

More Delicious Dishes to Explore

Craving more refreshing and flavorful recipes? Dive into these culinary gems!

• Easy Cucumber Caprese Salad – A light and refreshing summer delight!
• Thai Chicken Salad – A savory and vibrant option.
• Mediterranean Chickpea Feta Salad – Bursting with fresh, vibrant flavors!

Conclusion

This Easy Asian Cucumber Salad is fast, flavorful, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. The perfect blend of sweet, tangy, and savory makes it an irresistible addition to any meal.

Share this recipe with your friends and family who would love it! Join our vibrant community on Facebook and Pinterest for daily recipe inspiration, cooking tips, and more tasty ideas! Happy cooking!

Easy Asian Cucumber Salad

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• Author: Mery
• Total Time: 45 mins
• Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegan

Print Recipe

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Description

Light, vibrant, and delicious salad with fresh flavors and simple ingredients.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 medium cucumbers, peeled and diced
• 2 medium tomatoes, diced
• 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine the diced cucumbers, diced tomatoes, and thinly sliced red onion.
2. Add the chopped fresh parsley and fresh mint to the bowl.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
4. Pour the dressing over the cucumber and tomato mixture.
5. Gently toss everything together until well combined.
6. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
7. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together (optional).
8. Before serving, give the salad another gentle toss.
9. Serve chilled and enjoy!

Notes

• Best Served: Chilled
• Tip: Add feta or mozzarella for extra flavor.

• Prep Time: 15 mins
• Cook Time: 0 mins
• Category: Salad
• Method: Mixing
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 150 cal
• Sugar: 7 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 15 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg

Keywords: cucumber tomato salad, fresh salad, healthy salad, summer salad, vegan salad