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A close-up of a refreshing cucumber salad featuring sliced Persian cucumbers tossed in a spicy Asian dressing with sesame seeds, chili oil, and soy sauce, held by chopsticks for an authentic touch—perfect for a healthy cucumber salad side dish.

Easy Asian Cucumber Salad Recipe

This Easy Asian Cucumber Salad is a refreshing, hydrating side dish with crisp Persian cucumbers tossed in a tangy, spicy sesame dressing. It's quick to prepare, low in calories, and bursting with bold flavors from sesame oil, chili, and soy sauce—perfect for summer meals or as a light appetizer.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: Asian
Calories: 106
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 5 Persian cucumbers or English cucumbers as substitute
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tbsp sesame oil
  • 3/4 tbsp light soy sauce or tamari for gluten-free
  • 1/2 –1 tbsp sugar or honey/stevia substitute
  • 3/4 tbsp rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tbsp chili oil adjust to taste
  • 1/2 tbsp sesame seeds toasted
  • 1/2 tbsp minced garlic optional

Method
 

  1. Rinse and diagonally slice the Persian cucumbers into thin, oval pieces.
  2. Place cucumber slices in a bowl, sprinkle with salt, mix well, and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes.
  3. Drain the excess water from cucumbers, rinse briefly under cold water, and pat dry with paper towel.
  4. Add sesame oil, soy sauce, sugar, rice vinegar, chili oil, sesame seeds, and garlic (if using). Mix thoroughly to coat evenly.
  5. Serve immediately or chill briefly before serving. Garnish with extra sesame seeds if desired.

Notes

For extra freshness, use organic cucumbers. Adjust chili oil and sugar levels to taste. Optional add-ins like shredded carrots or herbs (e.g., cilantro) can boost flavor and nutrition.