If you’re craving something crisp, zesty, and delightfully refreshing, look no further than Easy Asian Cucumber Salad. This recipe bursts with vibrant flavors, marrying cool cucumbers, aromatic sesame, and a punchy vinegar dressing that will leave your taste buds singing. It’s incredibly quick to prepare, vegan, and makes the perfect side for just about any meal. Whether you enjoy it at a backyard picnic or a cozy dinner at home, Easy Asian Cucumber Salad is irresistible, and once you try it, you’ll want it on repeat all summer long.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the things that makes Easy Asian Cucumber Salad so special is how unbelievably simple yet well-thought-out the ingredients are. Each element is carefully chosen to add a little something: a burst of flavor, a bit of crunch, or a splash of color, building layers of taste you’ll love in every bite.
- English cucumbers: Their thin skin and tender flesh make them perfect for salads, lending crunch and a mild, sweet flavor.
- Salt: Essential for drawing excess water out of the cucumbers, which keeps the salad crisp and prevents sogginess.
- Rice vinegar: Gives the salad its tangy zing and highlights all the fresh flavors.
- Soy sauce: Adds a savory umami depth that rounds out the sweetness and acidity.
- Sesame oil: Lends a nutty aroma and smooth finish that’s quintessential in Asian cuisine.
- Sugar: Balances the acidity of the vinegar and enhances the cucumbers’ natural sweetness.
- Garlic: Provides a savory punch and a little heat.
- Fresh ginger: Gives a warm, zesty note for extra complexity.
- Red pepper flakes (optional): Offers a touch of warmth and color; adjust based on your spice preference.
- Toasted sesame seeds: Deliver a satisfying crunch and an extra sesame hit with every bite.
- Green onions: Add a grassy freshness and a pop of contrasting color.
How to Make Easy Asian Cucumber Salad
Step 1: Prep and Salt the Cucumbers
Start by slicing your English cucumbers into thin rounds—aim for about 1/8 inch thick for the perfect texture. Place them into a colander and sprinkle with salt, tossing gently to coat. Let them sit for 15 minutes. This step is crucial: salting helps draw out excess moisture, ensuring your Easy Asian Cucumber Salad stays crisp and isn’t watered down.
Step 2: Pat Dry for Crunch Perfection
After the cucumbers rest, you’ll notice some water pooling at the bottom. Take a paper towel and pat the cucumbers dry to remove any extra liquid. This guarantees your final salad will have that ideal, snappy crunch!
Step 3: Mix Up the Dressing
While the cucumbers are draining, grab a large bowl and whisk together rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and if you like a little heat, red pepper flakes. Whisk until the sugar is fully dissolved and everything looks glossy and inviting. This is not just a dressing—it’s the flavor powerhouse of your Easy Asian Cucumber Salad!
Step 4: Assemble and Toss
Add the drained cucumbers to the bowl with the dressing, along with the toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions. Toss everything together gently until each cucumber slice glistens with dressing and is evenly coated with those aromatic flavors and crunchy seeds.
Step 5: Chill and Serve
For maximum flavor, place the salad in the refrigerator and chill for at least 15 minutes. This brief rest lets the cucumbers soak up all the zingy, umami magic, while the salad gets perfectly cold and refreshing—just the way it should be!
How to Serve Easy Asian Cucumber Salad
Garnishes
A pretty salad is always more tempting! Sprinkle your Easy Asian Cucumber Salad with extra toasted sesame seeds for extra crunch or a handful of thinly sliced fresh herbs like cilantro or mint for a bright, fragrant finish. Even a scattering of finely chopped chili can add a pop of color if you’re feeling bold.
Side Dishes
This salad is famously versatile. Serve it alongside grilled meats like teriyaki chicken or Korean BBQ, or make it a cooling contrast to spicy dishes. It pairs beautifully with steamed rice, tofu stir-fry, or simple noodle bowls, making any meal instantly feel more special and complete.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to elevate your Easy Asian Cucumber Salad for a party, try stacking the cucumbers high on a platter or serving them in individual small bowls. You can also mix in thinly sliced carrots or radishes for a colorful visual twist, or use cookie cutters to make fun cucumber shapes for family gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, keep your Easy Asian Cucumber Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should stay fresh and crunchy for up to two days, although the cucumber may soften slightly over time as it marinates in the dressing.
Freezing
Freezing isn’t the best option for this salad. Cucumber contains too much water, so freezing and thawing will turn it mushy. For best results, always enjoy it fresh or within a day or two of making.
Reheating
This dish is at its best served cold or at room temperature, so there’s no need to reheat. In fact, chilling the salad makes the flavors pop. Just give it a quick toss before serving if it’s been sitting for a while.
FAQs
Can I use different types of cucumbers?
Absolutely! While English cucumbers are ideal for their thin skin and low seeds, you can substitute Persian cucumbers for extra crunch, or even regular cucumbers—just peel them first and remove the seeds for best results.
How spicy is Easy Asian Cucumber Salad?
It’s as spicy as you want it to be! The red pepper flakes are completely optional and can be adjusted or omitted. If you love heat, sprinkle in a little extra, or swap with fresh chili for an extra kick.
What can I add for more texture or variety?
Feel free to toss in thinly sliced carrots, radishes, or even bell pepper for more color and crunch. Roasted peanuts or cashews can add another layer of texture and nutty flavor, especially if you’re serving to a crowd.
Can this salad be made ahead?
Yes, and it actually tastes even better after sitting in the fridge for a short time! Just assemble and chill, but try to eat it within 24-48 hours for best crunch. If making well in advance, keep garnishes like sesame seeds and herbs separate until ready to serve.
Is Easy Asian Cucumber Salad vegan and gluten-free?
This recipe is naturally vegan. To make it gluten-free, swap the soy sauce for tamari or coconut aminos and check your sesame seeds for cross-contamination if needed.
Final Thoughts
I genuinely believe every table deserves a bowl of Easy Asian Cucumber Salad—its cool crunch and tangy zing bring joy to any meal. With just a handful of everyday ingredients, this simple but stunning dish comes together in a flash, yet tastes like you spent all afternoon perfecting it. Give it a try, and watch it become your new favorite side!
Print
Easy Asian Cucumber Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Vegan
Description
This Easy Asian Cucumber Salad is a refreshing and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Crisp cucumber slices are tossed in a tangy and savory dressing, making it a delicious side dish or light meal.
Ingredients
Cucumber Salad:
- 2 large English cucumbers, thinly sliced
- 1 teaspoon salt
Dressing:
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
Instructions
- Prepare Cucumbers: Place cucumber slices in a colander, sprinkle with salt, and let sit for 15 minutes. Pat dry with a paper towel.
- Make Dressing: In a large bowl, whisk together rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, sugar, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes until sugar dissolves.
- Toss Salad: Add cucumbers, sesame seeds, and green onions to the bowl. Toss until well coated.
- Chill and Serve: Chill in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes before serving to let flavors develop.
Notes
- For extra crunch, use Persian cucumbers.
- Add thinly sliced carrots or radishes for more color and texture.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to taste for desired spiciness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 80
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 380mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
