Fresh & Crisp: Easy Asian Cucumber Salad Recipe for Summer

Whipping up an easy asian cucumber salad brings refreshing crunch to any meal.

Cool cucumbers dance with tangy dressing in this simple side dish.

Simple ingredients combine for maximum flavor without complicated techniques.

Crisp vegetables absorb zesty seasonings that make taste buds smile.

Fresh herbs and light vinegar create an instant crowd-pleaser.

Summer lunches and picnics welcome this quick recipe that requires minimal effort.

You’ll love how fast and delicious this salad comes together.

Ingredients In Easy Asian Cucumber Salad

• Cucumbers: Fresh, crisp vegetables that provide a cool and refreshing base for the salad.
• Red Onion: Sharp and pungent vegetable that adds a vibrant flavor and crisp texture to the dish.

• Rice Vinegar, Soy Sauce, Sesame Oil, Honey: A harmonious blend of tangy, salty, nutty, and sweet flavors that create a complex and balanced Asian-inspired dressing.

• Toasted Sesame Seeds, Cilantro, Green Onions: These ingredients add a nutty crunch, fresh herbal notes, and visual appeal to complete the salad.

Preparing Asian Cucumber Salad At Home

Step 1: Prepare Cucumbers

Grab fresh cucumbers and wash them thoroughly under cool running water. Use a clean kitchen towel to pat them completely dry, removing all moisture to ensure crisp texture.

Step 2: Slice Cucumbers

Using a sharp knife or mandoline, slice cucumbers into delicate half-moon shapes. Aim for thin, uniform cuts that will absorb dressing beautifully.

Step 3: Chop Red Onion

Peel the red onion and finely dice into translucent, paper-thin slivers. These delicate pieces will distribute flavor throughout the salad.

Step 4: Create Dressing

• Rice vinegar
• Soy sauce
• Sesame oil
• Honey

Whisk ingredients until the mixture becomes smooth and well-blended.

Step 5: Combine Vegetables and Dressing

Pour sliced cucumbers and red onion directly into the dressing. Gently toss to ensure every piece gets coated with the tangy liquid.

Step 6: Marinate

Let the salad sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes. This allows flavors to mingle and vegetables to absorb the zesty dressing.

Step 7: Add Crunchy Topping

Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds over the salad for a delightful nutty crunch and visual interest.

Step 8: Garnish

Top with freshly chopped cilantro and thinly sliced green onions to introduce bright, herbal notes.

Step 9: Serve

Plate immediately and enjoy this refreshing side dish with its crisp textures and vibrant Asian-inspired flavors.

Helpful Tips For Asian Cucumber Salad

• Clean Cutting Technique: Use a sharp mandoline or knife to slice cucumbers uniformly, ensuring even marination and consistent texture.
• Marination Magic: Let the salad rest for 10-15 minutes at room temperature to allow flavors to develop and vegetables to absorb the dressing fully.
• Seed Sensation: Toast sesame seeds briefly in a dry pan to enhance their nutty flavor and aroma before sprinkling over the salad.
• Herbal Harmony: Chop cilantro and green onions just before serving to maintain maximum freshness and vibrant flavor profile.
• Quick Serving Strategy: Prepare and serve the salad immediately to preserve the crisp cucumber texture and bright, zesty dressing.

Cucumber Salad Twists To Try

• Low-Sodium Soy Sauce Swap: Replace traditional soy sauce with coconut aminos for a reduced-sodium version that maintains a similar umami flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use tamari instead of soy sauce and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free for those with dietary restrictions.
• Spicy Korean-Inspired Variation: Add gochugaru (Korean red pepper flakes) or sriracha to the dressing for a fiery kick that elevates the cucumber salad's flavor.
• Vegan Honey Substitute: Swap honey with agave nectar or maple syrup to create a completely plant-based version of the original recipe while keeping the sweet undertones.

What To Serve With Asian Cucumber Salad

• Pair with Crisp Sake: Select a chilled, light Japanese sake that complements the salad's delicate Asian flavors, enhancing the vinegary and sesame notes.
• Balance with Grilled Protein: Serve alongside seared salmon, teriyaki chicken, or tofu to create a complete meal where the cool cucumber salad provides a refreshing contrast.
• Match with Mineral White Wine: Choose a dry Riesling or Pinot Grigio with bright acidity that mirrors the salad's tangy dressing and cleanses the palate.
• Complement with Green Tea: Brew a cold, unsweetened green tea that echoes the salad's clean, fresh profile and provides a subtle, earthy undertone.

