This refreshing Asian cucumber salad is a perfect treat for summer! Crunchy cucumbers, fresh herbs, and a zingy dressing come together for a light and tasty side dish.
You can whip it up in no time, and it’s a great way to cool off. I love serving it with grilled meats—trust me, it lightens up any meal! 🥒✨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cucumbers: I love using English cucumbers because they have fewer seeds and a thinner skin. Persian cucumbers are another great option. If you can’t find these, regular cucumbers will work too! Just remember to peel them if the skin is tough.
Rice Vinegar: This vinegar gives a subtle sweetness. If you don’t have it, try using apple cider vinegar or white vinegar. Just keep in mind that apple cider vinegar has a stronger flavor, so use a little less.
Sesame Oil: For a rich, nutty flavor, toasted sesame oil is the way to go! If you don’t have it, any light vegetable oil can substitute, but you’ll miss that cozy sesame flavor.
Sugar: I usually use sugar for its quick dissolving power in the dressing. If you’re looking for a healthier option, honey or agave syrup can be used instead! Just start with a little less, then adjust to taste.
How Do You Properly Prepare Cucumbers for Salad?
Getting cucumbers prepped right is key for the perfect salad. Start by slicing them thinly; this helps them soak up the dressing better. Salting them removes excess moisture, ensuring your salad doesn’t get watery. Follow these steps:
- Slice cucumbers and place in a colander. Sprinkle salt and toss to coat.
- Let them sit for 15-20 minutes, then gently squeeze out excess liquid.
- Pat them dry with paper towels before mixing with the dressing. This keeps the salad crisp!
Easy Asian Cucumber Salad Recipe for Summer
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 2 large cucumbers (English or Persian), thinly sliced
- 1 teaspoon salt
For the Dressing:
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon sugar (or honey)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1-2 teaspoons red chili flakes (optional, for heat)
For Garnish:
- 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- Fresh cilantro or mint leaves for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious salad takes about 20 minutes to prepare. You’ll spend roughly 15-20 minutes drawing out the liquid from the cucumbers and another few minutes mixing the dressing and assembling everything. You should chill it for at least 15 minutes to let the flavors blend, making it a quick and refreshing dish for hot summer days!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Cucumbers:
Start by placing the thinly sliced cucumbers in a colander. Sprinkle the salt over them and toss gently. Let them sit for about 15-20 minutes. This will draw out excess water, preventing your salad from becoming watery. After they’ve rested, gently squeeze the cucumbers to remove more liquid and pat them dry with paper towels.
2. Whisk the Dressing:
In a small bowl, combine the rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, sugar (or honey), minced garlic, grated ginger, and red chili flakes (if you want a bit of heat). Whisk these ingredients together until the sugar is completely dissolved and you have a nice, flavorful dressing.
3. Combine Everything:
In a large mixing bowl, add the prepared cucumbers, the dressing you just made, the sliced green onions, and the toasted sesame seeds. Toss everything together well so that all the cucumber slices are coated evenly in the dressing.
4. Garnish and Chill:
If desired, toss in some fresh cilantro or mint leaves for a lovely herbaceous touch. Then, cover the salad and place it in the refrigerator to chill for at least 15 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Once chilled, serve the salad cold as a refreshing side dish alongside grilled meats, seafood, or rice dishes. Enjoy your crisp, tangy, and lightly spicy Asian cucumber salad on warm summer days!
FAQ for Easy Asian Cucumber Salad
Can I Use Different Types of Cucumbers?
Absolutely! While English and Persian cucumbers are ideal for their taste and texture, you can use regular cucumbers if that’s what you have. Just peel them if the skin is tough.
Can I Make This Salad Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the salad a few hours in advance. However, it’s best to wait to add the garnish until just before serving to keep the herbs fresh and vibrant.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The salad may release more liquid over time, so give it a quick stir before serving.
What if I Don’t Like Spicy Food?
No problem! Simply omit the red chili flakes from the recipe. The salad will still be delicious and refreshing without the heat.
