Name: Refreshing Asian Cucumber Salad Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 2 cups sliced fresh cucumbers (approx. 2 medium cucumbers); 2 green onions, thinly sliced; 3 tbsp rice vinegar (unseasoned); 2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce; 1 tbsp sesame oil (toasted preferred); 1 tsp granulated sugar; Optional: pinch of chili flakes; 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds

Jump to Recipe

There is something instantly uplifting about the Refreshing Asian Cucumber Salad that makes it a standout side dish all year round. Crisp, cool cucumber slices bathed in a vibrant dressing of rice vinegar, toasted sesame oil, and soy sauce create a perfect harmony of tangy, nutty, and savory flavors. This salad is not only incredibly simple to prepare but also offers a delightful balance of textures and colors, making it an irresistible addition to any meal or a refreshing snack on its own.

Refreshing Asian Cucumber Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this salad plays a crucial role in delivering those bright, refreshing tastes and inviting textures. With just a handful of items, each component weaves together to give you that signature crunchy, tangy, and slightly nutty profile.

2 cups sliced fresh cucumbers: Choose firm, crisp cucumbers for the best crunch and freshness.
3 tbsp rice vinegar (unseasoned): Its mild acidity complements the cucumbers without overpowering them.
1 tbsp sesame oil (toasted preferred): Adds a warm, nutty depth to the dressing, essential for authentic flavor.
2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce: Brings a hint of saltiness and umami to balance the vinegar.
1 tsp granulated sugar: Just enough sweetness to round out the tang.
1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds: For that irresistible crunch and toasty flavor on top.
2 green onions, thinly sliced: Offers a subtle bite and a pop of vibrant green color.
Optional pinch of chili flakes: If you like a mild kick, these add a touch of heat without taking over.

How to Make Refreshing Asian Cucumber Salad

Step 1: Prepare the cucumbers

Start by washing your cucumbers thoroughly to remove any dirt or residue. Then slice them into thin, even rounds—this allows the dressing to coat every bite perfectly and ensures a satisfying crunch throughout the salad.

Step 2: Whisk the dressing

In a small bowl, combine the rice vinegar, soy sauce, granulated sugar, and toasted sesame oil. Whisk these ingredients together until the sugar dissolves completely and the mixture becomes smooth and glossy—this will be the flavorful heart of your salad.

Step 3: Add green onions and optional chili flakes

Gently fold in the thinly sliced green onions which add freshness and mild sharpness. If you enjoy a little spice, this is the perfect moment to sprinkle in a pinch of chili flakes. Stir the mixture gently so everything blends without bruising the green onions.

Step 4: Toss cucumbers with dressing

Place the cucumber slices in a large bowl and pour the dressing over them. Using tongs or salad servers, toss the cucumbers gently but thoroughly until each slice is evenly coated in the vibrant dressing. This ensures every bite bursts with flavor.

Step 5: Chill the salad

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid, and pop it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This resting time lets all the flavors meld together, making the salad taste even more vibrant and cohesive once served.

Step 6: Garnish with toasted sesame seeds

Right before serving, sprinkle the salad with the toasted sesame seeds. These add a delightful crunch and a subtle nutty aroma that lift the entire dish to another level of deliciousness.

How to Serve Refreshing Asian Cucumber Salad

Garnishes

Enhance your Refreshing Asian Cucumber Salad with some extra garnishes like thinly sliced fresh cilantro, a few sprigs of mint, or a light drizzle of chili oil if you want to dial up the heat and complexity. These add freshness and a splash of color that make the salad even more inviting.

Side Dishes

This salad pairs beautifully with grilled proteins such as chicken, pork, or tofu. It’s a fantastic companion to starchy sides like steamed jasmine rice or sticky rice, where its brightness cuts through and balances richer flavors effortlessly.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving the cucumber salad in individual small bowls or even hollow out cucumbers to create natural edible cups for a fun, elegant presentation. For a party, arrange the salad atop a platter lined with fresh lettuce leaves to add sparkle and make serving a breeze.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Refreshing Asian Cucumber Salad keeps well when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors continue to develop, but the cucumbers may soften slightly after a day or two, so it’s best enjoyed within 2 days for optimal crispness.

