Asian Cucumber Salad

This easy Asian Cucumber Salad is a must-try for anyone looking to add a crisp and refreshing side dish to their meal. With its delightful balance of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors, it’s perfect for summer barbecues, picnics, or as a light accompaniment to any Asian-inspired dish. The standout quality of this salad is its simplicity; it can be prepared in just 10 minutes with minimal ingredients, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: This salad takes just 10 minutes to prepare, allowing you to whip up a delicious side dish in no time.
• Fresh Ingredients: Using fresh cucumbers and vegetables ensures a crisp texture and vibrant flavors in every bite.
• Versatile Pairing: Perfectly complements a range of dishes, from grilled meats to vegetarian meals.
• Healthy Choice: Low in calories but high in flavor, this salad is a guilt-free addition to your dining table.
• Customizable Flavor: Adjust the sweetness or spiciness according to your taste preferences for a personalized touch.

Tools and Preparation

To create this delightful Asian Cucumber Salad, you’ll need some essential tools that make preparation easier and more efficient.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Small bowl
• Knife
• Cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowl: A medium-sized mixing bowl allows for easy tossing and combining of ingredients without spilling.
• Small bowl: Perfect for whisking together the dressing ingredients, keeping flavors well-mixed before adding them to the salad.
• Knife: A sharp knife ensures clean cuts when slicing cucumbers and vegetables, enhancing the presentation of your salad.
• Cutting board: A sturdy cutting board provides a stable surface for chopping vegetables safely and efficiently.

Ingredients

This easy Asian Cucumber Salad is crisp and fresh, with just the right balance of sweet, tangy and savory flavors. The perfect summer side!

For the Salad

• 4 cups of very thinly sliced seedless cucumbers (mini cucumbers are great)
• 1/4 cup of finely sliced red onion
• 1/4 cup of fined diced red bell pepper
• 1 teaspoon of sesame seeds

For the Dressing

• 1/4 cup of rice apple vinegar
• 1 teaspoon of honey
• 1/2 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
• 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes
• 1/4 teaspoon of sea salt

How to Make Asian Cucumber Salad

Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables

Begin by adding the very thinly sliced cucumbers, sliced red onion, diced red pepper, and sesame seeds into a medium-sized mixing bowl. Set this mixture aside while you prepare the dressing.

Step 2: Mix the Dressing

In a small bowl, combine the rice apple vinegar, honey, toasted sesame oil, red pepper flakes, and sea salt. Whisk these ingredients together until they are well blended.

Step 3: Combine Everything

Pour the dressing over the cucumber mixture in the large bowl. Toss everything together gently until all the vegetables are evenly coated with the dressing.

Step 4: Serve or Chill

You can serve your Asian Cucumber Salad immediately for maximum crunch or cover it and refrigerate for an hour or two. Allowing it to chill will help all the flavors meld beautifully. Enjoy!

How to Serve Asian Cucumber Salad

This fresh and vibrant Asian Cucumber Salad is a versatile dish that can complement various meals. Here are some serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience.

As a Side Dish

• Perfect with grilled chicken or fish, adding a refreshing crunch to your plate.
• Pair it alongside stir-fried vegetables for a colorful and nutritious meal.

On Top of Rice Bowls

• Spoon the salad over rice bowls for an extra layer of flavor and texture.
• It adds a lovely contrast to warm grains and proteins.

As Part of a Picnic Spread

• Include it in your picnic basket for a light, refreshing option that’s easy to transport.
• Its bright flavors will balance heavier dishes like sandwiches or wraps.

With Asian Noodles

• Toss it with cold Asian noodles for a delightful, chilled dish.
• This combination makes for a satisfying summer meal.

How to Perfect Asian Cucumber Salad

To make your Asian Cucumber Salad even better, consider these helpful tips.

• Choose fresh cucumbers – Using very thinly sliced, fresh cucumbers enhances the crispness of the salad.
• Adjust sweetness – Feel free to modify the amount of honey based on your taste preference for sweetness.
• Add more veggies – Consider including carrots or radishes for added color and crunch.
• Chill before serving – Letting the salad sit in the fridge for an hour allows flavors to meld beautifully.
• Experiment with herbs – Fresh cilantro or mint can elevate the taste and add aromatic notes.

