Name: Easy Asian Cucumber Salad Recipe
Prep time: 25 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 5 Persian cucumbers; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/2 tbsp sesame oil; 3/4 tbsp light soy sauce; 1/2-1 tbsp sugar (adjust to taste); 3/4 tbsp rice vinegar; 1 tbsp chili oil; 1/2 tbsp sesame seeds; 1/2 tbsp garlic, minced (optional)

Jump to Recipe· 4.8 from 17 reviews

If you’ve been searching for the perfect crisp, cool side dish with just the right kick of tanginess and spice, look no further than this Easy Asian Cucumber Salad. With just a handful of fresh ingredients and a lively, flavor-packed dressing, this salad manages to be refreshing, satisfying, and totally addictive at the same time. It’s a staple in my own kitchen whenever I’m craving something vibrant on the table, and I can promise it will become your new go-to for a quick snack, appetizer, or side.

Easy Asian Cucumber Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Making Easy Asian Cucumber Salad is delightfully simple—every ingredient earns its spot, building layers of flavor and texture you’ll love. Here’s what you’ll need and why you shouldn’t skip a single one!

Persian cucumbers (5): These little cucumbers are extra crisp, nearly seedless, and perfect for soaking up the tangy dressing without getting limp.
Salt (1/2 tsp): Essential for drawing out excess moisture and intensifying the fresh cucumber flavor—it’s the foundation of a crunchy salad.
Sesame oil (1/2 tbsp): Just a splash infuses the salad with a nutty aroma that makes everything taste a bit more luxurious.
Light soy sauce (3/4 tbsp): Adds that irresistible umami richness and a kiss of savory depth.
Sugar (1/2-1 tbsp): Balances the acidity and spice, letting you adjust the sweetness to suit your mood or chili oil intensity.
Rice vinegar (3/4 tbsp): Lively and gentle, it gives the salad its signature brightness without overpowering.
Chili oil (1 tbsp): Delivers just the right amount of spicy warmth—add more or less according to your heat preference.
Sesame seeds (1/2 tbsp): For a tasty crunch and visual pop, they’re a tiny ingredient with a big impact.
Garlic, minced (1/2 tbsp, optional): If you love bold flavor, don’t skip the garlic—it brings a punchy, aromatic layer that’s hard to resist.

How to Make Easy Asian Cucumber Salad

Step 1: Prep the Cucumbers

Start by giving your Persian cucumbers a good rinse. Take a sharp knife and slice off one end, then continue slicing at a sharp angle. You’re aiming for thin, oval slices (not your typical rounds!), which look gorgeous and absorb more of that delicious dressing. The thickness is up to you, but thinner slices result in a better crunch with every bite.

Step 2: Salt and Rest

Place all the sliced cucumbers into a bowl or container, then sprinkle them evenly with the salt. Toss them gently to coat and slide the bowl into the fridge for at least 20 minutes. This little resting period pulls out excess water and intensifies the cucumber flavor, which is what turns ordinary cucumbers into a truly memorable Easy Asian Cucumber Salad.

Step 3: Drain and Rinse

After chilling, you’ll notice a puddle of water at the bottom of your bowl—exactly what you want! Pour this off, then give the cucumbers a very quick, 10-second rinse under cold water to remove extra salt. Return the cucumbers to your bowl, ready for dressing.

Step 4: Make the Dressing

Add sesame oil, light soy sauce, sugar, rice vinegar, chili oil, sesame seeds, and garlic (if using) straight over your cucumber slices. Stir everything together until each slice is beautifully coated and those savory, sweet, and spicy flavors meld together. Taste and adjust the sugar or chili oil for your perfect salad.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

That’s it—your Easy Asian Cucumber Salad is ready to star at your table! Serve it immediately for the ultimate crunch and freshness, and watch how quickly it disappears.

How to Serve Easy Asian Cucumber Salad

Garnishes

This salad is a stunner all on its own, but you can easily jazz it up with a few extra garnishes. Try an extra sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds, a handful of chopped scallions, or a few fresh cilantro leaves for even more pop and aroma.

Side Dishes

Easy Asian Cucumber Salad pairs perfectly with grilled meats, steaming bowls of rice, or dumplings. It’s especially wonderful alongside Korean BBQ, sushi nights, or as a light appetizer before a spicy noodle main course—it brings balance and zing to any meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties or picnics, try serving your salad in small individual bowls or nestled in crisp lettuce cups for a fresh twist. Or pile it high over a bed of cold soba noodles for a more substantial lunch. However you present it, you can’t go wrong—this salad is guaranteed to impress.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have any leftovers, simply transfer them to an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. The flavors will deepen a little as it sits, though the cucumbers are at their crispiest right after being dressed. Enjoy leftovers within a day for best results.

Freezing

Unfortunately, this is one dish that doesn’t love the freezer. Freezing will make the cucumbers watery and mushy once thawed, so I highly recommend enjoying Easy Asian Cucumber Salad fresh or within a day of making it.

Reheating

No need to reheat—this salad is always served cold or at room temperature! If the salad has been in the fridge for a while, just give it a gentle stir before serving to redistribute the dressing and bring back a little shine to those gorgeous cucumber slices.

FAQs

Can I use regular cucumbers instead of Persian cucumbers?

Absolutely! If you can’t find Persian cucumbers, English cucumbers are the next best choice because they’re also crisp and have fewer seeds. Just slice them thin and remove seeds if necessary for best texture.

Is Easy Asian Cucumber Salad spicy?

It can be! The heat level depends on how much chili oil you use, so start small if you’re worried and adjust as you like. You can even skip the chili oil entirely for a milder version that’s still brimming with flavor.

Can I make the salad in advance?

You can prep the cucumbers ahead and store them in the fridge after salting and draining. Add the dressing right before serving to maintain that perfect crunch and to keep the flavors fresh.

What protein can I add to make this a full meal?

Grilled shrimp, shredded chicken, or tofu cubes are all delicious additions that turn Easy Asian Cucumber Salad from a side into a main dish. Just toss them in with the salad and you’re set!

What’s the best way to adjust the flavor if it tastes too sour or too sweet?

If your salad is too sour, add a pinch more sugar; if it’s too sweet, try a splash more rice vinegar or soy sauce. Adjusting as you go is the best way to make your perfect bowl.

Final Thoughts

Now that you’ve got all the secrets to this zippy, crunchy Easy Asian Cucumber Salad, I hope you’ll make it a staple in your own kitchen. With just a few minutes of effort, you’ll have a dish that’s packed with color, texture, and flavor—ready to delight at any meal. Give it a try, and let the refreshing flavors speak for themselves!