Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds Turkish, Persian, or English cucumbers (about 5 cups sliced) – Crisp, sweet, and perfect for salads.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt – Draws out excess water to keep the cucumbers crunchy.
- 4–5 scallions, finely sliced – Adds a mild onion flavor and a touch of green.
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated – Brings a zesty, slightly spicy kick.
- 1 clove garlic, finely minced – Provides bold, savory depth to the dressing.
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar – Gives the salad its tangy, refreshing base.
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce (or alternatives like Bragg’s Liquid Aminos or coconut aminos) – Adds salty, umami richness.
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil – Brings a nutty aroma and ties the flavors together.
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup (or honey, or sugar) – Balances the tangy and savory flavors with a touch of sweetness.
- 1 teaspoon chili garlic sauce (sambal oelek) or sriracha – Adds a spicy kick, adjustable to taste.
- 1–2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds – Adds a crunchy, nutty finish.
Instructions
- Prepare the cucumbers: Wash and slice the cucumbers into thin rounds or strips. Sprinkle with salt and let sit for 10 minutes to draw out excess water. Pat dry with a paper towel.
- Make the dressing: In a small bowl, mix rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, maple syrup, grated ginger, minced garlic, and chili garlic sauce. Stir well to combine.
- Toss the salad: Place the cucumbers in a large bowl, add the sliced scallions, and pour the dressing over them. Toss gently to coat evenly.
- Add the finishing touches: Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds over the salad. Let it marinate in the fridge for 15 minutes to soak up the flavors.
- Serve and enjoy: Serve chilled as a refreshing side dish or snack.
Notes
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- Substitutions: Use tamari for a gluten-free option, or swap maple syrup with honey or sugar.
- Spice level: Adjust the amount of chili garlic sauce or sriracha to suit your taste.
- Garnishes: Add chopped cilantro, crushed peanuts, or a squeeze of lime for extra flavor.
- Note: Nutrition facts are estimates and may vary based on ingredient brands and preparation methods.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad, Side Dish
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Vegan
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 70
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
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