Easy Asian Cucumber Salad: Crisp & Refreshing
This Asian cucumber salad is a refreshing and flavorful side dish that combines crisp cucumbers with a tangy sesame dressing. It's quick to prepare and pairs well with a variety of main courses.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs thin-skinned cucumbers Persian, English, or Turkish
- ½ tsp salt
- 4 scallions thinly sliced
- 1 tsp grated fresh ginger
- 1 garlic clove minced
- 3 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp soy sauce or gluten-free tamari
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil
- 1 tbsp maple syrup or honey
- 1 tsp chili paste like sambal oelek
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
Instructions
- Score the cucumbers lengthwise with a fork. Slice them thinly and toss with salt. Let sit 10 minutes to draw out water.
- Strain the cucumbers (no rinsing!) and pat dry. Add to a bowl with scallions, ginger, and garlic.
- Whisk rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, maple syrup, and chili paste in a small bowl. Pour over cucumbers.
- Add sesame seeds and mix well. Taste and add more salt or chili if needed. Chill 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
Swap maple syrup with honey for non-vegan. Skip chili for mildness. Add crushed peanuts or swap rice vinegar with lime juice for Thai flair.