Print

Spicy Cucumber Salad Recipe

4.9 from 130 reviews

This Spicy Cucumber Salad is a refreshing and vibrant side dish featuring crisp mini cucumbers tossed with a tangy, slightly sweet, and spicy dressing made from soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey, garlic, and red chili flakes. Garnished with green onions and toasted sesame seeds, it’s perfect for a light snack or an accompaniment to grilled dishes.

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 (substitute tamari or coconut aminos for gluten free)
  • 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

  1. Prepare the cucumbers: Wash the mini or Persian cucumbers thoroughly. Slice them thinly or into bite-sized pieces according to your preference to ensure they absorb the dressing well.
  2. Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the low-sodium soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey, minced garlic, and red chili flakes until well combined.
  3. Toss the salad: Place the sliced cucumbers in a large bowl. Pour the dressing over the cucumbers and mix gently but thoroughly to coat all pieces evenly.
  4. Garnish and chill: Sprinkle the finely sliced green onion and sesame seeds on top. Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 15 to 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and chill before serving.
  5. Serve: Give the salad a quick toss before serving cold as a refreshing, spicy side dish that pairs well with various meals.

Notes

  • For a gluten-free option, substitute low-sodium soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos.
  • Adjust the amount of red chili flakes to control the spice level to your taste.
  • Honey can be replaced with maple syrup for a vegan-friendly version.
  • This salad can be prepared a few hours in advance and kept refrigerated to deepen the flavor.
  • Use Persian cucumbers for the best crunch and less bitterness.

Keywords: spicy cucumber salad, Persian cucumber salad, Asian cucumber salad, spicy side dish, gluten free salad, no-cook salad, easy cucumber salad