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Easy Asian Cucumber Salad: Tangy and Refreshing Side Dish

Close-up of sliced cucumber salad coated in a savory, orange-brown dressing and topped generously with toasted sesame seeds.
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Make this quick Asian Cucumber Salad, a tangy and refreshing side dish perfect for summer heat, BBQs, or as a healthy appetizer. It comes together fast with simple ingredients.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 large English cucumbers
  • 1 teaspoon salt (for drawing out water)
  • 1/4 cup rice vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons light soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1 teaspoon chili oil (adjust to your spice preference)
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon sesame seeds, toasted, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Wash the cucumbers well. Slice them thinly, aiming for about 1/8-inch thickness. You can use a mandoline for uniform slices.
  2. Place the sliced cucumbers in a medium bowl and toss them with 1 teaspoon of salt. Let them sit for 15 minutes. This step draws out excess water, keeping your salad crisp.
  3. After 15 minutes, gently squeeze the cucumbers to remove as much liquid as possible. Pat them dry with paper towels if necessary.
  4. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, sugar, chili oil, and minced garlic until the sugar dissolves. This creates your tangy dressing.
  5. Pour the dressing over the drained cucumbers. Toss gently to coat every slice evenly.
  6. Transfer the salad to a serving dish. Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds.
  7. Serve immediately for the crispest texture, or chill for 15 minutes to let the flavors meld. This is a great make ahead salad option.

Notes

  • For a creamier texture, you can skip this Asian style and try a Creamy Cucumber Salad variation using sour cream and fresh dill.
  • If you do not have Persian cucumbers, English cucumbers work well. Avoid standard slicing cucumbers as they hold more water.
  • This recipe is naturally Vegan and Low Calorie, making it a healthy vegetable salad choice.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://mdlatdmm.com/easy-asian-cucumber-salad-recipe/