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Easy Asian Cucumber Salad – A Refreshing, Crunchy, Flavor-Packed Side Dish Ready in Minutes

Light, crisp, and bursting with bold flavor, Easy Asian Cucumber Salad is the perfect balance of freshness and spice. Made with crunchy Persian cucumbers tossed in a savory, tangy, and slightly spicy dressing, this salad is refreshing yet deeply satisfying. It’s the kind of side dish that instantly brightens any meal. What makes this cucumber salad so irresistible is its simplicity. The cucumbers stay crisp and cool, while garlic, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil create a bold umami dressing. Chili oil adds gentle heat, sesame seeds bring nuttiness, and a touch of sugar perfectly balances the flavors. Every bite is clean, vibrant, and refreshing. Perfect as a quick side dish, light lunch, or refreshing addition to heavier meals, this recipe is naturally low-calorie and packed with flavor. Ready in minutes and endlessly craveable, Easy Asian Cucumber Salad is a staple recipe you’ll want to keep on hand.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Vegetables
  • 5 Persian cucumbers thinly sliced
Aromatics
  • ½ tablespoon garlic minced
Dressing
  • ¾ tablespoon light soy sauce
  • ¾ tablespoon rice vinegar
  • ½ tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon chili oil
Seasonings
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ tablespoon sugar
Garnish
  • ½ tablespoon sesame seeds
  • These ingredients come together to create a crisp refreshing salad with bold Asian-inspired flavor and a perfect balance of tangy, savory, and spicy notes.

Equipment

  • Cutting board
  • Sharp knife
  • Mixing bowl
  • Measuring spoons
  • Spoon or tongs

Method
 

Step 1: Prepare the Cucumbers
  1. Wash and thinly slice the Persian cucumbers.
  2. Place them in a mixing bowl.
Step 2: Add the Garlic
  1. Add minced garlic to the cucumbers and toss gently.
Step 3: Make the Dressing
  1. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, chili oil, sugar, and salt until well combined.
Step 4: Combine
  1. Pour the dressing over the cucumbers.
  2. Toss gently until evenly coated.
Step 5: Finish
  1. Sprinkle sesame seeds over the salad.
  2. Toss lightly once more.
Step 6: Serve
  1. Serve immediately or chill for 10 minutes for deeper flavor.

Notes

🧊 Storage & Reheating
Refrigerator
Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Best Tip
Enjoy fresh for maximum crunch and flavor.
🥄 Variations
Spicier Version: Add more chili oil
Milder Salad: Reduce chili oil
Extra Crunch: Add more sesame seeds
Garlic Lover’s Version: Increase garlic slightly
Meal Prep Side: Chill before serving
Refreshing Snack: Enjoy on its own
❓ 10 FAQs
Is this salad spicy?
Mild with adjustable heat.
Is it healthy?
Yes, light and refreshing.
Can kids eat this?
Yes, reduce chili oil.
Does it get watery?
Slightly, but stays crisp.
Is it vegan?
Yes, fully plant-based.
Can I make it ahead?
Yes, for short storage.
Is it gluten-free?
Use gluten-free soy sauce if needed.
Is it good for hot days?
Perfectly refreshing.
Does it pair well with meals?
Yes, balances rich dishes.
What makes it special?
Simple ingredients with bold flavor.
🏁 Conclusion
This Easy Asian Cucumber Salad is proof that simple ingredients can create big flavor. Crisp cucumbers tossed in a tangy, savory, and lightly spicy dressing make this dish refreshing, satisfying, and incredibly easy to prepare. Perfect as a side, snack, or light dish, it’s a recipe you’ll want to make again and again.