If you’re looking for a refreshing dish that’s as easy to whip up as it is delicious, let me introduce you to my easy Asian cucumber salad! Seriously, this salad is my go-to for summer picnics or when I just need something light and zesty. The vibrant flavors of rice vinegar and sesame oil mixed with the crunch of cool cucumbers make each bite feel like a mini vacation. I love how it comes together in just 15 minutes—perfect for those busy days when you want something healthy but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be hooked on this simple, yet oh-so-satisfying salad!
Ingredients for Easy Asian Cucumber Salad
- 2 large cucumbers, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 2 green onions, chopped
How to Prepare Easy Asian Cucumber Salad
Getting this salad ready is a breeze, and I can’t wait to walk you through it! Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a refreshing dish perfect for any occasion.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First, slice the cucumbers thinly. I like to use a mandoline for this, but a sharp knife works just fine too. The thinner, the better for that perfect crunch!
- Once sliced, sprinkle the cucumbers with salt and let them sit for about 15 minutes. This step is crucial because it draws out excess moisture, ensuring your salad stays crisp and not soggy.
- While the cucumbers are resting, grab a mixing bowl and whisk together the rice vinegar, sugar, soy sauce, and sesame oil until the sugar dissolves. The aroma at this stage is just heavenly!
- After the cucumbers have rested, rinse them under cold water to remove the salt and pat them dry with a paper towel. You want them nice and dry for the dressing to stick!
- Toss the cucumbers with your prepared dressing, making sure every slice is coated in that delicious goodness.
- Finally, sprinkle in the sesame seeds, red pepper flakes, and chopped green onions. Give it a gentle mix to combine everything beautifully.
- Serve this salad chilled, and watch it disappear in no time!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: It takes just 15 minutes from start to finish, making it the perfect last-minute side dish!
- Refreshing Flavor: The combination of rice vinegar and sesame oil gives this salad a bright, tangy kick that’s so satisfying.
- Healthy Choice: Packed with fresh cucumbers and low in calories, it’s a guilt-free addition to any meal.
- Vegan-Friendly: This salad fits perfectly into a vegan diet, ensuring everyone can enjoy it!
- Customizable: You can easily add your favorite veggies or adjust the spice level to suit your taste.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: This salad keeps well in the fridge, so you can make it ahead of time for easy lunches or snacks.
Tips for Success
To really make your easy Asian cucumber salad shine, here are a few tips I’ve learned along the way! First, choose the freshest cucumbers you can find—look for ones that are firm and have a vibrant color. If you can, go for English cucumbers; they tend to be less bitter and have fewer seeds.
Another great tip is to adjust the salt and sugar to your liking. If you prefer a sweeter dressing, don’t be shy to add a bit more sugar! And if you want an extra flavor punch, try adding a splash of lime juice—the brightness is fantastic! Lastly, let the salad chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving; it really allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. Enjoy your salad-making adventure!
Variations of Easy Asian Cucumber Salad
One of the best things about my easy Asian cucumber salad is how versatile it is! If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding some thinly sliced bell peppers or shredded carrots for an extra crunch and color. For a delightful twist, toss in some diced avocado for creaminess or even sliced radishes for a peppery bite. Want more spice? Go ahead and add some sliced jalapeños or a dash of sriracha to the dressing! You can also switch up the dressing by using apple cider vinegar instead of rice vinegar for a different flavor profile. The possibilities are endless—get creative and make it your own!
Nutritional Information
Just a quick note before we dive into the numbers: the nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so these figures are just estimates. That said, here’s what you can typically expect from one serving of my easy Asian cucumber salad:
- Calories: 70
- Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 4g
- Protein: 1g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Cholesterol: 0mg
This salad is not only light and refreshing but also a healthy addition to your meals! Enjoy knowing you’re treating yourself well while indulging in such vibrant flavors.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your easy Asian cucumber salad is super simple! Just transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. It’ll stay fresh for about 3 days, so you can enjoy it as a quick snack or side dish later. Just remember, this salad is best served chilled, so give it a little stir before serving again!
As for reheating, there’s no need—this salad is meant to be enjoyed cold. If you notice some moisture has collected in the container, just drain it off and give the salad a gentle toss to mix everything up again. Trust me, the flavors only get better as they sit!
FAQ About Easy Asian Cucumber Salad
Here are some of the most common questions I get about my easy Asian cucumber salad. I hope these help you on your culinary journey!
What can I serve with this salad?
This salad pairs beautifully with grilled meats, tofu dishes, or as a refreshing side for any Asian-inspired meal. It’s also fantastic as a light lunch on its own, especially with some rice or quinoa!
Can I use other vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix in veggies like bell peppers, shredded carrots, or even thinly sliced radishes for extra crunch and color. The more, the merrier!
How can I make this salad spicier?
If you love a bit of heat, increase the amount of red pepper flakes in the recipe. You can also add sliced jalapeños or a drizzle of sriracha for an extra kick!
Can I prepare this salad in advance?
Yes, you can! This salad actually tastes even better after sitting for a bit, as the flavors meld together. Just keep it covered in the fridge, and it’ll stay fresh for about three days.
Is there a substitute for rice vinegar?
If you don’t have rice vinegar on hand, you can use apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar as a substitute. Just keep in mind that the flavor will change slightly, but it’ll still be delicious!
Can I make this salad gluten-free?
Yes! Simply use a gluten-free soy sauce or tamari in place of regular soy sauce. It’s an easy swap that keeps the flavors intact!
Feel free to reach out if you have any other questions or if you want to share your own twists on this delightful salad. Happy cooking!
Print
Easy Asian Cucumber Salad: 7 Deliciously Refreshing Tips
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
A refreshing and simple salad featuring cucumbers and Asian flavors.
Ingredients
- 2 large cucumbers
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 2 green onions, chopped
Instructions
- Slice the cucumbers thinly.
- Sprinkle with salt and let sit for 15 minutes.
- In a bowl, mix rice vinegar, sugar, soy sauce, and sesame oil.
- Rinse cucumbers and pat dry.
- Toss cucumbers with the dressing.
- Add sesame seeds, red pepper flakes, and green onions.
- Mix well and serve chilled.
Notes
- For a spicier salad, add more red pepper flakes.
- Garnish with additional sesame seeds if desired.
- This salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-cook
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 70
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: easy asian cucumber salad, cucumber salad, asian salad, vegan salad
