Pass the Health

A Crisp, Refreshing Salad with Bold Asian Flavors

The Asian Cucumber Salad is a light, fresh, and incredibly flavorful dish perfect for any occasion. With its crisp cucumber, zesty rice vinegar, savory soy sauce, and aromatic sesame oil, this salad delivers an authentic burst of Asian-inspired flavors. The chili garlic sauce (or sriracha) adds the perfect amount of heat, and the toasted sesame seeds provide a delightful crunch, making this salad a wonderful complement to grilled meats, seafood, or just as a snack on its own.

It’s quick, healthy, and bursting with vibrant flavors, making it an ideal choice for a summer side dish or a tasty appetizer.

Why Asian Cucumber Salad Is a Great Choice

This salad is not only refreshing but also packed with nutrients:

Cucumbers: High in water content, cucumbers help with hydration and support healthy skin. They are low in calories and contain essential vitamins and minerals like vitamin K and potassium. For more health benefits of cucumbers, check out this Healthline article on cucumbers.
Ginger: Known for its anti-inflammatory properties, ginger helps with digestion and boosts your immune system.
Soy Sauce: Adds a rich umami flavor while providing protein and amino acids. If you’re gluten-free, you can substitute with Bragg’s Liquid Aminos or Coconut Aminos.
Toasted Sesame Oil: Rich in healthy fats, sesame oil imparts a unique flavor to the salad and helps support heart health.
Maple Syrup: A natural sweetener that balances the acidity of the vinegar and the heat of the chili sauce.

This Asian Cucumber Salad is light, refreshing, and packed with health benefits, making it a great addition to any meal.eal.

Ingredients for Asian Cucumber Salad

1 1/2 pounds Turkish, Persian, or English cucumbers (about 5 cups sliced)
1/2 teaspoon salt
4–5 scallions, finely sliced
1 teaspoon ginger, grated
1 clove garlic, finely minced
1/4 cup rice vinegar
1 tablespoon soy sauce (use Bragg’s Liquid Aminos or Coconut Aminos for gluten-free)
1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
1 tablespoon maple syrup (or honey, or sugar)
1 teaspoon chili garlic sauce (sambal olek) or sriracha, more to taste
1–2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds

Step-by-Step Instructions for Asian Cucumber Salad

Score and Slice the Cucumbers
Using the tines of a fork, score the cucumbers lengthwise. This will help the dressing cling to the cucumber. (Feel free to skip this step if you’re in a hurry.)
Slice the cucumbers thinly and place them in a mixing bowl. Toss the cucumber slices with the salt to help them release water, and let them sit while you gather the remaining ingredients.
Strain the Cucumbers
After about 5-10 minutes, strain the cucumbers using a fine mesh strainer (do not rinse). Transfer the cucumbers to a large mixing bowl.
Mix the Dressing
To the cucumbers, add the scallions, grated ginger, minced garlic, rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, maple syrup, and chili garlic sauce (or sriracha). Toss everything together to combine well.
Taste and Adjust
Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may want to add more salt or sweetness (maple syrup) depending on your preference. If you prefer more heat, add a bit more chili garlic sauce.
Serve or Refrigerate
Add the toasted sesame seeds and mix gently. Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve. This salad is best enjoyed on the same day but can be kept for up to 3 days in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Preparation Details

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes (no cooking required)
Servings: 4 servings

This Asian Cucumber Salad comes together in just 10 minutes, making it a quick and easy option for a healthy snack or as a side dish for your next meal.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Calories: 115 kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Sodium: 550mg
Potassium: 300mg
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 6g
Vitamin A: 15%
Vitamin C: 30%
Calcium: 6%
Iron: 8%

Why You’ll Love This Asian Cucumber Salad

This Asian Cucumber Salad is the perfect balance of flavors—cool, tangy, savory, and a little spicy. The fresh cucumbers provide a satisfying crunch, while the pesto and ginger add depth. Whether you’re looking for a healthy side dish or a refreshing snack, this salad is sure to impress.

Try This Asian Cucumber Salad Today!

If you’re craving a light, flavorful, and refreshing dish, this Asian Cucumber Salad is just what you need. Packed with fresh ingredients and bold flavors, it’s sure to become your new go-to side dish.

Did you try this Asian Cucumber Salad? I’d love to hear how it turned out or see your fresh creations on Instagram! For more vibrant, healthy recipes, check out my other salads here.