Easy Asian Cucumber Salad Recipe

Name: Easy Asian Cucumber Salad
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 30 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; 3/4 tbsp rice vinegar; 1 tbsp chili oil; 1/2 tbsp sesame seeds; 1/2 tbsp garlic (minced, optional)

Posted on May 12, 2026

A bowl of Easy asian cucumber salad with sliced cucumbers, sesame seeds, red onion, and chili dressing, with chopsticks resting on the rim.

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why make this Easy Asian Cucumber Salad Recipe

Easy Asian Cucumber Salad is a refreshing dish that adds a burst of flavor to any meal. It’s quick to prepare and uses simple ingredients that you might already have in your pantry. This salad is perfect for summer picnics, barbecues, or as a light side to any Asian-inspired dish. With its crunchy texture and balance of savory and slightly sweet flavors, it’s a salad that everyone will love.

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how to make Easy Asian Cucumber Salad

Ingredients:

5 Persian cucumbers
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tbsp sesame oil
3/4 tbsp light soy sauce
1/2-1 tbsp sugar (see notes)
3/4 tbsp rice vinegar
1 tbsp chili oil
1/2 tbsp sesame seeds
1/2 tbsp garlic (minced, optional)

Directions:

Rinse and slice one end of the cucumber at an angle.
Continue slicing at an angle. The slices should look more oval than round. The thickness can be adjusted based on your preference.
Place the cucumber slices in a bowl or container and sprinkle with 1/2 tsp of salt.
Mix well and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes to draw out excess water.
After 20 minutes, drain the water and give the cucumbers a quick rinse for about 10 seconds before returning them to the bowl or container.
Add the sesame oil, light soy sauce, sugar, rice vinegar, chili oil, sesame seeds, and garlic (if using).
Stir until everything is well combined and serve. Enjoy!

how to serve Easy Asian Cucumber Salad

This salad is best enjoyed fresh. You can serve it as a side dish with grilled meats, rice, or any Asian-inspired entrée. It also makes a great topping for rice bowls or noodle dishes.

how to store Easy Asian Cucumber Salad

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The salad stays fresh for about 1-2 days, but it may release more water over time.

tips to make Easy Asian Cucumber Salad

Adjust the sugar according to your taste preference. Start with a smaller amount and add more if you like it sweeter.
For added crunch, you can throw in some chopped peanuts or cashews.
If you enjoy heat, add more chili oil or some sliced fresh chili peppers.

variation

You can customize this salad by adding herbs like cilantro or mint for extra freshness. You can also include other veggies like bell peppers or carrots to enhance the flavor and texture.

FAQs

Q: Can I use other types of cucumbers?
A: Yes, you can use regular cucumbers, but Persian cucumbers are best known for their crispness and flavor.

Q: Is this salad vegan?
A: Yes, all the ingredients in this salad are plant-based, making it a vegan-friendly option.

Q: Can I make this salad ahead of time?
A: It’s best to make this salad just before serving for maximum freshness. However, if needed, you can prepare the ingredients a few hours in advance. Just mix everything right before serving.