Discover the refreshing flavors of an Asian Cucumber Salad, a delightful side dish that pairs perfectly with any meal. This salad combines the crispness of cucumbers with a tangy and slightly spicy dressing, making it an irresistible addition to your meals.
Asian Cucumber Salad
Asian Cucumber Salad is a simple dish to throw together but with big rewards. This salad is perfect for those who love a blend of tangy, savory, and spicy tastes, all while keeping things light and refreshing.
Whether you’re looking for a quick and healthy snack, a light side dish, or a vibrant addition to your dinner table, this salad fits the bill. Its main ingredient, cucumber, is known for its hydrating properties, making this dish an excellent choice for warm weather or as a palate cleanser between courses.
One of the best aspects of this salad is how customizable it is. Depending on your taste preferences, you can adjust the level of spice by adding or reducing the amount of gochugaru. Similarly, the dressing can be tweaked to suit your palate, making it more savory or tangy as desired. This adaptability makes the Asian Cucumber Salad a perfect dish for experimenting with flavors and finding what works best for you.
Why you’ll love this dish…
- Refreshing and Hydrating: The high water content of cucumbers makes this salad incredibly refreshing.
- Flavorful Dressing: The combination of rice vinegar, soy sauce, and sesame oil creates a tangy and umami-packed dressing.
- Customizable Spice Level: With the optional addition of gochugaru, you can easily adjust the spice level to your liking.
- Quick and Easy: Simple to prepare, this salad can be ready to serve in under an hour, including marinating time.
Try our Quick Cucumber Kimchi too!
Asian Cucumber Salad shopping list
Wondering if you have to hit the store? Here’s the list of items you’ll need to make this recipe. For specific amounts, please refer to the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post.
- Mini Cucumbers, sliced
- Kosher Salt
- Rice Vinegar
- Soy Sauce
- Sesame Oil
- Light Miso
- Toasted Sesame Seeds
- Gochugaru (optional for spice)
Serve with Traeger Beef Bulgogi!
How to make an Asian Cucumber Salad
Wondering what you’re getting yourself into when you make this dish? Here’s a quick overview of the process! Make sure you follow the instructions at the recipe card at the bottom of the post while you’re cooking.
- SaltSprinkle sliced cucumbers with kosher salt and let sit to release excess liquids.
- RinseRinse cucumbers lightly and pat dry.
- Mix dressingMix sauce ingredients together and pour over cucumbers.
- Let marinateStir occasionally, allowing cucumbers to marinate.
- EnjoyServe after marinating for optimal flavor absorption.
Asian Cucumber Salad FAQ
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the salad a few hours in advance. The flavors will deepen as it marinates in the fridge.
How can I make this salad less spicy?
Omit the gochugaru or use less of it to reduce the spice level without compromising the overall flavor of the salad.
Spicy Beef and Korean Rice Cakes
Serve this with…
More great recipes featuring gochugaru!
- Spicy Spatchcock Chicken
- Spicy Smoked Pork Ribs
- Korean Spicy Chicken and Vegetables
- Gochujang Chicken Stir Fry
Asian Cucumber Salad
Ingredients
- 4 mini cucumbers sliced
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon light miso
- 1/2 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon gochugaru optional for spice
Instructions
- Place the sliced cucumbers into a colander and sprinkle with salt. Let sit for 15-20 minutes so that the cucumbers can release their excess liquids.
- Lightly rinse the cucumbers of the excess salt and quickly pat dry with paper towels or a clean dish towel.
- Mix together the sauce ingredients and pour over the cucumbers in a bowl.
- Stir occasionally and let marinate for 20-30 minutes before serving.
