Asian Cucumber Salad
The salad is light enough to be paired with any main dish but flavorful enough to stand out on its own. Plus, it’s perfect for meal prepping, so you can enjoy it throughout the week.
Equipment
- Cutting board
- Sharp Knife
- Mixing Bowl
- Measuring spoons
- Whisk or fork
- Salad Tongs or Spoon
Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 2 large cucumbers thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup cilantro chopped
- 1/4 cup green onions sliced
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds optional
- 1 tbsp red chili flakes optional
For the Dressing:
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp honey or sugar adjust for sweetness
- 1 tsp grated fresh ginger optional
Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Vegetables
- Start by washing the cucumbers thoroughly. If you're using regular cucumbers, peel them, but if you're using English cucumbers, the skin is tender enough to leave on.
- Slice the cucumbers thinly, aiming for slices about 1/8 inch thick. The thinner, the better! This helps the dressing soak in and gives each bite that perfect crunch.
- Chop the green onions and cilantro into small pieces. Set them aside for later.
- Pro Tip: Use a mandolin slicer if you have one — it makes slicing the cucumbers perfectly thin and saves time!
Step 2: Make the Dressing
- In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and honey (or sugar). Stir until the honey or sugar is fully dissolved.
- Add the grated ginger, if using, and whisk again to combine all the flavors. You should taste the dressing — if it's too tangy, add a little more honey for balance.
- Pro Tip: If you want a bit of spice, now is the time to stir in the chili flakes, but only add a pinch at a time if you’re unsure about the heat!
Step 3: Toss the Salad
- Place the sliced cucumbers, green onions, and cilantro in a large mixing bowl.
- Pour the dressing over the vegetables and toss everything together. Make sure the cucumbers are evenly coated in the dressing for the best flavor in every bite.
- Pro Tip: Be gentle when tossing — don’t squish the cucumbers! You want them to stay crisp and fresh.
Step 4: Garnish & Serve
- If you’re using sesame seeds or extra chili flakes, sprinkle them over the salad right before serving for an extra layer of flavor and crunch.
- Serve immediately for the freshest taste, or refrigerate for about 30 minutes to let the flavors meld together. Either way, it's delicious!
- Pro Tip: Letting the salad chill in the fridge for a bit allows the flavors to deepen, but it’s also perfectly fine to enjoy it right away!
Notes
Nutritional Value (per serving)
- Calories: ~60-80 kcal
- Carbs: ~5g
- Protein: ~1g
- Fat: ~4g
- Fiber: ~1g
- Sugar: ~3g
- Sodium: ~500mg (depending on soy sauce used)
The nutritional information provided on this website is an estimate only and is intended for general guidance. We cannot guarantee its accuracy and recommend consulting a qualified healthcare professional or registered dietitian for personalized nutrition advice.