Asian Cucumber Salad

This easy Asian Cucumber Salad is a refreshing dish perfect for summer gatherings or as a side for any meal. The crisp cucumbers and vibrant vegetables create an appealing presentation, while the balance of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors makes it a standout choice. This salad is not only simple to prepare but also a versatile addition to barbecues, picnics, or weeknight dinners.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: With just 10 minutes of prep time, you can whip up this salad in no time.
• Refreshing Flavor: The combination of cucumbers and a zesty dressing makes this salad super refreshing.
• Versatile Side Dish: Pair it with grilled meats or serve it on its own for a light lunch or dinner.
• Healthy Option: Low in calories and packed with nutrients, this salad is a guilt-free addition to any meal.
• Customizable Ingredients: Feel free to add your favorite veggies or adjust the dressing to suit your taste.

Tools and Preparation

To make your Asian Cucumber Salad, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. These tools will help streamline your preparation process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Measuring spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowls: Ideal for combining ingredients without spills.
• Cutting board: Provides a stable surface for slicing vegetables safely.
• Sharp knife: Ensures clean cuts for even slices of cucumber and other ingredients.

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 (I used mini cucumbers)
• 1/4 cup of finely sliced red onion
• 1/4 cup of finely 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

For Garnish

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

How to Make Asian Cucumber Salad

Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables

Add VERY thinly sliced cucumbers, sliced red onion, diced red bell pepper, and sesame seeds to a medium-sized bowl. Set aside.

Step 2: Make the Dressing

In a small bowl, mix together rice apple vinegar, honey, toasted sesame oil, red pepper flakes, and sea salt.

Step 3: Combine Everything

Add the dressing to the cucumber bowl. Toss gently to mix all ingredients evenly.

Step 4: Serve or Chill

Serve immediately for a fresh taste or cover and refrigerate for one to two hours to let all the flavors meld beautifully. Enjoy your delicious Asian Cucumber Salad!

How to Serve Asian Cucumber Salad

This Asian Cucumber Salad is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in many ways. Whether as a refreshing starter or a side dish, it complements various meals beautifully.

As a Light Appetizer

• Serve it chilled in small bowls for an elegant start to your meal.
• Pair with toothpicks for easy eating during gatherings.

With Grilled Meats

• This salad works wonderfully with grilled chicken or beef, adding a refreshing crunch.
• The tangy dressing enhances the smoky flavors of the grilled dishes.

On Tacos or Wraps

• Use as a topping for soft tacos or wraps to add freshness and texture.
• The sweet and savory notes of the salad brighten up any filling.

As Part of a Bento Box

• Include this salad in a bento box for lunch alongside rice and protein.
• Its vibrant colors make the meal visually appealing and nutritious.

How to Perfect Asian Cucumber Salad

To create the best Asian Cucumber Salad, follow these simple tips for maximum flavor and freshness.

• Choose fresh cucumbers: Select firm, crisp cucumbers for the best texture.
• Slice thinly: Aim for very thin slices to ensure each bite is light and crunchy.
• Let it marinate: Allowing the salad to sit for an hour enhances its flavor as the ingredients meld.
• Adjust sweetness: Feel free to tweak the honey amount based on your taste preference.
• Add more veggies: Consider adding carrots or radishes for extra color and crunch.
• Experiment with herbs: Fresh herbs like cilantro or mint can elevate the salad’s freshness.

Best Side Dishes for Asian Cucumber Salad

This refreshing salad pairs well with many side dishes, making it perfect for summer meals. Here are some great options to consider.

1. Grilled Teriyaki Chicken: Marinated chicken grilled to perfection, complementing the cucumber’s crunch.
2. Fried Rice: A hearty dish that balances the lightness of the salad while adding satisfying flavors.
3. Spring Rolls: Fresh vegetable rolls that add a delightful texture and are perfect for dipping.
4. Sesame Noodles: Cold noodles tossed in sesame oil provide a nutty contrast to the fresh salad.
5. Spicy Edamame: Steamed edamame sprinkled with sea salt offers protein-rich bites alongside your meal.
6. Miso Soup: A warm, comforting soup that pairs well with the coolness of the cucumber salad.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Asian Cucumber Salad is simple, but there are a few common mistakes that can affect the final dish. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:

• Skipping the slicing technique: Using thick slices of cucumber can lead to a watery salad. Always slice cucumbers very thinly for the best texture.
• Ignoring flavor balance: Not combining sweet, tangy, and savory elements can result in a bland salad. Make sure to adjust the dressing ingredients to achieve a balanced flavor.
• Using regular vinegar: Substituting rice apple vinegar with regular vinegar can alter the taste. Stick to rice apple vinegar for an authentic Asian flavor.
• Neglecting marination time: Serving immediately after mixing can prevent flavors from melding. Allow the salad to sit in the refrigerator for an hour or two for optimal taste.
• Forgetting about seasoning: Not adding enough salt or pepper can make your salad feel incomplete. Taste and adjust seasoning before serving.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Keep it at a consistent temperature below 40°F (4°C) to maintain freshness.

Freezing Asian Cucumber Salad

• Freezing is not recommended as cucumbers lose their crispness when thawed.
• If you must freeze, use an airtight container and consume within 1 month, but expect a change in texture.

Reheating Asian Cucumber Salad

• Oven: This dish is best served cold; reheating may not be ideal.
• Microwave: Avoid using a microwave as it will make cucumbers soggy.
• Stovetop: Similar to microwave, stovetop heating will ruin the texture of the salad.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes this Asian Cucumber Salad unique?

This Asian Cucumber Salad stands out due to its perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors combined with crunchy vegetables.

Can I customize this Asian Cucumber Salad?

Absolutely! You can add ingredients like carrots or tomatoes for extra crunch and color or adjust the dressing according to your taste preferences.

How long does this Asian Cucumber Salad last in the fridge?

In the refrigerator, this salad lasts up to 2 days if stored properly in an airtight container.

Is this salad suitable for meal prep?

Yes! This salad is great for meal prep since it’s quick to make and lasts well in the fridge, allowing you to enjoy it throughout the week.

Final Thoughts

Asian Cucumber Salad is not only refreshing but also versatile. It pairs well with many dishes and can be customized easily based on your preferences. Don’t hesitate to try this delicious recipe; it’s perfect for summer gatherings or as a simple side dish any time of year!

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

📖 Recipe Card

Print

Asian Cucumber Salad

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

• Author: Vanessa
• Total Time: 0 hours
• Yield: Serves approximately 4 people 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Asian Cucumber Salad is a vibrant and refreshing dish that bursts with flavor, making it an ideal side for summer picnics or barbecues. This salad features crisp cucumbers, colorful vegetables, and a delightful dressing that balances sweet, tangy, and savory notes. Quick to prepare in just 10 minutes, it’s perfect for those busy weeknight dinners or as a light appetizer at gatherings. You can easily customize the ingredients to suit your taste, making it a versatile addition to any meal. Serve it chilled for a refreshing crunch that everyone will love!

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 cups seedless cucumbers (thinly sliced)
• 1/4 cup red onion (finely sliced)
• 1/4 cup red bell pepper (finely diced)
• 1 teaspoon sesame seeds
• Dressing: 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
• Garnish: 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (finely chopped)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. In a medium bowl, combine thinly sliced 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 to create the dressing.
3. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine all ingredients evenly.
4. Serve immediately or let chill in the refrigerator for one to two hours for enhanced flavors.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: N/A
• Category: Side
• Method: Mixing
• Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 70
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 210mg
• Fat: 3g
• Saturated Fat: 0g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 0mg