This Easy Asian Cucumber Salad is super refreshing and packed with fresh flavors! Crisp cucumbers mingle with a zesty dressing made from soy sauce, vinegar, and sesame oil—yum!
You won’t believe how quickly this salad comes together. Perfect for a light lunch or a crunchy side at dinner. I often snack on it straight from the bowl—no judgment, right? 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cucumbers: English or Persian cucumbers are best for their crisp texture and thin skin. If you can’t find them, regular cucumbers will work too; just peel them for a smoother bite.
Rice Vinegar: This adds a gentle tang. If you don’t have it, white vinegar or apple cider vinegar can be used. Just note that these are more acidic, so use a little less.
Soy Sauce: Regular soy sauce provides the umami factor. For a gluten-free option, try tamari. A low-sodium variety works well if you’re watching your salt intake.
Sesame Oil: This oil gives the salad a lovely nutty flavor. If you’re out of it, a light olive oil can be a substitute, although it will change the flavor slightly.
Sugar or Honey: Either sweetener helps balance the flavors. If you want to cut back on sugar, use a sugar substitute or leave it out completely—it’ll still taste great!
How Do I Make Sure My Cucumbers Stay Crispy?
One important step is salting the cucumbers to remove their excess water. This prevents the salad from getting soggy. Here’s how to do it:
- After slicing, sprinkle salt over the cucumbers and toss to coat.
- Allow them to sit in a colander for 15-20 minutes. This will help to draw out moisture.
- Gently squeeze the cucumbers to remove any remaining water and pat them dry with paper towels.
This simple technique ensures your salad stays fresh and crunchy, making each bite delicious!
Easy Asian Cucumber Salad with Fresh Flavors
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 large cucumbers (English or Persian cucumbers work well)
- 2 teaspoons salt (for salting the cucumbers)
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon sugar or honey
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 small red chili, thinly sliced (optional, for a little heat)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro or green onions
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious salad takes about 30 minutes to prepare, with 20 minutes of that time dedicated to allowing the cucumbers to drain. The rest is pretty quick—you’ll be mixing up that tasty dressing and tossing everything together in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Cucumbers:
Start by thinly slicing the cucumbers and placing them in a colander. Sprinkle the salt over the slices and toss gently to coat. Let them sit for about 15-20 minutes. This process draws out excess water, keeping your salad crunchy. After that, gently squeeze the cucumbers to remove any extra moisture and pat them dry with paper towels.
2. Make the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, sugar (or honey), minced garlic, and grated ginger. Keep whisking until the sugar dissolves completely. This dressing will give your salad an amazing flavor!
3. Combine Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained cucumbers, dressing, and sliced red chili (if you’re using it). Toss everything together thoroughly until the cucumbers are well-coated with the dressing.
4. Add Fresh Herbs:
Next, toss in the chopped fresh cilantro or green onions. Give the salad another mix to incorporate these fresh herbs, adding a pop of flavor.
5. Chill and Serve:
Let the salad chill in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes. This resting time allows all those wonderful flavors to meld together. When you’re ready to serve, sprinkle toasted sesame seeds on top for an extra crunchy finish.
Enjoy this crisp and flavorful salad as a refreshing side to your favorite Asian dishes or as a light snack!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Different Types of Cucumber?
Absolutely! English and Persian cucumbers are best due to their thin skin and crunch. If you only have regular cucumbers, just peel them before slicing to avoid a bitter taste.
How Long Can I Store Leftover Salad?
This salad is best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Keep in mind that the cucumbers may release more moisture over time, so it might be a bit watery.
What Can I Substitute for Rice Vinegar?
If you don’t have rice vinegar on hand, you can use white vinegar or apple cider vinegar. Just remember to use slightly less, as these vinegars are more acidic than rice vinegar.
Can I Make This Salad Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the salad a few hours in advance! Just keep it in the fridge after making and add the sesame seeds right before serving to maintain their crunch.
