Spicy Cucumber Salad Recipe
This Spicy Cucumber Salad is a refreshing and vibrant side dish featuring crisp mini cucumbers dressed in a tangy, sweet, and spicy sesame-soy dressing. Enhanced with garlic and red chili flakes for a subtle kick, it’s perfect for summer meals or as an appetizer that adds a burst of flavor and crunch.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Scale
Salad
- 8 mini or Persian cucumbers
- 1 green onion (ends trimmed and finely sliced)
- Sesame seeds, for garnish
Dressing
- 1 ½ tbsp low-sodium soy sauce (or tamari or coconut aminos for gluten-free option)
- 1 ½ tbsp rice vinegar or white wine vinegar
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
- 2 large garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 tsp crushed or full red chili flakes
Instructions
- Prepare the Accordion Cucumbers. Wash and dry the cucumbers, then trim the ends. Place each cucumber between two chopsticks and make thin diagonal cuts at a 45° angle on the top without cutting all the way through. Flip the cucumber and make 90° angle cuts to create a spiral effect. Cut the spiralized cucumbers in half and transfer to a large mixing bowl. Alternatively, thinly slice the cucumbers on a mandolin.
- Make the Dressing. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice or white wine vinegar, sesame oil, honey or maple syrup, minced garlic, and red chili flakes until well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Assemble the Salad. Pour the dressing over the prepared cucumbers and gently toss to coat without breaking the cucumber spirals. Garnish with finely sliced green onion and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. Serve immediately for optimal crunch and freshness.
Notes
- Use Persian cucumbers for a sweeter and less bitter flavor.
- Adjust the amount of red chili flakes according to your heat preference.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos.
- This salad is best consumed fresh but can be refrigerated for up to 1 day.
- Optional: add chopped fresh cilantro or toasted nuts for additional texture and flavor.
Keywords: Spicy cucumber salad, Asian cucumber salad, healthy side dish, no cook salad, gluten free salad, sesame cucumber salad
Find it online: https://tastewithamy.com/spicy-cucumber-salad-recipe/
