Asian cucumber salad is a light and refreshing dish that combines the crispness of cucumbers with bold, tangy flavors typical of Asian cuisine. It’s perfect for hot weather or as a side dish to complement your main course. The beauty of this salad lies in its simplicity and versatility. Lina Vexley, a fan of Asian flavors, says, “I love how easy it is to make this cucumber salad, and the dressing is so full of flavor. It adds just the right amount of zing to any meal!” The sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy dressing paired with the crunchy cucumber creates a harmonious balance, making it a crowd favorite at gatherings or casual dinners.

Recipe: Asian Cucumber Salad

Asian Cucumber Salad

A light, refreshing cucumber salad with an Asian-inspired dressing made of rice vinegar, soy sauce, and sesame oil.

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Prep Time 10

Total Time 10

Course Salad

Cuisine Asian

Servings servings

Calories 90 kcal

Equipment

Mixing Bowl
Knife

Ingredients

2 medium Cucumber thinly sliced
1 medium Carrot julienned
1/4 small Red Onion thinly sliced
2 tbsp Rice Vinegar
1 tbsp Soy Sauce
1 tbsp Sesame Oil
1 tsp Sugar
1/4 tsp Chili Flakes optional, for spice
1 tbsp Sesame Seeds for garnish
to taste Fresh Cilantro for garnish

Instructions

In a large bowl, combine the thinly sliced cucumber, julienned carrot, and thinly sliced red onion.
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, sugar, and chili flakes (if using) until the sugar is dissolved.
Pour the dressing over the cucumber mixture and toss gently to coat evenly.
Garnish with sesame seeds and fresh cilantro before serving.
Serve immediately or refrigerate for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Notes

This salad is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in the refrigerator for a few hours before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 90kcalCarbohydrates: 12gProtein: 2gFat: 4gSaturated Fat: 0.5gSodium: 450mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 3gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 180IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 30mgIron: 1.5mg

Keyword cucumber, healthy, vegetarian

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How to Make Asian Cucumber Salad

To make Asian cucumber salad, start by preparing the vegetables. Thinly slice the cucumbers, julienne the carrot, and thinly slice the red onion. Combine all the vegetables in a large mixing bowl.

In a separate small bowl, whisk together the dressing ingredients: rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, sugar, and chili flakes (if you want a bit of heat). The dressing should be tangy, savory, and just a little sweet from the sugar.

Pour the dressing over the vegetables and toss gently to ensure everything is coated evenly. This allows the cucumbers and carrots to absorb the flavors of the dressing, making each bite burst with deliciousness.

Finally, garnish the salad with sesame seeds and fresh cilantro for a touch of flavor and color. You can serve the salad immediately, or refrigerate it for 10-15 minutes to let the flavors meld together.

This Asian cucumber salad is refreshing, light, and full of flavor. It’s perfect for a summer side dish, a quick lunch, or as a complement to grilled meats and other Asian-inspired dishes.

Conclusion

Asian cucumber salad is a delightful dish that combines the crunch of cucumbers with a savory, tangy dressing. The addition of sesame oil and soy sauce creates a distinctive flavor profile, while the sugar balances the tang of the vinegar. It’s a simple, refreshing, and healthy side that pairs perfectly with any meal. Whether you’re enjoying it as part of an Asian-inspired dinner or as a light, nutritious snack, this salad is a must-try!