Asian Cucumber Salad with Sesame Dressing is the ultimate refreshing side dish. This delightful recipe features crunchy English cucumbers tossed in a savory sesame-soy dressing, combined with garlic, rice vinegar, and a hint of chili heat. Finished with toasted sesame seeds, this vibrant salad delivers a perfect balance of salty, tangy, sweet, and spicy flavors. It’s light, addictive, and ready in minutes, making it perfect for warm days or as a delightful side to grilled meats and rice dishes.
Why You’ll Love This Asian Cucumber Salad with
This salad isn’t just a treat for your taste buds; it offers numerous benefits. First, it’s a Quick Asian Cucumber Salad that you can whip up in just 10 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights. Second, it’s incredibly versatile; you can enjoy it as a side dish or a light meal. Third, its refreshing crunch is perfect for those hot summer days. Fourth, it’s a Vegan Asian Cucumber Salad, making it suitable for various dietary preferences. Fifth, the health benefits are impressive, with only 70 calories per serving, making it a guilt-free indulgence. Lastly, this salad has the delightful flavor of traditional Asian cuisine, making it an essential dish for your table.
Ingredients for Asian Cucumber Salad with
Gather these items:
- 2 large English cucumbers, chopped into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- ½ teaspoon granulated sugar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- ½ teaspoon red chili flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
How to Make Asian Cucumber Salad with Step-by-Step
- Step 1: Wash and chop cucumbers into chunky pieces. For extra crunch, lightly smash them before cutting.
- Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, sugar, salt, garlic, and chili flakes.
- Step 3: Pour dressing over cucumbers and toss until evenly coated.
- Step 4: Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and mix gently.
- Step 5: Let sit for 5–10 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Step 6: Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Pro Tips for the Best Asian Cucumber Salad with
Keep these in mind:
- Perfect for warm days or as a flavorful side to grilled meats and rice dishes.
- For added crunch, consider adding thinly sliced bell peppers or radishes.
- Adjust the chili flakes to suit your heat preference; you can also use fresh chilies for a more intense flavor.
Best Ways to Serve Asian Cucumber Salad with
This crunchy salad pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken or fish. For a complete meal, serve it alongside some jasmine rice or a hearty stir-fry. Additionally, it can be enjoyed as a light lunch on its own or with avocado slices for a creamy twist.
How to Store and Reheat Asian Cucumber Salad with
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. The flavors continue to meld, making it even more delicious over time. However, this salad is best served fresh, so try to enjoy it soon after preparing.
Frequently Asked Questions About Asian Cucumber Salad with
What’s the secret to perfect Asian Cucumber Salad with?
The secret lies in the freshness of the cucumbers and the balance of the dressing. Using high-quality soy sauce and fresh garlic enhances the flavor profile significantly.
Can I make Asian Cucumber Salad with ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the salad a few hours ahead of serving. However, it’s best to add the dressing just before serving to maintain the cucumbers’ crunch.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Asian Cucumber Salad with?
One common mistake is over-salting the cucumbers. Make sure to taste the dressing before adding additional salt. Also, avoid letting the salad sit too long after adding the dressing, as this can make the cucumbers soggy.
Variations of Asian Cucumber Salad with You Can Try
For a spicy twist, try making a Spicy Asian Cucumber Salad by adding more chili flakes or fresh chili. You can also create a Traditional Asian Cucumber Salad by incorporating ingredients like carrots or radishes. For a heartier option, consider adding diced avocado for a creamy texture.
For more delicious recipes, check out our latest recipes or try making Korean BBQ Meatballs for a flavorful main dish. If you’re looking for a sweet treat, our Gingerbread Cookies with Maple Glaze are a must-try!
For more information on the health benefits of cucumbers, you can visit Healthline.
Print
Asian Cucumber Salad with Sesame Dressing: 5 Bold Flavors
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Asian Cucumber Salad is the ultimate quick and refreshing side dish. Crunchy English cucumbers are tossed in a savory sesame-soy dressing with garlic, rice vinegar, and a hint of chili heat. Finished with toasted sesame seeds, this vibrant salad delivers the perfect balance of salty, tangy, sweet, and spicy flavors.
Ingredients
- 2 large English cucumbers, chopped into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- ½ teaspoon granulated sugar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- ½ teaspoon red chili flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
Instructions
- Wash and chop cucumbers into chunky pieces. For extra crunch, lightly smash them before cutting.
- In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, sugar, salt, garlic, and chili flakes.
- Pour dressing over cucumbers and toss until evenly coated.
- Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and mix gently.
- Let sit for 5–10 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Notes
- Perfect for warm days or as a flavorful side to grilled meats and rice dishes.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 70
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Asian Cucumber Salad, Salad, Side Dish, Cucumber Salad, Sesame Dressing









