This Asian Cucumber Salad Recipe is a quick and simple side dish that can be whipped up in minutes. With a spicy kick from the crushed red pepper flakes, you've got a simple salad that's sure to please!
Try these other salads with cucumbers: Cucumber Tomato Salad, Blueberry Cucumber and Feta Salad and Marinated Vegetable Salad.
Cucumber Salad Recipe
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Everyone in our home seriously loves cucumbers! They're light, refreshing and have a delicious crunch that none of us can resist. This cucumber vinegar salad has a seriously delicious combination of flavors and textures. You have the crunchy cucumbers and onions. Sesame oil brings a super unique flavor (in addition to the sesame seed garnish). The rice vinegar and sugar bring some sweet and tangy flavors to the dressing and crushed red pepper flakes add a nice, spicy kick!
Tips for making Cucumber Salad
- Peel the cucumbers and gently scoop out any seeds before slicing. I like to slice my cucumbers on the thinner side.
- I also like to slice my red onions a thinly as possible, almost shaving them.
- The amount of crushed red pepper I use gives a nice spicy kick without being overwhelming. Feel free to add more or less to your taste.
- Be sure to taste before serving and adjust the seasonings accordingly.
Helpful ingredient information:
- Cucumbers: You can really use whatever type of cucumber you prefer but I like to use english cucumbers because they have minimal seeds. If you use a variety with lots of seeds, use a spoon to gently scoop them out.
- Onion: I prefer red onion for this recipe, as it's full of great flavor. If raw onion flavor is too much for you, it's easy to tone down the flavor by soaking your sliced onion in very cold water for 10-15 minutes and then draining well before adding to the salad.
- Dressing: This simple dressing is a flavorful combo of rice vinegar, sesame oil, kosher salt, crushed red pepper and granulated sugar.
- Sesame seeds: A good tip to bring out the flavor of the sesames seeds is to toast them over medium heat in a small frying pan. No need to add oil or anything, just keep an eye on them and stir often so they don't burn. You'll know they're ready because they'll be very fragrant.
How long can you keep cucumbers in vinegar?
Around 3 days for optimal texture.
Should you peel the cucumber for this recipe?
While you don't have to, I prefer the cucumbers peeled in the recipe.
How do you cut cucumbers for salad?
Cut the cucumber down the middle length-wise. Use a spoon to scoop out any seeds. Then turn the flat, side down and cut into thin slices.
What goes well with a cucumber and onion salad?
A few great recipes to round out and complete this meal would be:
Leftovers and storage:
This salad will last for around 3 days covered in the refrigerator.
Helpful tools:
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Asian Cucumber Salad Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 ½ cups cucumbers, peeled, seeds scooped out and sliced thin
- 1 cup red onion sliced thin
- ¾ teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes,
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- ¼ cup rice vinegar
- 2 teaspoons granulated sugar
- Sesame seeds, for garnish
Instructions
- Place cucumbers and onions into a large bowl.
- Season with salt and crushed red pepper.
- In a small bowl whisk together oil, vinegar and granulated sugar until well combined.
- Pour dressing over salad and toss well until fully coated.
- Refrigerate or serve immediately with a sprinkle of sesame seeds.
Notes
Serena says
Jessy Freimann says