This Easy Asian Cucumber Salad is a refreshing, light, and tangy dish that combines crisp cucumbers with a savory-sweet dressing. The addition of sesame oil, soy sauce, and rice vinegar provides a perfect balance of flavors. Whether you’re looking for a snack, side dish, or appetizer, this quick salad is easy to make and will elevate any meal with its vibrant flavors.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 5 Persian cucumbers (or English cucumbers)

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 tablespoon sesame oil

• 3/4 tablespoon light soy sauce

• 1 tablespoon sugar

• 3/4 tablespoon rice vinegar

• 1 tablespoon chili oil

• 1/2 tablespoon sesame seeds

• 1/2 tablespoon garlic, minced (optional)

Directions

1. Slice the Cucumbers: Rinse the cucumbers under cold water and slice them at an angle into thin oval pieces, adjusting the thickness to your preference.

2. Salt the Cucumbers: Place the sliced cucumbers in a bowl, sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and toss to ensure even distribution. Let them sit in the refrigerator for at least 20 minutes to draw out excess moisture.

3. Drain and Rinse: After the cucumbers have rested, drain the excess liquid and rinse them under cold water to remove any excess salt. Return them to the bowl.

4. Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, mix sesame oil, soy sauce, sugar, rice vinegar, chili oil, sesame seeds, and minced garlic (if using). Stir until well combined.

5. Combine and Serve: Pour the dressing over the cucumbers and toss gently to coat evenly. Serve immediately, or let it sit for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: 90 kcal

• Fat: 7g

  • Saturated Fat: 1g

• Carbohydrates: 7g

  • Fiber: 2g

  • Sugar: 5g

• Protein: 1g

• Cholesterol: 0mg

• Sodium: 500mg

Cucumbers: Fresh and Crisp

The key to this salad is the cucumber, which adds a cool, crisp texture that pairs beautifully with the savory and tangy dressing. Persian cucumbers, or English cucumbers, are ideal for this recipe because they have thinner skin and fewer seeds, providing a delicate texture and mild flavor. When sliced thinly at an angle, the cucumbers form elegant oval pieces that soak up the dressing perfectly.

Cucumbers are naturally hydrating and low in calories, making them a great choice for a healthy, refreshing dish. Their high water content helps keep the salad light and refreshing, while their subtle flavor allows the dressing to shine through without being overpowering.

Salting the Cucumbers: Drawing Out Moisture

Salting the cucumbers is a crucial step in this recipe as it helps draw out excess moisture from the cucumbers, making them crispier and preventing the salad from becoming watery. After salting, the cucumbers rest in the refrigerator for at least 20 minutes, which allows the salt to do its job. Once the moisture is drawn out, you drain and rinse the cucumbers, ensuring they stay crisp while retaining their fresh flavor.

This simple technique of salting also helps intensify the flavor of the cucumbers, making them more savory and allowing the dressing to coat each slice more effectively. It’s a small but important step that ensures the salad has the right texture and flavor balance.

The Dressing: A Balance of Flavors

The dressing for this salad is what really elevates the dish, creating a delightful balance of flavors that complement the cucumbers perfectly. Sesame oil adds a rich, nutty depth to the dressing, while light soy sauce provides a savory umami kick without being too salty. Rice vinegar brings a mild acidity that brightens the salad, and sugar adds a touch of sweetness to round out the flavors.

Chili oil adds a subtle heat that enhances the overall flavor profile and gives the salad a bit of a kick. The addition of sesame seeds gives the dressing an extra layer of texture, while minced garlic (if used) adds a slight pungency that deepens the flavor.

Making the Salad: Quick and Easy

Once the cucumbers have been salted, drained, and rinsed, making the dressing is a breeze. Simply whisk together the sesame oil, soy sauce, sugar, rice vinegar, chili oil, sesame seeds, and garlic (if using). Pour the dressing over the cucumbers and toss gently to coat evenly. This salad is best served immediately so that the cucumbers retain their crisp texture, but letting it sit for a few minutes will allow the flavors to meld and become even more delicious.

This salad is perfect for a quick side dish or as a refreshing appetizer for your next meal. The combination of textures and flavors makes it both satisfying and light, and it pairs wonderfully with a variety of Asian-inspired dishes or grilled meats.

Nutritional Benefits

This Easy Asian Cucumber Salad is not only delicious but also relatively light in calories and fat. Each serving contains approximately 90 calories, with 7 grams of fat, 2 grams of fiber, and 1 gram of protein. The fat content comes mainly from the sesame oil, which provides healthy unsaturated fats, while the fiber from the cucumbers helps with digestion and adds to the salad’s overall nutritional value.

The sugar content (5 grams per serving) comes from the small amount of sugar used in the dressing, helping to balance out the saltiness of the soy sauce and the acidity of the rice vinegar. The salad also provides a modest amount of sodium (500mg per serving), mainly from the soy sauce, but this can be adjusted by using a low-sodium soy sauce if preferred.

Serving Suggestions

This Asian Cucumber Salad is incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways. It makes an excellent side dish to accompany Asian-inspired meals like stir-fries, grilled meats, or sushi. The light, refreshing nature of the salad pairs well with heartier dishes, helping to balance the richness of meats or spicy sauces.

For a more substantial meal, consider adding protein like grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu to the salad. You can also serve it alongside rice or noodles to create a complete meal. This salad also works well as a light appetizer or snack, offering a refreshing start to any meal.

Conclusion

This Easy Asian Cucumber Salad is a quick, simple, and delicious dish that offers a perfect balance of textures and flavors. With crisp cucumbers, a tangy and savory dressing, and a touch of heat from the chili oil, this salad is a refreshing and satisfying option for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a light snack, a side dish, or an appetizer, this versatile salad is sure to become a favorite. With its vibrant flavors and minimal ingredients, it’s a dish that can be enjoyed year-round and pairs beautifully with a variety of meals.