How To Store Asian Cucumber Salad

• Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days, keeping the salad crisp and flavorful. Ensure the container is sealed tightly to prevent moisture loss.
• Avoid freezing this cucumber salad, as it will cause the vegetables to become watery and lose their crisp texture.
• Before serving leftovers, drain any excess liquid and gently stir to redistribute the dressing. Add fresh sesame seeds or herbs if desired for renewed crunch.
• Always serve chilled for the best taste and texture, removing from the refrigerator just before eating to maintain the salad's fresh, crisp quality.

FAQs For Asian Cucumber Salad

• What makes this cucumber salad unique?

The combination of rice vinegar, soy sauce, and sesame oil creates a tangy Asian-inspired dressing that perfectly complements the crisp cucumbers and red onions.

• Can I make this salad ahead of time?

While best served fresh, you can prepare the ingredients and dressing separately, then combine just before serving to maintain the salad’s crispness and vibrant flavors.

• Is this salad healthy?

Absolutely! Cucumbers are low in calories, hydrating, and packed with nutrients, while the light dressing provides a flavorful yet low-calorie option for a nutritious side dish.

• How do I get the best texture for the cucumbers?

Slice the cucumbers thinly and evenly using a sharp knife or mandoline, and avoid over-marinating to keep them crisp and crunchy.

What Makes Asian Cucumber Salad So Refreshing

• Slice with Precision: Master the art of knife skills by creating uniformly thin cucumber and onion pieces, elevating the salad's visual and textural appeal.
• Quick Flavor Fusion: Enjoy a speedy marinade process that allows ingredients to blend seamlessly, delivering intense Asian-inspired taste in minutes.
• Healthy Crunch Celebration: Relish a nutritious dish packed with fresh vegetables, delivering a vibrant and crisp eating experience that feels light and satisfying.
• Simple Ingredient Magic: Transform everyday ingredients into a gourmet-style salad using basic pantry staples and minimal cooking techniques.

Easy Asian Cucumber Salad Recipe

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4.5 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 15-20 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Cool cucumbers dance with zesty Asian flavors in this refreshing cucumber salad. Crisp ingredients blend perfectly, creating a light and tangy side dish that cools down any meal with simple, irresistible charm.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 2 large cucumbers
• 1/2 red onion

Dressing:

• 3 tbsp rice vinegar
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 1 tsp honey

Garnish:

• 1 tbsp sesame seeds
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro
• 1 green onion

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Instructions

1. Thoroughly wash the cucumbers and pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel, ensuring no moisture remains.
2. Using a sharp knife or mandoline, slice the cucumbers into thin, uniform half-moon shapes, creating delicate and crisp pieces.
3. Finely dice the red onion into translucent, paper-thin slivers, which will distribute evenly throughout the salad.
4. In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, and honey until the dressing becomes smooth and well-integrated.
5. Add the sliced cucumbers and red onion directly into the dressing, gently tossing to ensure each piece is thoroughly coated with the tangy liquid.
6. Allow the salad to marinate for 10-15 minutes at room temperature, letting the flavors meld and the vegetables absorb the vibrant dressing.
7. Just before serving, sprinkle toasted sesame seeds over the salad for a nutty crunch and visual appeal.
8. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro and thinly sliced green onions to add a burst of fresh herbal notes.
9. Serve immediately as a refreshing side dish, enjoying the crisp textures and zesty Asian-inspired flavors.

Notes

• Slice cucumbers with precision using a sharp mandoline for uniform, paper-thin pieces that enhance the salad’s delicate texture.
• Marinate the salad for optimal flavor infusion, allowing the dressing to penetrate deeply into the crisp vegetables.
• Adjust the sweetness and tanginess by tweaking honey and vinegar quantities to suit personal taste preferences.
• Swap traditional ingredients for dietary needs: use gluten-free soy sauce for celiac diets, or replace honey with agave for vegan options.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Mixing
• Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 60
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 500mg
• Fat: 4g
• Saturated Fat: 0.5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3.5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 8g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 1g
• Cholesterol: 0mg