Best Side Dishes for Asian Cucumber Salad

Asian Cucumber Salad pairs well with many side dishes. Here are some great options to consider:

1. Grilled Chicken Skewers – Marinated chicken skewers bring protein and flavor that complements the salad’s freshness.
2. Spring Rolls – Light and crispy spring rolls filled with vegetables offer a delightful crunch alongside the cucumber salad.
3. Teriyaki Tofu – Sweet and savory teriyaki tofu provides a delicious plant-based addition that contrasts nicely with the salad.
4. Quinoa Stir-Fry – Nutty quinoa stir-fried with vegetables adds heartiness while keeping things light and healthy.
5. Steamed Edamame – Simple steamed edamame is protein-packed and offers a great textural contrast to the salad’s crispness.
6. Vegetable Dumplings – Steamed or pan-fried vegetable dumplings can enhance your meal with their savory fillings, making them an excellent pairing.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Asian Cucumber Salad, it’s easy to overlook a few key details. Here are some common mistakes to avoid for the best results.

• Bold Ingredient Choices: Using regular cucumbers instead of seedless can lead to excess moisture. Always opt for seedless varieties for a crisp salad.
• Bold Cutting Technique: Not slicing the cucumbers thinly can result in an unbalanced texture. Aim for very thin slices to enhance the overall crunch and flavor absorption.
• Bold Skipping the Dressing: Forgetting to let the salad sit after dressing it can mute the flavors. Allow it to rest in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving.
• Bold Ignoring Seasoning Adjustments: Not adjusting the seasoning to your taste can make the salad bland. Taste and modify the vinegar or honey levels according to your preference.
• Bold Serving Temperature: Serving the salad immediately after preparation might not yield optimal flavor. Chill it beforehand for a refreshing experience.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Best consumed within 2-3 days for optimal freshness.

Freezing Asian Cucumber Salad

• Freezing is not recommended as it alters the texture of cucumbers.
• If necessary, freeze without dressing and consume within one month.

Reheating Asian Cucumber Salad

• Oven: Not applicable; this salad is best served cold.
• Microwave: Avoid reheating; serve chilled for best flavor.
• Stovetop: Not suitable; serve fresh from the refrigerator.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Asian Cucumber Salad.

What is Asian Cucumber Salad?

Asian Cucumber Salad is a refreshing side dish made with thinly sliced cucumbers, onions, and a tangy dressing that balances sweet and savory flavors.

How long does Asian Cucumber Salad last?

When stored properly in an airtight container, Asian Cucumber Salad lasts up to 2-3 days in the refrigerator.

Can I customize my Asian Cucumber Salad?

Yes! You can add ingredients like carrots, radishes, or even nuts for extra crunch and flavor.

Is there a low-carb version of Asian Cucumber Salad?

This recipe is already low in carbs, making it a great option for those looking to reduce their carb intake while enjoying fresh flavors.

What should I serve with Asian Cucumber Salad?

Asian Cucumber Salad pairs well with grilled meats, rice dishes, or as part of a larger buffet of sides.

Final Thoughts

Asian Cucumber Salad stands out with its delightful combination of crisp textures and vibrant flavors. It’s versatile enough to complement any meal or be enjoyed on its own. Feel free to customize it with your favorite veggies or adjust the dressing for your taste preferences!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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Asian Cucumber Salad

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• Author: Saphira
• Total Time: 0 hours
• Yield: Serves approximately 4

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Description

This Asian Cucumber Salad is the perfect blend of crisp, refreshing flavors that elevates any meal. Bursting with vibrant vegetables and a tangy dressing, it’s an ideal side dish for summer gatherings or weeknight dinners. In just 10 minutes, you can whip up this simple yet delicious salad, making it a go-to recipe for busy individuals and families. The salad’s versatility means it pairs wonderfully with grilled meats or can be enjoyed on its own as a light snack. Customize the sweetness or spice level to suit your palate, and enjoy a guilt-free addition to your dining table.

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Ingredients

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• 4 cups thinly sliced seedless cucumbers
• 1/4 cup finely sliced red onion
• 1/4 cup diced red bell pepper
• 1 teaspoon sesame seeds
• 1/4 cup rice apple vinegar
• 1 teaspoon honey
• 1/2 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1/4 teaspoon sea salt

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Instructions

1. In a mixing bowl, combine cucumbers, red onion, red bell pepper, and sesame seeds.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together rice apple vinegar, honey, toasted sesame oil, red pepper flakes, and sea salt until well blended.
3. Pour the dressing over the cucumber mixture and toss gently to coat evenly.
4. Serve immediately for maximum crunch or chill in the refrigerator for an hour to meld flavors before serving.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: None
• Category: Salad
• Method: None
• Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (150g)
• Calories: 60
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 210mg
• Fat: 3g
• Saturated Fat: 0g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 13g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 0mg