Asian Cucumber Salad is the crunchy, tangy side dish that your table needs. When you’re looking for something cool and flavorful to brighten up a meal, this is it! This Asian Cucumber Salad pairs thin slices of cucumber with a sesame-soy dressing that soaks into every bite. It’s perfect if you love Asian recipes or want a quick addition to your lineup of healthy dinner recipes.
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I first tossed together this salad on a hot afternoon while preparing sommer mad for friends — simple summer food that’s light yet satisfying. Ever since, I’ve made it for barbecues, rice bowls, and even as part of healthy meal prep. It’s also a fun choice when you want a vegan cucumber salad Asian style that everyone will enjoy.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- So quick — ready in about 15 minutes!
- Light, crisp, and naturally healthy
- Pairs with everything from salad pasta to rice dishes
- Easy to make spicy or mild, sweet or tangy
- Great for meal prep or picnics
Recipe Snapshot
| Category | Side Dish / Salad |
|---|---|
| Cuisine | Asian-Inspired |
| Prep Time | 15 minutes |
| Cook Time | 0 minutes |
| Total Time | 15 minutes |
| Yield | 4 servings |
| Skill Level | Easy |
Ingredients
- Persian or English cucumbers – Crisp, thin-skinned, soak up the dressing beautifully
- Salt – Helps cucumbers stay crunchy
- Rice vinegar – Bright and tangy
- Soy sauce – Adds savory umami
- Sesame oil – Nutty and fragrant
- Sugar – Balances the tang
- Chili oil or red pepper flakes – For that spicy cucumber salad vibe
- Sesame seeds – For a little crunch
- Minced garlic (optional) – Extra savory depth
How to Make Asian Cucumber Salad
Step 1: Prep the cucumbers
Thinly slice your cucumbers on the diagonal so you get nice oval shapes. Toss them in salt and let sit 10–15 minutes to draw out water — this keeps your Asian Cucumber Salad crunchy. Drain, rinse, and pat dry.
Step 2: Make the dressing
Whisk together rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, sugar, and chili oil. Adjust to taste. You can go spicier, sweeter, or saltier depending on your mood.
Step 3: Combine and chill
Toss cucumbers with dressing. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and garlic. Chill for 10 minutes if you can — the flavors meld into something wonderful.
Pro Tips for Success
- Always salt and drain the cucumbers — this is key for crunch.
- Use a mandoline for even slices.
- Make extra dressing to drizzle over salad pasta or rice bowls.
- Try tamari for a gluten-free, vegan cucumber salad Asian twist.
Flavor Variations
- Add red onion or scallions for extra bite.
- Toss in shredded carrots for color.
- Swap rice vinegar for lime juice for a citrusy version.
- Add a touch of honey if you like sweet heat.
- Try with cold noodles for a fun salad-pasta hybrid.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with grilled shrimp, chicken, or tofu.
- Pairs beautifully with fried rice or rice bowls. (Try our Easy Shrimp Fried Rice for inspiration!)
- A crunchy topper for wraps and tacos.
- Pack into bento boxes or picnic baskets for sommer mad.
Make-Ahead & Storage
- Best fresh but keeps in the fridge 1-2 days.
- Store dressing and cucumbers separately if making ahead.
Leftovers
- Add to cold noodle salads.
- Chop finely for a crunchy taco topper.
- Mix into rice bowls for extra flavor.
Freezing
Freezing isn’t recommended — cucumbers lose their texture.
Reheating
This is a chilled salad — no reheating needed!
FAQs
Is this a spicy cucumber salad?
It can be! Just adjust the chili oil or red pepper flakes to your taste.
Can I use regular cucumbers?
Yes — peel them if the skin is thick or waxy.
Is this keto-friendly?
Yes! Skip the sugar or use a keto sweetener. Serve alongside your favorite keto dessert for a balanced meal.
What protein pairs best?
Grilled tofu, shrimp, or chicken all go wonderfully.
Final Thoughts
Asian Cucumber Salad is crisp, tangy, and endlessly adaptable — a great example of the beauty of Asian cooking. Whether you’re looking for healthy dinner recipes, vegan cucumber salad Asian style dishes, or easy sides for your healthy meal prep, this salad fits right in. And if you’re in the mood for something sweet after, try my Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Twists — the perfect fun dessert to bake at home!
Asian Cucumber Salad
Equipment
- Mandoline
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 3 Persian or English cucumbers thinly sliced
- 1 tsp salt
Dressing
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp chili oil or red pepper flakes, to taste
- 1 tsp sesame seeds
- 1 clove garlic minced, optional
Instructions
- Thinly slice cucumbers on the diagonal. Toss with salt and let sit 10–15 minutes. Drain, rinse, and pat dry.
- In a bowl, whisk together rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, sugar, and chili oil.
- Toss cucumbers with dressing. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and garlic. Chill for 10 minutes before serving if desired.