Asian Cucumber Salad – 5 Simple Ingredients for a Crunchy Side

Asian cucumber salad is a light, crunchy, and refreshing side dish that is bursting with flavor. It’s perfect for warm weather, offering a mix of tangy, sweet, and spicy notes. With a delightful balance of cucumbers, peanuts, sesame seeds, and a flavorful dressing, this salad is a quick and healthy way to brighten up any meal. Whether you’re hosting a BBQ or enjoying a weeknight dinner, this salad is sure to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Asian Cucumber Salad

This Asian cucumber salad is not only quick and easy to prepare but also packed with fresh, vibrant flavors. The crisp texture of thinly sliced cucumbers pairs perfectly with the crunch of roasted peanuts and the earthy richness of sesame oil. With a sweet-spicy dressing made from rice vinegar, soy sauce, honey, and red pepper flakes, this salad is both satisfying and healthy. It’s the perfect addition to any meal, especially during the summer months when cucumbers are at their best.

Ingredients for Asian Cucumber Salad

Here’s a list of the ingredients for this Asian cucumber salad:

• Rice vinegar: Adds a tangy flavor to the dressing that balances the sweetness of honey.
• Soy sauce: Provides a salty umami base to the dressing.
• Honey: Adds sweetness and helps balance the tanginess of the vinegar.
• Sesame oil: Gives the dressing a nutty flavor that complements the cucumbers.
• Red pepper flakes: Brings a touch of heat to the salad without overwhelming it.
• Minced garlic: Adds a savory depth of flavor.
• Sesame seeds: A crunchy element that enhances the salad’s texture.
• Salt: Helps bring out the other flavors in the dressing.
• Cucumbers: The star ingredient, providing crunch and freshness.
• Roasted peanuts: Adds crunch and a slightly nutty flavor.
• Green onions: Fresh garnish that brings a burst of color and a mild onion flavor.

Alternative Ingredient Suggestions

If you need to swap out any ingredients or prefer a variation, here are some suggestions:

• Rice vinegar: Substitute with white vinegar or apple cider vinegar if necessary.
• Honey: Maple syrup or agave nectar can be used as alternatives for a vegan version.
• Peanuts: Cashews, almonds, or sunflower seeds make excellent replacements.
• Soy sauce: For a gluten-free option, try tamari or coconut aminos.
• Sesame oil: Try toasted sesame oil for a deeper, richer flavor.
• Cucumbers: English cucumbers work best for their crisp texture, but you can use any cucumber variety you prefer.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the dressing: In a small mixing bowl, whisk together rice vinegar, soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, red pepper flakes, minced garlic, sesame seeds, and salt.
2. Slice the cucumbers: Use a sharp knife to slice the cucumbers thinly. Place the slices in a large salad bowl.
3. Salt the cucumbers: To remove excess water, sprinkle the cucumber slices with salt. Let them sit for 15-20 minutes, then rinse and pat dry.
4. Mix the salad: Pour the prepared dressing over the cucumbers and toss until the cucumbers are evenly coated.
5. Chill: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes. This helps the flavors meld together.
6. Serve: Just before serving, sprinkle the salad with chopped roasted peanuts and garnish with thinly sliced green onions.
7. Enjoy: Serve immediately and enjoy the delightful crunch and flavor of this Asian cucumber salad.

Tips & Tricks for Perfect Asian Cucumber Salad

• Prevent a watery salad: To avoid a soggy salad, always salt the cucumbers and allow them to sit for a while before adding them to the dressing. This helps remove excess moisture.
• Make it milder: If you prefer less spice, reduce the amount of red pepper flakes or omit them entirely.
• Use a mandoline: For even, thin slices of cucumber, a mandoline slicer is a handy tool.
• Freshness is key: This salad is best enjoyed fresh, but you can make the dressing ahead of time. Just add the cucumbers and peanuts just before serving to maintain the crispness.

Pairing Ideas and Variations

This Asian cucumber salad pairs beautifully with grilled meats like chicken, pork, or fish. It’s also a great side dish to serve with a hearty rice meal, such as fried rice or sushi. If you’re looking for a more substantial meal, try pairing it with tofu or shrimp.

You can also experiment with variations, such as adding grated fresh ginger for an extra kick or swapping out the peanuts for cashews for a different flavor. For a spicier twist, try incorporating chopped jalapeños or chili paste.

Seasonal & Health Benefits of Asian Cucumber Salad

Cucumbers are in season during the warmer months, making this salad the perfect choice for summer BBQs, picnics, and potlucks. Packed with hydration and low in calories, cucumbers are a healthy addition to your diet. The sesame oil and peanuts provide healthy fats, while the red pepper flakes can boost your metabolism. This salad is a light yet satisfying dish that complements any meal.

Conclusion

Asian cucumber salad is the ultimate balance of refreshing, crunchy, and flavorful. Whether you’re hosting a summer BBQ, enjoying a weeknight dinner, or bringing something unique to a potluck, this salad is the perfect addition to any meal. It’s quick, easy to make, and can be customized to suit your tastes. With its combination of cucumbers, peanuts, sesame oil, and a tangy, sweet dressing, it’s no wonder this recipe is a favorite. Try it once, and you’ll likely make it again and again!

FAQ

More Relevant Recipes

• Easy Cucumbers in Spicy Peanut Sauce: This recipe offers a similar crunch to the Asian cucumber salad but adds a rich and creamy peanut sauce with a bit of heat, perfect for those who love a spicy twist to their salads.
• Slow Cooked Thai Peanut Chicken: A delicious Thai-inspired dish that pairs well with the fresh, light flavors of an Asian cucumber salad. The rich, peanut-flavored chicken makes for a great main dish to complement the salad.
• Korean Beef Bowl: This hearty bowl of tender beef is seasoned with Korean flavors like sesame oil and soy sauce, echoing the umami taste in the Asian cucumber salad. It’s a great option for a fulfilling, savory dish that pairs well with lighter sides like this salad.

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