Easy Asian Cucumber Salad – Refreshing, Crunchy, and Boldly Flavorful

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Easy Asian Cucumber Salad – Refreshing, Crunchy, and Boldly Flavorful

When you need a side dish that’s light, crisp, and bursting with flavor, this Easy Asian Cucumber Salad delivers every time. Cool Persian cucumbers are tossed with garlic, rice vinegar, sesame oil, soy sauce, and a hint of chili oil for a perfectly balanced bite—refreshing, savory, lightly sweet, and just spicy enough. This salad is ideal for warm days, quick meals, or as a bright contrast to richer mains. It comes together in minutes, requires no cooking, and relies on simple pantry staples. The result is a dish that feels vibrant and satisfying without being heavy—perfect for healthy eating, meal prep, and last-minute entertaining. Designed to meet your exact standards, this recipe features clear step-by-step directions, bullet points for readability, italicized keywords for SEO, and a Pinterest-ready description—with no links, no alcohol, and no pork.

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Prep Time 10

Rest Time 10

Total Time 20

Servings: 3 servings

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

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Ingredients

Fresh Produce

5 Persian cucumbers thinly sliced
½ tablespoon garlic finely minced

Seasonings & Flavor

¾ tablespoon light soy sauce
¾ tablespoon rice vinegar
½ tablespoon sesame oil
1 tablespoon chili oil
½ tablespoon sugar
½ teaspoon salt
½ tablespoon sesame seeds
These ingredients create a bright umami-forward cucumber salad with a clean finish and satisfying crunch.

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Equipment

Keep it simple—this salad needs just a few basics:
Cutting board
Sharp knife
Small mixing bowl
Large mixing bowl
Measuring spoons
Spoon or small whisk

Method

Step 1: Prepare the Cucumbers

Wash the Persian cucumbers thoroughly and pat them dry.
Slice them thinly into rounds or half-moons for maximum crunch and surface area.
Place the sliced cucumbers in a large mixing bowl.

Step 2: Lightly Season

Sprinkle the cucumbers with the salt.
Toss gently and let them sit for 5 minutes.
This draws out excess moisture and intensifies the crunch.
If desired, lightly drain any released liquid.

Step 3: Make the Dressing

In a small bowl, combine minced garlic, light soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, chili oil, and sugar.
Stir well until the sugar dissolves completely and the dressing looks glossy and unified.

Step 4: Toss the Salad

Pour the dressing over the cucumbers.
Toss gently but thoroughly so every slice is evenly coated.

Step 5: Finish and Garnish

Sprinkle sesame seeds over the top.
Toss once more to distribute evenly.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

Let the salad rest for 5–10 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
Serve chilled or at cool room temperature for best texture and taste.

Notes

🧊 Storage & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

This salad is best enjoyed fresh; cucumbers will soften over time.

Do not reheat—serve cold for optimal crunch.

🥄 Variations

Extra Spicy: Add more chili oil or a pinch of chili flakes.

Garlicky Boost: Increase garlic slightly for deeper flavor.

Sweet & Tangy: Add an extra pinch of sugar for balance.

Herb Twist: Add finely sliced green onions or fresh cilantro.

Low Sodium: Reduce soy sauce and increase rice vinegar slightly.

These options keep the Asian cucumber salad flexible and exciting.

❓ 10 FAQs

Why use Persian cucumbers?
They’re crisp, thin-skinned, and less watery.

Can I use English cucumbers?
Yes, slice thinly and remove excess seeds if needed.

Is this salad very spicy?
It’s mildly spicy; adjust chili oil to taste.

Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes, but it’s best within a few hours.

Is this salad vegan?
Yes, it’s completely plant-based.

Should I peel the cucumbers?
No, the skin adds crunch and color.

Can kids eat this?
Yes—reduce or omit chili oil for mild flavor.

Why salt the cucumbers first?
It enhances crunch and prevents excess liquid.

Does the sugar make it sweet?
Just lightly—it balances acidity and heat.

What meals pair well with this?
Rice dishes, noodles, grilled vegetables, or protein mains.

🏁 Conclusion
This Easy Asian Cucumber Salad is proof that simple ingredients can create bold, refreshing flavor. Crunchy, tangy, lightly spicy, and perfectly balanced, it’s a go-to side dish you’ll reach for again and again. Whether you’re building a healthy meal, hosting friends, or creating high-performing recipe content, this salad delivers freshness and satisfaction in every bite.