Easy Asian Cucumber Salad

Name: Easy Asian Cucumber Salad
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 5 Persian cucumbers; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/2 tbsp sesame oil; 3/4 tbsp light soy sauce; 1/2-1 tbsp sugar (to taste); 3/4 tbsp rice vinegar; 1 tbsp chili oil; 1/2 tbsp sesame seeds; 1/2 tbsp garlic (minced, optional)

Posted on May 11, 2026

Easy Asian Cucumber Salad with sliced cucumbers, sesame seeds, peanuts, and spicy soy dressing

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Why Make This Recipe

Easy Asian Cucumber Salad is a refreshing and simple side dish that brings a burst of flavor to any meal. It combines the crispness of cucumbers with a delightful mix of sauces and spices. This salad is not only quick to prepare but also healthy, making it an excellent choice for those looking to enjoy a light, nutritious dish. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just want a tasty addition to your lunch, this salad is sure to impress!

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How to Make Easy Asian Cucumber Salad

Ingredients:

5 Persian cucumbers
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tbsp sesame oil
3/4 tbsp light soy sauce
1/2-1 tbsp sugar (see notes)
3/4 tbsp rice vinegar
1 tbsp chili oil
1/2 tbsp sesame seeds
1/2 tbsp garlic (minced, optional)

Directions:

Rinse and slice one end of the cucumber at an angle.
Continue slicing at an angle, making the slices oval rather than round. The thickness can be adjusted to your preference.
Place the cucumber slices in a bowl or container and sprinkle with 1/2 tsp of salt.
Mix well and let it refrigerate for at least 20 minutes to draw out the water.
After 20 minutes, drain the water and give the cucumbers a quick rinse for 10 seconds. Return them to the bowl/container.
Add in the sesame oil, light soy sauce, sugar, rice vinegar, chili oil, sesame seeds, and garlic.
Stir until everything is well combined. Serve and enjoy!

How to Serve Easy Asian Cucumber Salad

This salad is best served cold as a side dish. It pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, rice dishes, or can even be enjoyed on its own. You can also serve it alongside your favorite Asian dishes to add a refreshing crunch.

How to Store Easy Asian Cucumber Salad

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The salad can last for up to 2-3 days; however, the cucumbers may become softer over time. For the best texture, it’s ideal to consume it fresh.

Tips to Make Easy Asian Cucumber Salad

Make sure to slice the cucumbers at an angle for the best presentation and texture.
You can adjust the amount of sugar based on your taste preference.
For an extra kick, feel free to add more chili oil or even some thinly sliced chili peppers.

Variation

You can personalize this salad by adding additional ingredients like sliced carrots, bell peppers, or even herbs like cilantro for added flavor.

This Easy Asian Cucumber Salad is crisp, refreshing, and packed with bold flavors, making it perfect for BBQs, quick lunches, healthy snacks, or summer side dishes.

For more fresh recipe inspiration, try this colorful easy cowboy caviar recipe or enjoy this hearty cowboy caviar couscous salad recipe. You can also discover this flavorful cowboy caviar pasta salad recipe for another crowd-pleasing side dish.

FAQs

Can I use regular cucumbers instead of Persian cucumbers?

Yes, you can, but Persian cucumbers tend to be crunchier and have fewer seeds, which makes them ideal for this salad.

How spicy is this salad?

The level of spiciness depends on the amount of chili oil you use. You can adjust it to your heat preference.

Is it okay to make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can make this salad a few hours ahead of time, but it’s best to serve it fresh for optimal crunchiness.

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