When the sun sets and the day ends, you don’t want to spend hours cooking. That’s why this Asian cucumber salad is perfect. It’s quick, full of flavor, and ready in just 10 minutes. It’s inspired by a traditional Chinese dish, using mini or Persian cucumbers for a crunchy bite.
This quick salad recipe combines soy sauce, rice vinegar, garlic, green onions, sugar, sesame oil, and a hint of chili oil. It’s great with your weeknight meals. Plus, it stays fresh in the fridge for up to 4 days, perfect for meal prep.
- Benefits of Asian Cucumber Salad
- Essential Ingredients for the Perfect Salad
- Asian Cucumber Salad Recipe Overview
- Choosing and Preparing Your Cucumbers
- Making the Asian-Inspired Dressing
- Step-by-Step Assembly Instructions
- Serving Suggestions and Pairings
- Storage Tips and Make-Ahead Options
- Conclusion
- Source Links
Benefits of Asian Cucumber Salad
The Asian cucumber salad is a refreshing and flavorful dish. It’s also great for your health. As a healthy salad, vegetarian recipe, and nutritious side dish, it’s perfect for anyone looking for a light and nourishing meal.
Health Benefits and Nutrition Facts
Cucumbers are mostly water, making them very hydrating. They are low in calories but full of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. This salad has about 117 calories, with 6g of fat, 14g of carbs, and 3g of protein.
It’s also rich in Vitamin A, Vitamin C, calcium, and iron. These nutrients support your overall health and well-being.
Quick and Easy Preparation
This healthy salad is easy to make. It only takes 10-15 minutes to prepare. It’s perfect for busy nights or when you need a quick, nutritious side dish.
Versatility in Serving
The Asian cucumber salad goes well with many dishes. It’s great as a side, a snack, or even as a topping for grilled proteins. It adds flavor and freshness to any meal.
Essential Ingredients for the Perfect Salad
Making the perfect Asian cucumber salad starts with the right ingredients. At the core are the cucumbers – mini or Persian work great. They add a crisp, juicy feel. A pinch of salt is also key to balance the taste.
For the dressing, you’ll need regular soy sauce (or a gluten-free version) and rice vinegar. Add chili oil and a bit of sugar (or a sugar substitute). A drizzle of sesame oil and some sesame seeds complete it. Green onions add color and freshness.
Adding edamame boosts protein and nutrition. Or, use coconut aminos for a lower-sodium option. For more heat, a bit of sriracha can elevate the flavor.
This salad is versatile. You can adjust ingredients to match your taste and the flavors of your Asian dishes.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Mini cucumbers or Persian cucumbers | 6 or equivalent to 2.5 large cucumbers |
| Salt | 1.5 tablespoons |
| Regular soy sauce or gluten-free alternative | As needed |
| Rice vinegar | 2 tablespoons |
| Chili oil | 2 tablespoons |
| Honey or sugar | 1 tablespoon |
| Sesame oil | 1 teaspoon |
| Sesame seeds | 1 teaspoon |
| Green onions | As needed |
Asian Cucumber Salad Recipe Overview
This Asian cucumber salad is a refreshing dish. It combines Chinese and Korean flavors with new twists. The secret is to prepare the cucumbers right, so the dressing sticks well.
Traditional vs Modern Variations
The salad has cucumbers, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and spices. But, some recipes add edamame or avocado. You can also change the dressing with coconut aminos or maple syrup for unique tastes.
Preparation Time and Servings
This Asian cucumber salad is quick to make, ready in 10-20 minutes. It’s perfect for 2 as a side dish. But, you can make more for bigger groups.
Choosing and Preparing Your Cucumbers
When making the perfect Asian Cucumber Salad, picking and prepping cucumbers is critical. Choose seedless types like Japanese, English, or Persian cucumbers. They need little prep – no peeling or deseeding.
Look for cucumbers that are firm and the same size. They should be bright green and have no soft spots.
To get a crunchy texture, slice the cucumbers thinly. A mandoline helps make slices the same thickness. Some recipes suggest salting the slices to remove extra moisture. This makes the salad even crunchier.
| Cucumber Variety | Preparation | Texture |
|---|---|---|
| Japanese Cucumber | Minimal peeling and deseeding | Crisp and refreshing |
| English Cucumber | Minimal peeling and deseeding | Crunchy and mild |
| Persian Cucumber | No peeling or deseeding required | Tender and sweet |
By choosing and preparing cucumbers well, you’ll create a delicious and crunchy Asian Cucumber Salad.
