Name: Easy 15-min. Kewpie Mayo Cucumber Salad
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Japanese
Ingredients: 1 lb Persian cucumbers (aka Mini Cucumbers or English cucumber), chilled; 2 teaspoon salt (for salting the cucumbers); 4 tablespoons Japanese mayo (Kewpie mayo or regular mayonnaise); 1 green onion, finely chopped; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 1 tablespoon sesame oil; 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar / white vinegar); 2 teaspoon white granulated sugar (or cane sugar / honey); 2 teaspoon regular soy sauce (or light soy sauce); 1/2 teaspoon gochugaru (or red pepper flakes, optional for spice); 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (optional)

Jump to Recipe·5.3 from 11 reviews

Looking for a light, flavor-packed side that comes together in a snap? This Easy 15-min. Kewpie Mayo Cucumber Salad brings you everything you want: crisp, cool cucumbers tossed in a creamy, tangy dressing with a hint of spice. It’s the kind of dish you’ll wonder how you ever lived without, ideal for busy weeknights, quick lunches, or when you just want something delicious and refreshing in a hurry. Make it once, and you’ll be hooked on this Easy 15-min favorite!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Easy 15-min. Kewpie Mayo Cucumber Salad
- Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

When it comes to big flavor in a short amount of time, these essential ingredients truly shine! Each one adds an important layer, from the subtle crunch of cucumbers to the irresistible umami of Kewpie mayo, making this Easy 15-min salad absolutely irresistible.

Persian cucumbers: Their petite size and thin skin make them extra crisp and perfect for this salad—choose chilled ones for the best crunch.
Salt: Massaging the cucumbers with salt not only seasons them but also pulls out water, leaving every bite extra crunchy.
Sesame seeds: A sprinkle on top adds nutty fragrance and eye-catching finish (totally optional but delightful).
Kewpie mayo: The star of the show! This Japanese mayo delivers ultra-rich creaminess and unique depth—regular mayo works in a pinch.
Green onion: A handful of finely chopped green onion adds a pop of color and gentle onion bite.
Garlic cloves: Minced fresh for sharp, zippy flavor that infuses the salad without overwhelming.
Sesame oil: Just a touch provides toasty flavor that makes the dressing so satisfying.
Rice vinegar: This gives just the right amount of tang—apple cider or white vinegar substitutes nicely if needed.
White granulated sugar: A little sweetness balances out all the savory and tangy notes—cane sugar or honey also works beautifully.
Soy sauce: Umami-rich soy sauce ties the flavors together; regular or light is fine here.
Gochugaru or red pepper flakes: For optional gentle heat—add more or less to suit your spice level.

How to Make Easy 15-min

Step 1: Prep and Salt Your Cucumbers

Trim the ends off your Persian cucumbers and slice them into thin, 1/4-inch wheels—this size is just right for soaking up all the zesty dressing. Place the rounds in a big mixing bowl and sprinkle with salt. Give them a gentle massage (yes, with clean hands), then let them rest. This 10-minute salt treatment is a classic Easy 15-min trick for super crunchy cucumbers.

Step 2: Mix the Dressing

While the cucumbers are resting, grab a small bowl and combine your Kewpie mayo, finely chopped green onion, minced garlic, sesame oil, rice vinegar, sugar, soy sauce, and a pinch of gochugaru if you like things spicy. Whisk until the sugar dissolves and everything is creamy and harmonious. Set it aside—it’s about to become your new favorite dressing.

Step 3: Rinse and Dry

Next up: rinse those salted cucumbers under cold running water at least five or six times—seriously, don’t skimp here or you’ll end up with overly salty salad! Once they’re thoroughly washed, shake out as much water as you can and pat them dry with clean paper towels. Transfer them into a clean bowl, ready for dressing.

Step 4: Combine and Serve

Pour the luscious dressing over your cucumber slices and toss gently until every slice is glossy and coated. Scoop the salad onto your favorite serving plate, sprinkle with sesame seeds, and serve immediately for peak crunch and flavor. That’s it—Easy 15-min perfection!

How to Serve Easy 15-min

Garnishes

Top your Easy 15-min cucumber salad with a generous flurry of toasted sesame seeds or even a sprinkle of finely chopped green onion for a gorgeous burst of color. For an added Korean-inspired touch, consider a light dusting of extra gochugaru—just enough to make it pop!

Side Dishes

Pair this salad with grilled chicken, salmon, or pan-seared tofu for a vibrant, well-rounded meal. It also makes a fantastic, quick addition to bento boxes, summer picnics, or as a cooling counterpoint to spicy mains—the Easy 15-min approach means you can put it on the table in no time!

Creative Ways to Present

Try spooning portions into small glass cups for an elegant appetizer, or serve it family-style in a big, rustic bowl at your next potluck. For an extra flair, layer the cucumbers with thin-sliced radish or top with a drizzle of chili crisp—you’ll love experimenting with this Easy 15-min recipe!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’ve got any leftovers (which is rare!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge. The cucumbers hold up surprisingly well for a day but will lose some crunch after that. The flavors do meld even more, however, making for a still-tasty easy 15-min snack.

Freezing

This salad is best enjoyed fresh and doesn’t freeze well—cucumbers become watery and mushy when frozen and thawed. For the ultimate Easy 15-min experience, it’s best to whip up a fresh batch just before serving.

Reheating

No reheating needed! This salad is meant to be served cold, straight from the fridge or freshly prepared. If you’re grabbing leftovers, just give them a quick toss to redistribute the dressing and you’re good to go.

FAQs

Why do I have to salt and rest the cucumbers?

Salting draws out excess moisture, leaving the cucumbers crunchier and allowing them to soak up more dressing flavor—an Easy 15-min pro tip you won’t want to skip!

Can I use regular mayonnaise instead of Kewpie?

Absolutely—you’ll still get a lovely creamy result with regular mayo, though Kewpie adds a signature richness and a slight tang that makes this Easy 15-min dish shine.

What’s the best way to make it spicier?

Go ahead and add more gochugaru or red pepper flakes if you enjoy some kick! For a bolder touch, drizzle with a little chili oil just before serving for an Easy 15-min flavor boost.

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

You can prep the components ahead by slicing and salting the cucumbers and mixing the dressing, but for maximum crunch, toss everything together right before you serve—true Easy 15-min style!

Is there a substitute for Persian cucumbers?

English cucumbers are a great alternative—they’re nearly seedless and have a delicate skin, so your Easy 15-min salad will still turn out crisp and delicious!

Final Thoughts

If you’ve never tried an Easy 15-min. Kewpie Mayo Cucumber Salad before, now’s your moment! It’s bright, satisfying, and so fast you’ll make it again and again. Grab those cucumbers and dive in—you’re officially 15 minutes away from a new family favorite!