Asian Cucumber Salad

Our simple Asian cucumber salad is a light and refreshing side dish made from cucumbers, peanuts, and a sweet and spicy dressing.

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Table of Contents

Asian Cucumber Salad Recipe Ingredients
Asian Salad with Cucumbers Substitutions And Additions
How To Make Asian Cucumber Salad
How To Serve This Asian Cucumber Salad Recipe
When To Serve This Simple Asian Cucumber Salad
Storing Crunchy Asian Cucumber Salad
Why We Love This Asian Cucumber Salad Recipe
Asian Cucumber Salad FAQs
Great Cucumber Recipes
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Our Asian cucumber salad is a simple yet delicious dish that packs a punch. Its crisp cucumbers are paired with a crunch from the sesame seeds and peanuts, all tossed with a tangy dressing.

Asian Cucumber Salad Recipe Ingredients

Asian Cucumber Salad raw ingredients that are labeled

This recipe for Asian cucumber salad has a refreshing and crunchy texture from the thinly sliced cucumbers.

The dressing is perfectly balanced with a hint of spiciness from the red pepper flakes, while the sesame oil and sesame seeds add a flavor that complements the honey and the soy sauce.

The chopped roasted peanuts add a slightly nutty taste that enhances the overall flavor.

Easy ingredients and plenty of customization options make this a refreshing side dish in the hot summer months — or any time you’re craving spicy cucumber salad!

To make this fresh salad, you’ll need:

2 tablespoons of rice vinegar
1 tablespoon of soy sauce
1 tablespoon of honey
1 tablespoon of sesame oil
1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes
1 tablespoon of minced garlic (I used store-bought)
1 tablespoon of sesame seeds
¼ teaspoon of salt (add more to taste depending on how salty the soy sauce is)
3 medium cucumbers, thinly sliced (I used English cucumbers)
2-3 tablespoons of chopped roasted peanuts
3 green onions, thinly sliced for garnish

Asian Salad with Cucumbers Substitutions And Additions

One of the best parts about making fresh food at home is the ability to tailor the finished recipe to your own preferences.

You can make this a mild or spicy Asian cucumber salad with these great ideas:

MIX-INS: If you want to switch up the flavor profile, you can add other ingredients, such as grated fresh ginger, sliced red onion, or chopped cilantro.

RICE VINEGAR: If you do not have rice vinegar, also known as rice wine vinegar, you can use white vinegar or apple cider vinegar instead in this easy recipe.

HONEY: You can also substitute the honey with maple syrup or agave nectar in equal amounts in the salad dressing.

NUTS: If you don’t have roasted peanuts, you can use other nuts, such as cashews, almonds, or salted peanuts, in this tasty salad.

If you have nut allergies or prefer a different texture, consider using sunflower seeds or toasted coconut flakes in equal amounts as an alternative crunch element.

CUCUMBER: If you don’t have Asian cucumbers on hand, you can use regular English cucumbers, Japanese cucumbers, or Persian cucumbers as a substitution.

These varieties will work well in this salad. Just remember to remove the seeds if they’re large and tough.

SOY SAUCE: To make this salad gluten-free, you can replace soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos in a one-to-one ratio.

SESAME OIL: If you’re looking to switch things up, try using toasted sesame oil instead of regular sesame oil.

Toasted sesame oil has a richer, nuttier flavor that can add a new depth to your salad.

SESAME SEEDS: Feel free to experiment with different seeds, like black sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or chia seeds. Toasted sesame seeds are also a great addition.

CHILI FLAKES: If you prefer a milder spice or want to explore different heat levels, you can substitute red pepper flakes with paprika or even a dash of hot sauce.

You could also use chili oil, chili paste, or chili garlic sauce. One of the best parts of this refreshing salad is that you can customize the heat level to your liking.

GARLIC: Swap minced fresh garlic for garlic powder if you want a more subtle garlic flavor.

Remember that garlic powder is more concentrated, so you’ll need less of it. Start with half a teaspoon and increase up to one teaspoon according to taste.

