Easy Asian Cucumber Salad

Name: Easy Asian Cucumber Salad
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 5 Persian cucumbers; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/2 tbsp sesame oil; 3/4 tbsp light soy sauce; 1/2–1 tbsp sugar (to taste); 3/4 tbsp rice vinegar; 1 tbsp chili oil; 1/2 tbsp sesame seeds; 1/2 tbsp minced garlic (optional)

By:

Sophie

November 4, 2025

Bowl of easy Asian cucumber salad with sesame dressing and vegetables

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A Cozy Delight: Easy Asian Cucumber Salad

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There’s something incredibly refreshing about a simple salad made from crispy cucumbers, especially when you bring Asian flavors into the mix. Easy Asian Cucumber Salad is one of those dishes that immediately brings to mind summertime picnics and family gatherings. Picture yourself sitting at a sun-drenched table, a light breeze rustling through the leaves, while this vibrant salad sits before you, glistening. The aroma of sesame oil mingles with the tang of rice vinegar and the subtle heat from chili oil, promising a bite that’s both bright and flavorful. Each crunch of the cucumber offers a satisfying pop, making it the perfect accompaniment to a hearty meal or a light snack on its own.

What makes this Easy Asian Cucumber Salad so special isn’t just its taste—though, admittedly, that plays a huge role! It’s the way this dish can feel comforting yet lively. It’s an effortless recipe that anyone can whip up in minutes, making it ideal for those lazy summer afternoons or as a trusty side for a busy weeknight dinner. Trust me, once you taste this salad, you’ll want to keep it in your recipe rotation.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Easy Asian Cucumber Salad is a delight for so many reasons:

Flavor Explosion: The combination of salty, sweet, and spicy makes every bite incredibly satisfying.
Crisp Texture: Fresh Persian cucumbers lend a satisfying crunch that enhances the overall eating experience.
Simplicity at Its Best: With minimal ingredients and straightforward methods, it’s a breeze to prepare.
Versatile Dish: This salad makes a fantastic side for grilled meats, pairs wonderfully with Asian-inspired dishes, or stands alone as a refreshing snack.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a casual lunch, a family barbecue, or a festive feast, this salad is always a welcome addition.

How to Make Easy Asian Cucumber Salad

Creating this Easy Asian Cucumber Salad is so simple, and I promise it won’t take much of your time. First, you’ll need to gather your ingredients (don’t worry, I’ll have those for you in a moment). Once you have everything, the magic begins.

Start by rinsing a few Persian cucumbers—you want them fresh and clean. Next, take one cucumber and slice off one end at an angle. Continue cutting the cucumber at the same angle, ensuring that the slices look more oval than round. The thickness is up to your personal preference; however, I find that about a quarter-inch is just right for a crisp bite.

Once sliced, place your cucumbers in a bowl or container and sprinkle them with half a teaspoon of salt. Give them a gentle mix to ensure that the salt is evenly distributed. Now, it’s time for a little patience! Refrigerate the cucumbers for at least 20 minutes to draw out some of their water. This step not only makes the cucumbers crunchier but also intensifies their flavor.

After the wait, you’ll notice the cucumbers have released quite a bit of liquid. Drain this water and give the cucumbers a quick rinse for about ten seconds before returning them to the bowl. Now, here comes the fun part! Add in the sesame oil, light soy sauce, sugar, rice vinegar, chili oil, sesame seeds, and, if you’re feeling adventurous, some minced garlic for an extra kick. Trust me, you’ll appreciate this aromatic addition! Stir everything together until well combined. And just like that, your Easy Asian Cucumber Salad is ready to serve. Enjoy!

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)

Now, let’s break down these key ingredients:

Persian Cucumbers: These are shorter and seedless, with a delightful crispness that retains its texture well in salads. You can substitute with English cucumbers, but be sure to remove the seeds.

Sesame Oil: Adds a rich, nutty flavor. You can use toasted sesame oil for a more pronounced taste.

Light Soy Sauce: This is milder than dark soy sauce and complements the dish without overpowering it. If you require a gluten-free option, tamari works beautifully.

Rice Vinegar: It’s slightly sweet and less acidic than other vinegar types, which balances the salad perfectly. If you can’t find rice vinegar, you could use apple cider vinegar, but the flavor will vary slightly.

Chili Oil: It brings heat and depth to the dish. Adjust the amount depending on your heat preference.

Sugar: Provides a subtle sweetness that balances the saltiness of the soy sauce and the acidity of the vinegar. Start with half a tablespoon and adjust to your taste.

Sesame Seeds: These add a lovely crunch; lightly toasting them first will amplify their flavor.

Garlic (optional): If you enjoy garlic, adding it will enhance the savory notes of the dish.

Directions

Rinsing and slicing the cucumbers is an important first step, as we want to ensure they are absolutely fresh. Start by slicing one end of the cucumber at an angle. Go ahead and continue cutting the cucumber in the same fashion. Your goal is to have oval slices that are pleasing in both look and mouthfeel. The thickness can be adjusted based on your liking—just keep in mind that thinner slices might become a tad watery.

