Description
Perfect as a side dish, appetizer, or snack, this Spicy Asian Cucumber Salad is quick, fresh, and packed with flavor. The cucumbers are cut in a stunning accordion style and tossed in a bold garlic-soy dressing with a touch of sweetness and chili heat.
Ingredients
Scale
The Salad:
8 mini or Persian cucumbers
1 green onion, ends trimmed and finely sliced
Sesame seeds for garnish
The Dressing:
1½ tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce (or tamari/coconut aminos for gluten-free)
1½ tablespoons rice vinegar (or white wine vinegar)
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
2 large garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon crushed red chili flakes (adjust to taste)
Instructions
- Prepare the Accordion Cucumbers: Wash, dry, and cut the ends off the cucumbers. Place a cucumber between two chopsticks. Cut the cucumber at a 45° angle, making thin diagonal slices on the top (the chopstick will prevent you from cutting all the way through). Flip the cucumber over and make 90° angle cuts. Cut the spiraled cucumbers in half, then add them to a large mixing bowl.
- Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey, minced garlic, and red chili flakes. Taste and adjust the seasonings to your preference.
- Assemble the salad: Pour dressing over cucumbers and mix gently so the cucumbers don’t break. Garnish with green onion and sesame seeds. Enjoy!
Notes
- English Cucumber Option: If using English cucumbers instead of mini/Persian, simply wash, dry, and cut into thin slices rather than attempting the accordion technique.
- Add Protein: Turn this into a light meal by adding cooked shrimp, grilled chicken, or tofu.
- Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 48
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 228mg
- Fat: 1g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: spicy asian cucumber salad, accordion cucumber salad, asian side dish, cucumber appetizer