Making the Asian-Inspired Dressing
The Asian cucumber salad shines with its dressing. This homemade vinaigrette mixes salty, sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors. It’s made with soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, sugar, and chili oil or sriracha for a kick.
Balancing Flavors
Creating the perfect dressing is all about balance. Soy sauce and rice vinegar complement each other well. Sesame oil adds a nutty flavor. A bit of sugar or honey balances the acidity and spice.
Sauce Components
- 1/2 cup rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 1/2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 5 teaspoons sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2-3 teaspoons grated ginger
Mixing Instructions
To make the dressing, whisk all ingredients in a bowl until the sugar dissolves. Taste and adjust the flavors as needed. Pour it over the cucumbers and toss well. Let it marinate for at least 5 minutes before serving.
Step-by-Step Assembly Instructions
Making a tasty cucumber salad is easy with these steps. First, slice your cucumbers thinly. Use a mandoline for even cuts. Sprinkle salt on them and wait 5-10 minutes to let water come out.
Rinse and drain the cucumbers well. This step keeps your salad from getting too wet.
In a big bowl or jar, mix the cucumber slices with your dressing. Shake gently to spread the dressing evenly. You can also add sesame seeds, green onions, or edamame for extra taste and texture.
Let the salad sit for a few minutes before you serve it. This lets the flavors mix well. This simple cucumber salad recipe will delight your taste buds and make you want more. Enjoy!
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Cucumbers, thinly sliced | 3-4 medium |
| Salt | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Salad Dressing | 1/2 cup |
| Sesame Seeds (optional) | 2 tablespoons |
| Green Onions, sliced (optional) | 1/4 cup |
| Edamame (optional) | 1/2 cup |
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
Your Asian cucumber salad is great with many main dishes. Try it with grilled or sautéed chicken, shrimp, or salmon. The salad’s bright flavors and crisp texture are perfect with these rich dishes.
For a lighter meal, enjoy the salad alone as a side or with steamed rice or noodles. It’s also great with spicy or seasoned dishes, balancing the flavors.
Garnishing Tips
Enhance your salad with simple toppings. Try toasted sesame seeds, chopped peanuts, or fresh herbs like cilantro and mint. These add flavor, crunch, and beauty to your dish.
For a bigger meal, serve the salad over mixed greens or spinach. It becomes a filling main course. This salad is sure to wow your family and guests with its vibrant taste and refreshing feel.
| Main Dish Combinations | Garnishing Options |
|---|---|
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Storage Tips and Make-Ahead Options
Keeping your Asian cucumber salad fresh is key. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days. But for the best taste, eat it within 24 hours.
Want to prep the salad ahead? Keep the dressing separate until serving. This keeps the cucumbers crisp. Just before eating, toss the salad to mix flavors and textures.
This salad is perfect for make-ahead salad recipes. Its fresh taste and crunch are great with many dishes. Just remember the storage tips to enjoy it at its best.
Conclusion
The Asian cucumber salad is a great choice for warm weather or as a light side dish any time. It’s made with crisp cucumbers and a tasty dressing. This makes it a hit with everyone.
It’s easy to make and can be customized in many ways. This refreshing salad is a healthy and tasty way to enjoy fresh veggies with easy Asian recipe flavors.
This salad is perfect for a side dish that’s both hydrating and packed with nutrients. It’s also quick to make, making it great for busy nights or casual get-togethers. Try it out and enjoy the refreshing and vibrant tastes of this Asian-inspired dish.
The Asian cucumber salad is a must-try for a light, healthy, and tasty dish. It’s easy to make and you can add your own touches. Enjoy the delicious mix of refreshing salad and easy Asian recipe flavors in every bite.
Source Links
- Spicy Asian Cucumber Salad – https://christieathome.com/blog/spicy-asian-cucumber-salad/
- Asian Cucumber Salad – Jackfruitful Kitchen – https://jackfruitful.com/asian-cucumber-salad/
- Easy Chinese Smashed Cucumber Salad Recipe – https://whatgreatgrandmaate.com/chinese-smashed-cucumber-salad/
- Nutritionists explain pros and cons of viral TikTok cucumber salad trend – https://www.newsweek.com/cucumber-guy-salad-tiktok-trend-viral-logan-moffitt-nutritionists-1970104