Lively Cucumber Salad Recipe: Fresh Summer Crunch

Cool summer days call for a refreshing cucumber salad that brings zesty flavors to your table.

This light and crisp cucumber salad bursts with garden-fresh ingredients and simple seasonings.

The quick cucumber salad combines tangy herbs with cool, crunchy vegetables that dance on your palate.

Each bite delivers a perfect balance of texture and taste that makes ordinary meals extraordinary.

Simple ingredients create magic in this straightforward recipe that takes mere minutes to prepare.

Serve chilled as a delightful side dish that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Dig into this delectable salad and transform your meal with a burst of freshness.

Spicy Cucumber Salad Storage Advice

• Quick Refrigeration Strategy: Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for maximum freshness up to 2 days.
• Moisture Management: Drain excess liquid before storing to prevent cucumber slices from becoming soggy and maintain crisp texture.
• Flavor Enhancement Technique: Let the salad rest in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before serving to allow ingredients to blend and intensify spicy notes.
• Serving Temperature Tip: Enjoy chilled directly from the refrigerator for a refreshing and zesty experience that highlights the salad's vibrant flavors.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Calories: 50 kcal

Servings: 4

Spicy Cucumber Salad Ingredient Lineup

• Cucumber: Crisp base that absorbs dressing flavors, choose firm and vibrant green cucumbers without soft spots or yellowing.
• Green Onions: Adds sharp, fresh bite and visual appeal, select bright green stalks with firm white bases.

• Soy Sauce: Provides deep umami saltiness, opt for low-sodium varieties for better control of salt levels.
• Rice Vinegar: Brings tangy brightness, Japanese or Korean brands offer authentic flavor profile.
• Sesame Oil: Introduces nutty undertone, use toasted sesame oil for more intense taste.
• Honey: Balances heat with subtle sweetness, raw honey adds deeper complexity.
• Garlic: Delivers pungent depth, fresh minced garlic provides more robust flavor than pre-chopped.
• Red Pepper Flakes, Gochugaru: Creates spicy kick, gochugaru offers more complex Korean chili warmth.
• Ginger: Adds zingy, aromatic heat, fresh grated ginger provides more vibrant taste.

• Salt: Helps extract cucumber moisture, use fine sea salt for even distribution.
• Sesame Seeds: Provides crunchy texture and nutty accent, toasted seeds enhance overall flavor.

Tools You’ll Need for Spicy Cucumber Salad

• Sharp Knife: Essential for thinly slicing cucumbers with precision.
• Cutting Board: Sturdy surface for safe and clean vegetable preparation.
• Colander: Helps drain excess water from salted cucumbers.
• Paper Towels: Perfect for patting cucumbers dry after draining.
• Small Mixing Bowl: Ideal for whisking together the spicy dressing ingredients.
• Large Mixing Bowl: Spacious container for combining cucumbers and green onions.
• Whisk: Key tool for blending dressing ingredients smoothly.
• Measuring Spoons: Ensures accurate measurement of seasonings and dressing components.

How to Toss a Spicy Cucumber Salad

• Prep Cucumbers Drain Extra Moisture

Thinly slice cucumbers and spread them in a colander. Generously dust with salt and let sit, allowing water to release naturally for about 10 minutes.

• Create Zesty Dressing

Whisk together a vibrant blend of soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey, minced garlic, red pepper flakes, gochugaru, and grated ginger in a small mixing bowl.

• Combine and Toss

Transfer prepared cucumbers to a large bowl and add chopped green onions. Pour the spicy dressing over the vegetables and mix thoroughly to ensure even coating.

• Finish and Serve

Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds on top for a delightful crunch. Enjoy immediately for a crisp texture, or let the salad sit for 15 minutes to allow flavors to meld and intensify.

Tips & Variations for Spicy Cucumber Salad

• Quick Pickle Technique: Salt cucumber slices to draw out excess moisture, ensuring a crisp and not watery salad texture.
• Spice Level Control: Adjust red pepper flakes and gochugaru amounts to personalize heat intensity according to individual preference.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare dressing in advance and store in refrigerator for up to 3 days, allowing flavors to develop and saving prep time.
• Dietary Flexibility: Swap honey with maple syrup for vegan version or use low-sodium soy sauce for reduced-salt diet needs. Gluten-free tamari works perfectly as soy sauce alternative.
• Texture Twist: Experiment with different cucumber varieties like Persian or English cucumbers for varied crunch and presentation, keeping slicing technique consistent.

Serving a Chilled Spicy Cucumber Salad

• Fresh Summer Picnic Star: Pack this zesty cucumber salad in portable containers for outdoor gatherings, adding a cool and spicy kick to your meal.
• Asian-Inspired Side Dish: Serve alongside grilled chicken, teriyaki salmon, or crispy tofu to complement rich protein flavors with its tangy crunch.
• Quick Meal Enhancer: Use as a refreshing topping for tacos, rice bowls, or Buddha bowls to add vibrant texture and bright, spicy notes to your plate.
• Appetizer Twist: Arrange on small lettuce cups or cucumber rounds for an elegant party starter that delivers a punch of flavor in every bite.

Vibrant Cucumber Salad Recipe

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4.6 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Spicy cucumber salad brings crisp, zesty flavors from Asian cuisine to your table. Cool cucumbers mingle with fiery chili and tangy vinegar, creating a refreshing side dish you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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• 2 large cucumbers (or 4 mini cucumbers), thinly sliced
• 2 green onions, thinly sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ tsp grated ginger (optional, for extra flavor)
• 2 tbsps (30 mL) soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
• 1 tbsp (15 mL) rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
• ½ tsp salt (for sweating the cucumbers)
• 1 tsp (5 mL) sesame oil
• 1 tsp honey (or maple syrup for vegan)
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
• ½ tsp gochugaru (Korean chili flakes, optional for extra heat)
• 1 tsp sesame seeds (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Cucumber Preparation: Salt cucumber slices to draw out excess moisture, then pat dry with a paper towel to ensure crisp texture.
2. Dressing Fusion: Whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey, minced garlic, red pepper flakes, gochugaru, and grated ginger to create a complex, spicy-sweet dressing.
3. Salad Assembly: Combine cucumber slices and green onions in a mixing bowl, then pour the vibrant dressing over the vegetables, tossing thoroughly to ensure complete coating.
4. Finishing Touch: Garnish with toasted sesame seeds for a nutty crunch and visual enhancement. Allow the salad to rest for 15 minutes to develop deeper flavor profiles, or serve immediately for a crisp, refreshing experience.

Notes

• Prevent Watery Salad: Salt cucumber slices and pat dry to remove excess moisture, ensuring a crisp and crunchy texture.
• Balance Spice Levels: Adjust red pepper flakes and gochugaru according to personal heat tolerance for a customized spicy experience.
• Enhance Flavor Depth: Let salad marinate for 15 minutes to allow dressing to penetrate cucumber and develop more intense taste.
• Serve Strategically: Enjoy immediately for maximum crispness or after brief marination for deeper flavor profile.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Blending
• Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 45
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 400mg
• Fat: 2g
• Saturated Fat: 0g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 8g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 1g
• Cholesterol: 0mg