Quick & Easy Asian Cucumber Salad: A 15-Minute Delight! 🥒✨🥢
1. Introduction
If you’re searching for a refreshing, tasty, and quick-to-make Asian cucumber salad, you’ve come to the right place. This easy cucumber salad recipe is perfect for warm summer days, side dishes, or light snacks. With vibrant flavors, crisp cucumbers, and an irresistibly tangy dressing, this 15-minute cucumber salad will become your go-to dish for quick meals or entertaining guests.
Discover how to elevate your salads with this ultimate guide to Asian cucumber salad and make your meal prep effortless and flavorful.
2. Ingredients Needed for the Asian Cucumber Salad
- 2 large cucumbers (preferably English or Persian cucumbers for fewer seeds)
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari for gluten-free options
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon honey or agave syrup
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
- Optional: chopped fresh cilantro or green onions for garnish
For a more efficient prep, consider using the Fullstar Ultimate Veggie Prep Master, which makes slicing and julienning vegetables quick and easy.
3. Step-by-Step Instructions to Make the Perfect 15-Minute Cucumber Salad
Prepare the Cucumbers
Start by washing your cucumbers thoroughly. Slice them super thin or julienne for an authentic and crisp texture. Use a vegetable spiralizer or mandoline to speed up this process.
Make the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, honey, garlic, and ginger until well combined. This dressing provides the perfect balance of tanginess and umami.
Toss and Chill
Combine the sliced cucumbers with the dressing in a large bowl. Toss gently to coat every piece evenly. For best flavor, refrigerate for about 5-10 minutes, but this step is optional if you’re in a hurry.
Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds and chopped herbs over the salad. Serve immediately for maximum crunch or store in an airtight container in the fridge for later.
4. Storage Tips for Leftover Asian Cucumber Salad
Store leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep in mind that cucumbers can release water over time, so draining any excess liquid before serving again maintains freshness. For a quick refresh, toss again with a little extra rice vinegar and sesame oil.
5. Serving Suggestions for Your 15-Minute Cucumber Salad
This easy cucumber salad pairs beautifully with grilled seafood, Asian-inspired chicken dishes, or as a crunchy topping for rice bowls. Check out our Blackened Fish Taco Bowls for an excellent pairing idea or enjoy it as a stand-alone snack.
6. FAQ: Everything You Need to Know About Asian Cucumber Salad
Can I substitute soy sauce with Tamari?
Absolutely! Tamari is a gluten-free soy sauce alternative that works perfectly in this easy cucumber salad recipe, making it suitable for gluten-free diets.
How long does it take to prepare this salad?
The entire process takes approximately 15 minutes, making it an ideal 15-minute cucumber salad for quick lunches or side dishes.
Can I add extra toppings?
Yes! Feel free to add chopped peanuts, shredded carrots, or sliced chili peppers for an extra burst of flavor and texture.
Is this salad suitable for vegans?
Yes, as long as you use honey alternatives like agave syrup, this salad is vegan-friendly and perfectly delicious.
7. Kitchen tools that you might need for this recipe
To prepare your Asian cucumber salad effortlessly, here are some recommended tools:
- Fullstar Ultimate Veggie Prep Master: Make slicing cucumbers quick and uniform, saving you time and effort.
- CAROTE Premium 16pc Nonstick Cookware Set: Use these quality cookware sets for preparing dressings or other components of your meals.
- Ninja SLUSHi Pro RapidChill Drink Maker: Perfect for chilling beverages if you want to serve this salad with a refreshing drink alongside.
8. Conclusion
This Asian cucumber salad is a vibrant, healthy, and quick dish that can be whipped up in just 15 minutes. Its refreshing flavors and crisp texture make it the perfect addition to any meal or gathering. Whether you’re looking for a simple side dish or a light snack, this easy cucumber salad will never disappoint. Enjoy fresh, tasty, and nutritious meals with minimal effort!
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Quick & Easy Asian Cucumber Salad: A 15-Minute Delight!
Discover the refreshing and tangy flavors of this Quick & Easy Asian Cucumber Salad, a vibrant 15-minute dish perfect for summer days, side dishes, or light snacks. Made with crisp cucumbers and a zesty dressing, this Asian-inspired salad is both healthy and delicious, ideal for quick meal prep or entertaining guests.
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 2 large cucumbers (preferably English or Persian for fewer seeds)
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari for gluten-free options
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon honey or agave syrup
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
- Optional: chopped fresh cilantro or green onions for garnish
Instructions
- Start by washing your cucumbers thoroughly. Slice them super thin or julienne using a vegetable spiralizer or mandoline for authentic and crisp texture.
- In a small bowl, whisk together rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, honey, garlic, and ginger until well combined.
- Combine the sliced cucumbers with the dressing in a large bowl. Toss gently to coat every piece evenly.
- Refrigerate for about 5-10 minutes for best flavor, or serve immediately for maximum crunch.
- Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds and chopped herbs over the salad. Serve promptly or store in an airtight container in the fridge for later.
Notes
- For an even quicker prep, use a vegetable spiralizer or mandoline to slice cucumbers.
- Optional toppings include chopped peanuts, shredded carrots, or sliced chili peppers for extra flavor.
- This salad stays fresh in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Drain excess water before serving if necessary.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad, Side Dish
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Vegan, Gluten-Free
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1 cup)
- Calories: 60 kcal Kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 3.5 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg