Let me tell you, this *best Asian cucumber salad* is an absolute game-changer! It’s incredibly refreshing, crunchy, and so easy to whip up—perfect for those hot summer days or anytime you need a light side dish. The bright flavors from the rice vinegar and sesame oil just dance together, making every bite a delight. Plus, it’s vegan and packed with healthy ingredients, so you can indulge without any guilt. Trust me, once you try this salad, it’ll become a go-to in your kitchen. You won’t believe how such simple ingredients can create something so delicious!
Ingredients for the Best Asian Cucumber Salad
To make this delightful salad, you’ll need just a handful of fresh ingredients that pack a punch. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 large cucumbers, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon salt (to draw out moisture and enhance flavor)
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar (for that tangy zing)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (adds a savory depth)
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil (for a nutty aroma)
- 2 teaspoons sugar (to balance out the tanginess)
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (for a touch of heat)
- 2 green onions, chopped (for freshness and crunch)
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for a delightful crunch)
These ingredients come together beautifully, but feel free to adjust them based on your taste! Enjoy the process—it’s all about what makes your palate sing!
How to Prepare the Best Asian Cucumber Salad
Preparing this best Asian cucumber salad is a breeze! Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a refreshing dish ready in no time!
Slice and Salt the Cucumbers
First, grab those cucumbers and slice them thinly—about 1/8 inch is perfect! This helps them absorb all that delicious dressing later. Once sliced, place them in a bowl and sprinkle 1 tablespoon of salt over them. Give them a gentle toss to coat everything evenly, then let them sit for about 10 minutes. This is a crucial step, as the salt draws out excess moisture, making your salad crunchier and more flavorful!
Make the Dressing
While the cucumbers are doing their thing, let’s whip up the dressing! In a separate bowl, combine 1/4 cup of rice vinegar, 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of sesame oil, 2 teaspoons of sugar, and 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Whisk everything together until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture is well blended. The aroma is simply divine and will make you excited for the next step!
Combine and Chill
Now that your cucumbers have released some water, drain the excess liquid and rinse them briefly under cold water to remove the saltiness. Then, add the cucumbers to the dressing and toss everything together until well coated. Stir in the chopped green onions and sesame seeds for that perfect touch of freshness and crunch. For the best flavor, pop the salad in the fridge for about 15 minutes before serving. This chilling time lets the flavors mingle and intensify, making every bite even more delightful!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy days
- Refreshing and crunchy, ideal for hot summer meals
- Healthy ingredients that make you feel good
- Versatile enough to serve with any dish
- Bright, bold flavors that excite the palate
Tips for Success with the Best Asian Cucumber Salad
Here are some of my favorite tips to ensure your best Asian cucumber salad turns out perfectly every time! First, don’t skip the salting step; it’s essential for that crispy texture. If you’re looking for a sweeter twist, try using Persian cucumbers—they’re sweeter and less bitter! Also, feel free to adjust the red pepper flakes to suit your spice preference; a little or a lot, it’s all good! And for a fun serving twist, consider adding sliced bell peppers or shredded carrots for extra color and crunch. Trust me, your guests will love it!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for one serving (1 cup) of this fabulous best Asian cucumber salad:
- Calories: 60
- Fat: 4g
- Protein: 2g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fiber: 1g
Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients used. Enjoy this refreshing salad guilt-free, knowing it’s both delicious and nutritious!
FAQ About the Best Asian Cucumber Salad
I know you might have some burning questions about this best Asian cucumber salad, so let’s dive into the most common ones!
Can I use different types of cucumbers?
Absolutely! While I love using regular cucumbers, Persian cucumbers are a fantastic option too. They’re sweeter, have thinner skin, and are generally less bitter, which makes for an even more delightful salad. If you can find them, give them a try—you might just fall in love with their flavor!
How long can I store this salad?
This salad is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just keep in mind that the cucumbers will continue to release moisture, so it might get a bit watery. If that happens, simply drain excess liquid before serving again!
Can I add other vegetables?
For sure! Feel free to get creative with your veggies! Shredded carrots, bell peppers, or even sliced radishes would add vibrant colors and textures. Just remember to keep the flavors balanced, and you’ll have a stunning salad that’s bursting with freshness!
Serving Suggestions for the Best Asian Cucumber Salad
This best Asian cucumber salad pairs beautifully with grilled dishes like teriyaki chicken or salmon, adding a refreshing crunch to the meal. It also complements rice dishes, spring rolls, or even spicy noodles. Serve it alongside your favorite Asian-inspired mains, and watch how it elevates your dining experience!
Print
Best Asian Cucumber Salad That Will Refresh Your Senses
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
A refreshing and crunchy Asian cucumber salad that is easy to prepare.
Ingredients
- 2 large cucumbers, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
Instructions
- Slice cucumbers thinly and place them in a bowl.
- Sprinkle salt over cucumbers and let sit for 10 minutes.
- In a separate bowl, mix rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, sugar, and red pepper flakes.
- Drain excess water from cucumbers and rinse with cold water.
- Add cucumber to the dressing and toss to combine.
- Stir in green onions and sesame seeds.
- Chill in the refrigerator for 15 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Adjust the spice level by adding more or less red pepper flakes.
- Use Persian cucumbers for a sweeter taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 60
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: best asian cucumber salad
