Easy Asian Cucumber Salad

Name: Easy Asian Cucumber Salad
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 5 Persian cucumbers; ½ tsp salt; ½ tbsp sesame oil; ¾ tbsp light soy sauce; ½ to 1 tbsp sugar; ¾ tbsp rice vinegar; 1 tbsp chili oil; ½ tbsp sesame seeds; ½ tbsp minced garlic (optional)

Author: Emily

Published: 12 July 2025

Updated: 2 February 2026

There’s something so refreshing about a crisp, cool salad, especially on a warm day. Plus, this Easy Asian Cucumber Salad comes together in no time. The best part? It’s packed with flavor and can be a wonderful side dish for almost any meal. Whether you’re grilling up some chicken or having a quiet dinner, this salad fits right in.

why make this recipe

Making this salad is as easy as it gets! With just a handful of ingredients, you’ll create a vibrant dish that brightens up any table. The crunchy cucumbers mix perfectly with the savory dressing, and the sesame oil adds a lovely nutty depth. It’s also a fantastic way to use up those fresh cucumbers from your garden or the farmer’s market. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll find yourself making it over and over again.

how to make Easy Asian Cucumber Salad

Let’s get started! First, gather your ingredients: 5 Persian cucumbers, ½ tsp salt, ½ tbsp sesame oil, ¾ tbsp light soy sauce, ½ to 1 tbsp sugar (adjust to your taste), ¾ tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tbsp chili oil, ½ tbsp sesame seeds, and ½ tbsp minced garlic (optional but adds great flavor!).

Begin by rinsing your cucumbers. Slice one end of each cucumber at a slight angle. Keep slicing at that same angle until you get lovely oval-shaped pieces. Aim for a thickness that suits your preference.
Place the cucumber slices into a bowl and sprinkle them with ½ tsp of salt. Toss everything together and let them chill in the refrigerator for at least 20 minutes. This helps draw out the water and keeps the salad crisp.
After chilling, drain any excess water and give the cucumbers a quick rinse. Return them to the bowl and add sesame oil, light soy sauce, sugar, rice vinegar, chili oil, sesame seeds, and garlic.
Stir everything until well combined. And just like that, you’re ready to serve!

how to serve Easy Asian Cucumber Salad

I love serving this salad chilled, right out of the bowl. It pairs wonderfully with grilled meats or spicy dishes. You can also serve it as a refreshing appetizer before a heavy meal. For a fun twist, add some crushed peanuts on top for extra crunch or serve alongside a bowl of spicy miso ramen.

how to store Easy Asian Cucumber Salad

If you have leftovers, that’s great! They’ll keep in an airtight container in the fridge for about 2-3 days. Just keep in mind that the cucumbers may release more water over time. You can always refresh the salad with a little more dressing if needed. Don’t forget to check out my recipe for quinoa-stuffed bell peppers to complement your meal!

tips to make Easy Asian Cucumber Salad

Here are a few tips to enhance your salad experience. First, feel free to adjust the amount of sugar in the dressing based on your taste. A little sweetness balances the flavors nicely! If you want a bit more heat, increase the chili oil. You can also try adding some chopped green onions or cilantro for an extra layer of flavor.

For something heartier, consider adding some tofu stir-fry on the side, which makes for a delightful vegetarian meal.

variation (if any)

If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding thinly sliced radishes or carrots for added color and crunch. You could even toss in some diced avocado for a creamy element. The beauty of this salad is that it’s so flexible!

FAQs

Can I use regular cucumbers instead of Persian cucumbers?
Absolutely! Persian cucumbers are just a bit sweeter and crunchier, but any cucumber will work. Just slice them a little thinner, if you can.

Can I make this salad in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the cucumbers and dressing separately and combine them just before serving. This keeps everything nice and fresh!

Is this recipe gluten-free?
You can easily make this gluten-free by using tamari instead of soy sauce. It tastes great, I promise!

Enjoy whipping up this delicious and refreshing salad! I can’t wait to hear how it turns out for you.

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