Busy moms often look for quick and delicious recipes that can satisfy their family’s hunger. The Easy Asian Cucumber Salad is a perfect choice. This refreshing dish comes together in no time, providing a burst of flavor that’s ideal for lunch or dinner. Plus, it’s light and healthy, making it an excellent option for those warmer days when you want something cool and crunchy.
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Why You Will Love This Recipe
The Easy Asian Cucumber Salad shines for several reasons. First, it requires very minimal prep and cooking time. With just a few steps, you can create a quick side dish or a light meal that appeals to both adults and kids. Its bold flavors keep things interesting while being gentle on little palates. The simple ingredients mean you likely have everything you need at home already, making it a convenient choice for any busy weeknight.
How to Make Easy Asian Cucumber Salad
Ingredients
- 5 Persian cucumbers
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tbsp sesame oil
- 3/4 tbsp light soy sauce
- 1/2-1 tbsp sugar (see notes)
- 3/4 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp chili oil
- 1/2 tbsp sesame seeds
- 1/2 tbsp garlic (minced, optional)
Directions
- Rinse and slice one end of the cucumber at an angle.
- Continue slicing at an angle. Slices should look more oval than round. Thickness should be up to preference.
- Add to a bowl or container and sprinkle with 1/2 tsp of salt.
- Mix that well and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes to draw out the water.
- Drain the water and give the cucumbers a quick 10-second rinse before returning them to the bowl/container.
- Add sesame oil, light soy sauce, sugar, rice vinegar, chili oil, sesame seeds, and garlic.
- Stir until well combined and serve. Enjoy!
Easy Asian Cucumber Salad
A refreshing, quick, and healthy salad perfect for lunch or dinner, packed with bold flavors and minimal prep time.
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 5 Persian cucumbers
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tbsp sesame oil
- 3/4 tbsp light soy sauce
- 1/2–1 tbsp sugar (see notes)
- 3/4 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp chili oil
- 1/2 tbsp sesame seeds
- 1/2 tbsp garlic (minced, optional)
Instructions
- Rinse and slice one end of the cucumber at an angle.
- Continue slicing at an angle until desired thickness is achieved.
- Add cucumber slices to a bowl or container and sprinkle with 1/2 tsp of salt.
- Mix well and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes to draw out water.
- Drain the water and rinse the cucumbers briefly before returning them to the bowl.
- Add sesame oil, light soy sauce, sugar, rice vinegar, chili oil, sesame seeds, and garlic.
- Stir until well combined and serve. Enjoy!
Notes
For a milder flavor, reduce or omit the chili oil. Add green onions or cilantro for freshness. To make it heartier, mix in rotisserie chicken or cooked noodles.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
How to Serve
Serving this salad is simple. You can dish it up as a refreshing side for grilled chicken or fish. It also pairs well with rice dishes, giving them a crunchy contrast. Consider serving it as part of a picnic or potluck spread, where it can add a bright, fresh touch to the table. For a fun twist, serve it in lettuce wraps for a delightful finger food option.
How to Store
Storing your Easy Asian Cucumber Salad is straightforward. Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It stays fresh for up to two days. However, for the best taste and crunch, consume it within the first 24 hours. If you want to add the vinaigrette before serving, keep it separate until you are ready to enjoy the salad. This way, the cucumbers maintain their crispness.
Tips and Variations
Feel free to experiment with the recipe to suit your family’s tastes. If your kids prefer a milder flavor, reduce or omit the chili oil. You can also add chopped green onions or cilantro for an extra layer of freshness. Want some protein? Toss in shredded rotisserie chicken or edamame. For a heartier version, mix in some cooked noodles. These simple variations can keep the dish exciting while appealing to everyone at the table.
FAQs
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare it a few hours before serving, but it’s best to add the dressing just before serving for maximum crunch.
What can I substitute for chili oil?
If you want less heat, consider using a mild oil or sesame oil alone.
Can I use other types of cucumbers?
While Persian cucumbers are ideal for their crunch, you can substitute English cucumbers. Just remember to remove the seeds as they can create excess moisture.
Conclusion
The Easy Asian Cucumber Salad is not just quick and simple but also a delightful addition to your meals. It’s healthy, refreshing, and can fit perfectly into your busy lifestyle. Give this recipe a try and save it for those days when you need a burst of flavor with little effort. Your family will love it!