JALAPENO: Add smaller pieces of green or red jalapeño if you crave extra heat in this great salad.

How To Make Asian Cucumber Salad

You can easily make this salad by combining all of the dressing ingredients together before adding it to the sliced cucumbers. It’s the perfect way to enjoy a cool cucumber!

STEP ONE: Whisk together the rice vinegar, soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, red pepper flakes, minced garlic, sesame seeds, and salt to taste in a small mixing bowl.

OUR RECIPE DEVELOPER SAYS

If you prefer a milder flavor, you can reduce the amount of rice vinegar in the dressing.

vinegar, soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, pepper flakes, garlic, sesame seeds, and salt whisked together

STEP TWO: Use a sharp knife and cutting board to slice the cucumbers, then add them to a large bowl.

You could also use a vegetable peeler to remove some of the cucumber skin before slicing if you prefer.

How to Make Your Crunchy Cucumber Salad Less Watery

Some varieties of cucumbers have higher water content. We like English cucumbers for this salad because they aren’t as watery. You don’t want too much water in your salad!

To help remove exccess water so that your salad is less mushy, follow this simple process.

Slice the cucumbers and sprinkle them with a bit of salt.

Let them sit for about 15-20 minutes. This draws out excess moisture.

Afterward, rinse the cucumbers well with cold water and pat them dry with paper towels.

If you’ve sliced the cucumbers ahead of time and they’ve released water, drain the excess liquid before assembling the salad.

PRO TIP:

To make slicing the cucumbers easier and more uniform, you can use a mandoline slicer.

cucumbers sliced and added to the salad bowl

STEP THREE: Pour the vinegar dressing over and toss to coat the cucumbers.

STEP FOUR: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

STEP FIVE: Remove the cucumber salad from the refrigerator and sprinkle it with the chopped roasted peanuts.

STEP SIX: Garnish with thinly sliced green onions and serve.

STEP SEVEN: Enjoy your Asian cucumber salad with the satisfying texture of the chopped roasted peanuts!

PRO TIP:

If the salad is left in the fridge for a few days, the cucumbers may release some moisture due to the salt and acid in the dressing.

This can cause the salad to become more watery and less crisp.

To prevent this, make sure to drain any excess water from the salad before serving.

You can try tossing the salad with fresh dressing and chopped nuts to help revive the flavors.

However, keep in mind that the cucumbers may have lost some of their texture and crispness over time.

How To Serve This Asian Cucumber Salad Recipe

This Asian cucumber salad is a light side dish that pairs well with a variety of heavier entrees.

Grilled fish or chicken, tofu, pork, or beef steak would all be ideal accompaniments to this salad.

You could also serve this salad alongside our chicken fried rice or shrimp fried rice for a complete meal.

Our tomato cucumber salad and pickled cucumber recipe are two more cucumber salad recipes to add a bit of freshness to your table.

When To Serve This Simple Asian Cucumber Salad

SUMMER BBQ: This salad is the perfect accompaniment to grilled meats and seafood.

PICNIC: Pack this salad in a cooler and take it to the park for a meal outdoors with family or friends.

POTLUCKS: Bring a bowl of Asian cucumber salad to gatherings. It’s a crowd-pleaser that can complement a variety of dishes on the buffet table.

WEEKNIGHT DINNER: Pair this salad with simple protein options like grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu for a quick dinner.

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Side Dishes

Storing Crunchy Asian Cucumber Salad

This salad has the best flavor and crispness when made and enjoyed fresh.

MAKE AHEAD: If you want to get a head start on your meal preparation, you can make the dressing in advance.

We would recommend waiting to slice the veggies before serving. When you’re ready for your meal, combine the dressing to the cut cucumber to keep the salad crisp and vibrant.

IN THE FRIDGE: This easy cucumber salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. However, it is best to serve it fresh.

IN THE FREEZER: Cucumbers don’t freeze well and would end up soggy and mushy once thawed. We recommend making this salad fresh and enjoying it right away.

Why We Love This Asian Cucumber Salad Recipe

REFRESHING AND CRISP: This salad is a burst of freshness with its crunchy cucumbers and vibrant herbs.

