Oh my goodness, let me tell you about this *Asian cucumber salad*! It’s the perfect dish for those hot summer days when you just want something light and refreshing. I remember making this with my family during our picnics in the park—it always brought smiles and happy bellies! The crunch of the cucumbers paired with that tangy dressing is just out of this world. Plus, it takes no time at all to whip up, making it a go-to recipe for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be hooked!
Ingredients for Asian Cucumber Salad
- 2 large cucumbers, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 2 green onions, sliced
How to Prepare Asian Cucumber Salad
Alright, let’s get into the fun part—making this delicious Asian cucumber salad! It’s super simple, and I promise you’ll be amazed at how quickly it comes together. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a refreshing salad in no time!
Step 1: Prepare the Cucumbers
First things first, grab those cucumbers! Give them a good wash under cold water to get rid of any dirt. Then, slice them thinly—aim for about 1/8 inch thick. This helps them soak up that tasty dressing beautifully!
Step 2: Make the Dressing
In a medium bowl, combine the rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, sugar, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes. Whisk it all together until the sugar dissolves and everything’s well mixed. This dressing is where the magic happens, so don’t skip this step!
Step 3: Combine and Toss
Now, add those cucumber slices into the bowl with the dressing. Toss gently but thoroughly until every slice is coated. You want that tangy goodness to hug every cucumber piece!
Step 4: Let It Rest
Here’s a crucial tip: let the salad sit for about 15 minutes. This allows the cucumbers to soak up the flavors. If you want an extra refreshing kick, pop it in the fridge for a bit!
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Finally, before serving, sprinkle some sesame seeds and sliced green onions on top. This little touch adds a lovely crunch and a pop of color. And voilà! Your Asian cucumber salad is ready to impress!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It comes together in just 15 minutes, making it a fantastic option for busy days!
- The refreshing taste of crunchy cucumbers combined with a tangy dressing is simply irresistible.
- At only 80 calories per serving, it’s a guilt-free addition to any meal.
- Being vegan-friendly means everyone can enjoy it, no matter their dietary preferences.
- It’s a versatile dish that pairs beautifully with grilled meats or can stand alone as a light lunch.
- The vibrant colors and textures make it a feast for the eyes as well as the palate.
- It’s a great way to use up any extra cucumbers you have lying around, so no food waste!
Tips for Success
Want to make your Asian cucumber salad even more delightful? I’ve got some pro tips just for you! First off, if you prefer a sweeter salad, feel free to adjust the sugar to your taste. A little extra can go a long way in balancing the tanginess of the dressing!
Also, consider chilling the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving. This not only enhances the flavors but makes it super refreshing, especially on a hot day! If you’re in a hurry, even 15 minutes will do the trick.
Another fun twist is to add a splash of lime juice for a zesty kick or toss in some diced bell peppers for an extra crunch and color. And if you want to spice things up, try adding sliced chili peppers for some heat!
Lastly, remember to mix everything thoroughly! You want every cucumber slice to be coated in that delicious dressing. Trust me, it makes a world of difference!
Nutritional Information Disclaimer
Just a quick note, friends! The nutritional information provided for this Asian cucumber salad can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you choose to use. While I strive to offer accurate estimates, precise nutritional values aren’t guaranteed. So, if you’re tracking your intake closely, it might be a good idea to double-check based on your own ingredients. Happy cooking and enjoy every crunchy bite!
FAQ About Asian Cucumber Salad
Can I use different types of cucumbers?
Absolutely! While I love the crunch of English cucumbers, you can use regular cucumbers or even Persian cucumbers. Just make sure to peel them if the skin is tough.
What if I don’t have rice vinegar?
No worries! You can substitute with apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar. Just keep in mind that it might alter the flavor slightly, but it’ll still be tasty!
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes! This salad is perfect for making in advance. Just keep it in the fridge for a few hours or up to a day. Just be sure to give it a good toss before serving to redistribute the dressing!
How can I add some protein to this salad?
If you want to make this a complete meal, consider adding some cooked chickpeas or shredded tofu. They’ll blend beautifully with the flavors and keep it vegan-friendly!
What other vegetables can I include?
Feel free to get creative! Bell peppers, carrots, or even some thinly sliced radishes would be fabulous additions. Just slice them thinly to keep that crunchy texture!
Is this salad good for meal prep?
Definitely! Just remember that the cucumbers will release some water as they sit, so I recommend keeping the dressing separate until you’re ready to eat if you’re prepping for the week. This will help maintain that crispness!
Can I use a store-bought dressing?
Sure! If you’re in a pinch, a store-bought Asian dressing can work, but I highly recommend trying the homemade one. It’s so quick to make and really amps up the fresh flavor!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your leftover Asian cucumber salad is super easy! Just transfer it to an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. It’ll stay fresh for about 2 to 3 days, but trust me, it’s best enjoyed within the first day or two for that crisp texture!
If you find that the cucumbers have released some water after sitting, don’t worry! Just give it a good toss before serving to mix everything back together. And here’s a little tip: if you want to enjoy it later, you might consider storing the dressing separately. This way, the cucumbers will stay crisp, and you can add the dressing just before you dig in!
Oh, and do keep in mind that this salad is meant to be served cold, so there’s no reheating necessary—just grab a fork and enjoy that refreshing crunch straight from the fridge!
For more information on the health benefits of cucumbers, check out this Healthline article.
If you’re looking for more delicious salad recipes, visit our salad category for inspiration!
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Asian Cucumber Salad: 5 Reasons You’ll Love This Fresh Delight
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
A refreshing Asian cucumber salad that combines crunchy cucumbers with a tangy dressing.
Ingredients
- 2 large cucumbers
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 2 green onions, sliced
Instructions
- Wash and slice the cucumbers thinly.
- In a bowl, mix rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, sugar, ginger, and red pepper flakes.
- Add cucumber slices to the bowl and toss to coat.
- Let the salad sit for 15 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions before serving.
Notes
- Adjust the sugar for desired sweetness.
- Chill the salad for a refreshing taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 80
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: asian cucumber salad, cucumber salad, refreshing salad