Freezing

This salad is not suited for freezing. The high water content in cucumbers means freezing will break down the texture and make the salad watery upon thawing, diminishing its refreshing crunch.

Reheating

Since this is a cold salad, reheating is not necessary or recommended. Simply take it out of the fridge and give it a quick toss to refresh the flavors before serving cold again.

FAQs

Can I use regular vinegar instead of rice vinegar?

While you can substitute with white vinegar or apple cider vinegar, rice vinegar has a milder, slightly sweet taste that perfectly complements this salad. Using other vinegars might result in a sharper flavor that could overpower the delicate cucumbers.

Is this salad gluten-free?

To keep it gluten-free, ensure you use a gluten-free soy sauce or tamari. The other ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making this salad a safe and tasty choice for gluten-sensitive folks.

Can I add other vegetables to the salad?

Absolutely! Thinly sliced carrots, radishes, or even bell peppers can add extra crunch and color. Just keep the slices thin for the best texture balance and to maintain the Refreshing Asian Cucumber Salad’s signature lightness.

What if I don’t have toasted sesame oil?

Regular sesame oil can be used, but toasted sesame oil adds a richer, smokier flavor that really boosts this salad. If you only have plain sesame oil, consider toasting the sesame seeds longer for extra flavor to compensate.

How spicy is this salad if I add chili flakes?

The chili flakes add just a gentle warmth rather than intense heat, making the salad pleasantly spicy without overwhelming the other flavors. Of course, adjust the amount to your personal taste to keep it perfectly balanced.

Final Thoughts

Making and sharing this Refreshing Asian Cucumber Salad is like inviting a burst of freshness and comfort to your table. It’s quick, simple, and irresistibly tasty—exactly what you need when craving something light yet flavor-packed. I encourage you to try this recipe and discover how a few humble ingredients can transform into something truly special. Your taste buds will thank you!

Refreshing Asian Cucumber Salad Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 16 reviews

Author: Zoe
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Low Fat

Print Recipe

Description

A light and refreshing Asian cucumber salad featuring crisp cucumbers tossed in a tangy and savory dressing made from rice vinegar, sesame oil, soy sauce, and a touch of sugar, topped with toasted sesame seeds and green onions. Perfect as a side dish or appetizer for any meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Vegetables

2 cups sliced fresh cucumbers (approx. 2 medium cucumbers)
2 green onions, thinly sliced

Dressing

3 tbsp rice vinegar (unseasoned)
2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
1 tbsp sesame oil (toasted preferred)
1 tsp granulated sugar
Optional: pinch of chili flakes

Garnish

1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds

Instructions

Prepare Cucumbers: Wash the cucumbers thoroughly to remove any dirt or impurities. Slice them thinly into rounds to ensure they absorb the dressing well and provide a crisp texture.
Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together rice vinegar, low-sodium soy sauce, granulated sugar, and toasted sesame oil until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture is well combined.
Add Green Onions and Chili Flakes: Stir the thinly sliced green onions and optional chili flakes into the dressing, gently mixing to combine the flavors.
Toss Cucumbers with Dressing: Place the sliced cucumbers in a large bowl and pour the dressing over them. Toss gently but thoroughly until the cucumbers are evenly coated with the flavorful dressing.
Chill to Meld Flavors: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This allows the cucumbers to soak up the dressing and the flavors to meld beautifully.
Add Sesame Seed Garnish and Serve: Just before serving, sprinkle the salad with toasted sesame seeds to add a satisfying crunch and nutty aroma.

Notes

For extra heat, increase the amount of chili flakes as desired.
Make sure cucumbers are sliced thinly for the best texture and flavor absorption.
You can substitute rice vinegar with apple cider vinegar if unavailable.
This salad is best served chilled and consumed within 24 hours for freshness.
Use toasted sesame oil for a richer, more authentic flavor.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Salad
Method: No Cook
Cuisine: Asian