EASY TO MAKE: Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a novice in the kitchen, you’ll appreciate how quick it is to prepare this salad. It’s an ideal option for busy days.

COLORFUL PRESENTATION: The gorgeous colors of this salad make it visually appealing.

PERFECT FOR SUMMER: Have an abundance of cucumbers in your garden or from your local grocery store or farmer’s market? This easy asian cucumber salad recipe is a creative way to serve regular cucumbers.

A close up shot of a fork grabbing a piece of Asian Cucumber Salad

This Asian cucumber salad is the perfect side dish for almost any entree you can think of. It’s loaded with flavor from the tangy dressing, and the crunch from the fresh cucumbers and peanuts makes it a delight to add to your plate.

Asian Cucumber Salad FAQs

Can I use other types of cucumbers for this recipe?

While we love using English cucumbers for this simple recipe, it would work fine with garden cucumbers, mini cucumbers, or any other variety of cucumbers you have on hand.

Make sure your cucumbers are sliced into thin slices, and unlike the English cucumbers, which have very thin skin, if you are using a variety that has thick skin, we’d recommend peeling it first.

Does this recipe go by any other name?

You may find that this salad is often referred to by other names, including Thai cucumber salad, Chinese cucumber salad, or Japanese cucumber salad.

They are all just different names for this same flavorful side dish.

Is this recipe spicy?

Adding the spicy red pepper flakes will give this recipe a little heat, but that spiciness is balanced nicely by the sweetness from the honey.

If you are really not a fan of spice, you can omit or reduce the quantity of red pepper flakes added.

How do you make cucumber salad not watery?

A few ways to avoid a watery cucumber salad include: opting for cucumbers with thinner skins and fewer seeds, such as English cucumbers.

These types tend to be less watery compared to traditional cucumbers.

Slice the cucumbers and sprinkle them with a bit of salt. Let them sit for about 15-20 minutes. This draws out excess moisture.

Afterward, rinse the cucumbers and pat them dry with paper towels. If you’ve sliced the cucumbers ahead of time and they’ve released water, drain the excess liquid before assembling the salad.

Great Cucumber Recipes

Cucumber Salad Recipe (Asian)

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Our simple Asian cucumber salad is a light and refreshing side dish made from cucumbers, peanuts, and a sweet and spicy dressing.

Prep Time 15

Total Time 45

Servings

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Ingredients

2 tablespoons rice vinegar
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon honey
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1 tablespoon minced garlic, I used store-bought
1 tablespoon sesame seeds
¼ teaspoon salt, add more to taste depending on how salty the soy sauce is
3 medium cucumbers, thinly sliced (I used English cucumbers)
2 to 3 tablespoons chopped roasted peanuts
3 green onions, thinly sliced for garnish

Instructions

In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the rice vinegar, soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, red pepper flakes, minced garlic, sesame seeds, and salt to taste.
Slice the cucumbers and add them to a salad bowl.
Pour the dressing over and toss to coat the cucumbers.
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Remove the cucumber salad from the refrigerator and sprinkle it with the chopped roasted peanuts.
Garnish with thinly sliced green onions and serve.
Enjoy your Asian cucumber salad with a satisfying crunch from the chopped roasted peanuts!

Notes

If you prefer a milder flavor, you can reduce the amount of rice vinegar in the dressing.
To make slicing the cucumbers easier and more uniform, you can use a mandoline slicer.
If the salad is left in the fridge for a few days, the cucumbers may release some moisture due to the salt and acid in the dressing. This can cause the salad to become more watery and less crisp. To prevent this, make sure to drain any excess liquid from the salad before serving. You can try tossing the salad with fresh dressing, and some chopped nuts to help revive the flavors. However, keep in mind that the cucumbers may have lost some of their texture and crispness over time.

Nutrition

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This recipe was developed, tested, cooked and photographed by the Spaceships Kitchen. From our dinner table to yours, we hope you think it's out of this world!

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How to Make Asian Cucumber Salad