Easy Asian Cucumber Salad in 10 minutes

If you’re craving something cool, crisp, and packed with flavor, this Asian Cucumber Salad is about to become your new go-to side dish. It’s tangy, slightly sweet, and has just the right amount of heat. Whether you’re pairing it with grilled meats, rice bowls, or enjoying it solo, this quick salad adds a refreshing bite to any meal.

This dish takes humble cucumbers and elevates them with an irresistible dressing made from soy sauce, sesame oil, vinegar, chili oil, and a hint of garlic. It’s a staple in many Asian-inspired meals and incredibly easy to customize to suit your taste. Plus, it only takes about 10 minutes of hands-on time, which means it’s perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute entertaining.

Why You’ll Love This Asian Cucumber Salad

Crisp and Refreshing: A perfect balance of crunch and flavor.
Quick and Easy: Comes together in under 30 minutes (with chilling time).
Perfect Side Dish: Complements spicy mains, noodles, rice, or grilled meats.
Customizable: Adjust the spice, sweetness, or garlic to fit your preference.
Naturally Vegan and Dairy-Free: A versatile side that fits many diets.
Meal Prep Friendly: Make ahead and store in the fridge for a crisp, flavorful addition to any lunch or dinner.

Ingredients for Asian Cucumber Salad

Persian Cucumbers: Small, tender, and nearly seedless. They stay crisp and are ideal for salads. You can also use English cucumbers if Persian cucumbers aren’t available.
Salt: Helps draw out excess water and intensifies the cucumber flavor while keeping them crunchy.
Sesame Oil: Adds a toasty, nutty aroma that’s essential in many Asian dressings. A little goes a long way!
Light Soy Sauce: Brings that deep umami flavor without being too salty.
Sugar: Balances the tangy and spicy components. You can start with less and adjust to your liking.
Rice Vinegar: Provides acidity and a slight sweetness that complements the cucumber beautifully.
Chili Oil: Gives the salad a fiery kick and a pop of red color. Adjust the amount to suit your heat preference.
Sesame Seeds: Add a gentle crunch and nutty depth. Toasted sesame seeds work wonderfully.
Minced Garlic (Optional): Provides a deeper savory layer for garlic lovers. Omit if you prefer a cleaner flavor profile.

How to Make Asian Cucumber Salad

Step 1: Prep the Cucumbers

Rinse the Persian cucumbers thoroughly. Slice off one end at an angle, then continue slicing at the same angle. This technique gives the slices a more elegant, oval shape and provides more surface area for the dressing.

Step 2: Salt the Cucumbers

Place the cucumber slices into a bowl or container. Sprinkle them with 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Toss well to ensure even coverage, then refrigerate for at least 20 minutes. This step helps to draw out excess moisture and makes the cucumbers extra crisp. You may notice a little water at the bottom of the bowl—this is exactly what you want.

Step 3: Drain and Rinse

After chilling, drain the liquid that has accumulated. Give the cucumbers a quick rinse (about 10 seconds) under cold water to remove any excess salt, then return them to the bowl. Pat them gently with paper towels if needed to remove extra moisture.

Step 4: Add the Dressing

Add the sesame oil, light soy sauce, sugar (start with 1/2 tablespoon and adjust as needed), rice vinegar, chili oil, sesame seeds, and optional minced garlic to the cucumbers. Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning depending on whether you want more spice, sweetness, or acidity.

Step 5: Toss and Serve

Stir everything until well combined, ensuring that the dressing coats every cucumber slice. Serve immediately or refrigerate briefly before serving for an extra chill. Garnish with extra sesame seeds or a sprinkle of chopped green onions if desired. Enjoy!

Equipment Needed

Sharp knife
Cutting board
Medium mixing bowl or container
Strainer or colander
Measuring spoons
Mixing spoon or tongs

Tips for Success

Use Persian Cucumbers: Their thin skin and crisp bite are perfect for this recipe. English cucumbers work too, but avoid thick-skinned varieties like garden cucumbers.
Don’t Skip Salting: This step is key to maximizing the crunch and avoiding a watery salad. The salt pulls moisture from the cucumbers without making them limp.
Chill Before Serving: A short rest in the fridge helps the flavors meld beautifully and makes the salad even more refreshing.
Adjust to Taste: Like it spicier? Add more chili oil. Prefer it sweeter or less intense? Use less garlic or substitute honey for sugar.
Add Crunch: A sprinkle of chopped peanuts, almonds, or fried shallots adds another layer of texture.

Serving Suggestions

Serve alongside Korean BBQ, stir-fried noodles, or grilled salmon.
Use it as a topping for rice bowls or bao buns.
Add to lettuce wraps for an extra crunch.
Enjoy it solo as a low-calorie snack or light lunch.

Variations to Try

Add Crushed Peanuts: For crunch and protein—especially good with grilled meat.
Fresh Herbs: Mix in chopped cilantro, mint, or Thai basil for a burst of freshness.
Swap Vinegar: Try lime juice or black vinegar for a new flavor profile.
Add Carrots: Shredded carrots add sweetness and color contrast.
Spicy Peanut Version: Add a spoonful of peanut butter to the dressing for a creamy-spicy twist.
Korean Twist: Add gochugaru (Korean chili flakes) and a dash of fish sauce for a kimchi-inspired variation.

More Salads You’ll Love:

FAQs about Asian Cucumber Salad

Can I make it ahead of time?

Yes! It’s best enjoyed within a few hours of making but can be stored in the fridge for up to 1 day. Just be aware it may lose some crunch.

Can I use regular cucumbers?

You can, but peel them first and remove excess seeds to maintain texture. Use a spoon to scoop out seeds before slicing.

Is this recipe spicy?

It has a gentle heat from the chili oil. Adjust the amount to suit your taste, or skip it entirely if you prefer a mild version.

Can I make this without sugar?

Yes, though the sugar helps balance the vinegar and spice. Use a sugar substitute like honey, agave, or monk fruit sweetener if preferred.

Is this salad good for meal prep?

It’s best fresh, but you can prep the cucumbers and mix the dressing ahead of time. Just combine before serving.

Final Thoughts

This Asian Cucumber Salad is a testament to how a few simple ingredients can create something absolutely delicious. Light, crunchy, spicy, and a little sweet, it’s a wonderful contrast to heavier dishes and a great way to make cucumbers exciting.

Whether you’re whipping it up for a quick lunch, meal prep, or a dinner party side, it’s sure to disappear fast. And once you taste how easy and flavorful it is, you’ll find endless ways to work it into your weekly routine.

Try this recipe once and you’ll see—it just might become your new favorite go-to salad!

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