Next, toss those sliced cucumbers into a bowl and sprinkle on the half teaspoon of salt. Mix it well to ensure every slice is coated. This salting process allows the cucumbers to release excess water, which enhances their crispness while concentrating their flavors. Now is the perfect time to pop them in the fridge for at least twenty minutes—this is when the magic happens!

After the cucumbers have chilled, you’ll notice the bottom of the bowl has pooled water. Drain this liquid away, and give them a quick rinse under cold water for about ten seconds. This helps wash away excess salt, and you’ll be left with perfectly seasoned cucumbers.

Return those gorgeous slices to the bowl and add your sesame oil, light soy sauce, sugar, rice vinegar, chili oil, sesame seeds, and minced garlic, if you’re using it. Stir everything delicately until well combined. Make sure to give it a taste—this step is crucial for balance! And just like that, your refreshing Easy Asian Cucumber Salad is ready to be enjoyed.

How to Serve Easy Asian Cucumber Salad

The beauty of this Easy Asian Cucumber Salad lies in its versatility. It’s a stunning side dish that can elevate any meal. Imagine it alongside grilled meats or Asian-inspired entrees where its refreshing crunch complements richer flavors. It can also shine at a summer barbecue, perched alongside burgers or grilled veggies.

For a lovely presentation, serve the salad in a clear bowl to showcase its vibrant colors. Garnish with some extra sesame seeds on top for a decorative touch. If you’re feeling fancy, you could even add a sprinkle of sliced green onions or a few coriander leaves for an aromatic finish.

This salad also makes for a fantastic light lunch when accompanied by some protein or even a soft-boiled egg. Perfect for those warm days when you crave something light yet satisfying!

How to Store Easy Asian Cucumber Salad

If you have leftovers (which is rare, but it can happen), storing them is incredibly easy. Place any remaining salad in an airtight container and refrigerate it. It will stay fresh for about one to two days, but I recommend enjoying it within the first day to really appreciate the crunch.

While this salad doesn’t freeze well due to the water content of the cucumbers, you can certainly enjoy all the flavors fresh. If you choose to refrigerate, remember that the flavors will continue to meld, becoming even tastier as time goes by. When you’re ready to dig in again, give it a quick stir and maybe a taste to adjust any seasoning.

Tips for Perfect Easy Asian Cucumber Salad

From my experience whipping up this salad, I’ve gathered a few nuggets of wisdom that will help you nail it every time:

Slice Uniformly: Keep those cucumber slices even for consistent texture and flavor. It’ll help everything taste better, and your guests will appreciate the effort.
Salt Wisely: Don’t skip the salting step! It’s crucial for achieving the right texture. However, be sure to rinse off the excess salt after.
Taste as You Go: Always taste the dressing before serving to ensure it’s balanced. If you love spicy flavors, feel free to amp up that chili oil!
Prep Ahead: You can prepare the cucumber and dress the salad several hours in advance for a hassle-free assembly. Just store them separately until you’re ready to serve.

Variations

The beauty of this Easy Asian Cucumber Salad is that it can be tailored to fit your preferences or dietary needs. Here are a few variations that bring a unique twist to the classic recipe:

Spicy Korean Twist: Add gochujang (Korean chili paste) with the dressing to give it a deeper flavor and more heat. The sweetness of gochujang will balance the tanginess beautifully.
Thai Inspiration: Incorporate thinly sliced carrots and bell peppers for added color and sweetness. A touch of lime juice can brighten the flavors further.
Dairy-Free Creaminess: For those wanting a creamier salad, consider mixing in a dollop of coconut yogurt. It adds a pleasant richness.
Vegan-Friendly: This salad is naturally vegan, but you can make it even heartier by adding chickpeas to introduce some protein.
Gluten-Free: Simply ensure that all sauces are labeled gluten-free, especially the soy sauce, to make this dish suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.

FAQs

Can I use other types of cucumbers for this salad?
Absolutely! While Persian cucumbers are ideal for their crispness and lack of seeds, you can use English cucumbers or even smaller varieties like Kirby cucumbers. Just remember to peel or seed them if necessary.

How spicy is this salad?
The spice level can be adjusted easily. If you’re concerned about heat, start with less chili oil and gradually increase it to taste. Also, you can omit it entirely if you prefer a milder flavor.

How long can I store the salad?
Your Easy Asian Cucumber Salad is best consumed within a day for maximum freshness and crunch. If stored in the fridge, it can last an additional day, but the cucumbers may lose their bite.

Can I prepare this salad in advance?
Yes! You can prep the cucumbers and dressing separately a few hours in advance. Just combine them right before serving to ensure the cucumbers stay crisp and the flavors remain bright.

Conclusion

This Easy Asian Cucumber Salad is more than just a recipe; it’s a delightful blend of flavors and textures that can brighten any meal or occasion. With its refreshing crunch and zesty dressing, you’ll find it quickly becomes a go-to dish in your kitchen. I encourage you to give it a try and enjoy the vibrant tastes and aromas that come together so easily.

If you love this Easy Asian Cucumber Salad, save it for later or share it with someone who’d enjoy it, too. Trust me, they’ll thank you for it! Happy cooking!