When the heat of summer arrives, there’s nothing quite as refreshing as a crisp, tangy cucumber salad. This Easy Asian Cucumber Salad brings together the perfect balance of cool cucumbers with a zingy dressing that wakes up your taste buds and complements virtually any main dish. It’s the ideal side dish when you want something light yet packed with flavor.
Inspired by traditional Asian cucumber preparations, this salad combines the satisfying crunch of fresh cucumbers with a perfectly balanced dressing of rice vinegar, sesame oil, and a touch of sweetness. It’s one of those deceptively simple recipes that delivers impressive flavor with minimal effort.
Why You’ll Love This
- Quick preparation – ready in just 45 minutes, most of which is hands-off marinating time
- Refreshingly crisp texture that provides the perfect contrast to rich main dishes
- Adaptable heat level – make it as mild or spicy as you prefer
- Make-ahead friendly – actually tastes better after the flavors have time to meld
- Light and healthy side dish that doesn’t compromise on flavor
Ingredients
- 5 Persian cucumbers
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 tablespoon sesame oil
- 3/4 tablespoon light soy sauce
- 1/2-1 tablespoon sugar (adjust to taste)
- 3/4 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon chili oil
- 1/2 tablespoon sesame seeds
- 1/2 tablespoon minced garlic (optional)
Instructions
- Rinse the Persian cucumbers and slice one end at an angle. Continue slicing at an angle so the slices look more oval than round. Adjust thickness based on your preference.
- Place the sliced cucumbers in a bowl or container and sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Mix well to ensure even distribution of the salt.
- Refrigerate the salted cucumbers for at least 20 minutes. This process will draw out excess water and help the cucumbers stay crisp.
- Pour off the water that has been drawn out of the cucumbers. Give them a quick 10-second rinse under cold water, then return them to the bowl.
- Add sesame oil, light soy sauce, sugar, rice vinegar, chili oil, sesame seeds, and minced garlic (if using) to the cucumbers.
- Stir everything together until the cucumbers are well coated with the dressing. Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
Tips & Variations
- For extra crunch, add thinly sliced carrots or bell peppers to the mix
- Make it spicier by adding a drizzle of chili oil or a finely diced Thai chili pepper
- For a sweeter version, use rice vinegar labeled “seasoned” which already contains sugar
- Try adding a tablespoon of creamy peanut butter to the dressing for a Thai-inspired twist
- For a more substantial salad, add some thinly sliced protein like chicken or tofu
- If you don’t have time to salt and drain the cucumbers, simply slice them thicker to maintain crispness
Serving Suggestions
This Easy Asian Cucumber Salad pairs beautifully with grilled meats, especially teriyaki chicken, Korean BBQ, or simple grilled salmon. It’s also perfect alongside rice bowls, noodle dishes, or as part of a larger spread of Asian-inspired dishes for family-style dining.
For a complete meal, serve alongside some steamed jasmine rice and your favorite protein. The cool, tangy flavors of this salad are particularly wonderful at cutting through rich, savory dishes.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, though the cucumbers will soften over time
- For best texture, eat within 24 hours of preparation
- If preparing in advance for a party, keep the dressing separate until about 30 minutes before serving
FAQs
Can I use regular cucumbers instead of English or Persian?
Yes, but you’ll want to peel and seed them first as they have thicker skins and more seeds than English or Persian varieties.
Why do I need to salt the cucumbers?
Salting draws out excess moisture, which helps the cucumbers stay crisp and prevents the dressing from becoming watery.
Is this salad spicy?
It has a mild heat from the red pepper flakes, but you can easily adjust by adding more for extra spice or omitting them entirely for a non-spicy version.
Can I make this ahead for meal prep?
You can prepare the components ahead of time, but for best texture, combine the cucumbers and dressing no more than a few hours before serving.
[recipe_card]
