Let’s talk about one of the easiest and most addictive dishes you’ll ever make: Asian Cucumber Salad. It’s crisp, spicy, and kissed with a sesame chili dressing that wakes up your taste buds. Whether you’re throwing together a quick appetizer or need a fresh, zippy side to balance a rich main, this salad brings serious flavor with minimal effort.

Why You’ll Love This Asian Cucumber Salad

It’s fast, fun, and full of crunch. A little salty, a little sweet, and just the right amount of heat, this spicy cucumber side is the perfect complement to any meal—especially your favorite stir-fries, grilled meats, or noodle dishes. Plus, it takes less than 20 minutes to make and uses ingredients you probably already have.

Ingredients:

1 cucumber (~8 oz), sliced into rounds or half-moons
¾ tsp salt (or to taste)
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp apple cider vinegar
1 ½ Tbsp sugar (18 g)
1 tsp Korean chili powder (or regular chili powder)
1 tsp chili oil
½ tsp sesame oil
Sesame seeds for garnish

How to Make It:

Rinse cucumber and slice as desired.
Sprinkle with salt and gently toss. Chill for 15 minutes to draw out moisture.
Drain any excess liquid.
In a small bowl, whisk together garlic, vinegar, sugar, chili powder, chili oil, and sesame oil until sugar is dissolved.
Toss cucumber with the dressing until well coated.
Garnish with sesame seeds and serve immediately.

Tips for the Best Spicy Cucumber Side

Use English or Persian cucumbers for fewer seeds and maximum crunch.
Korean chili powder (gochugaru) adds a deeper, smoky heat—highly recommended!
Adjust the sugar and chili to suit your taste.
Serve cold for the most refreshing bite.

A Salad Born from Snack Cravings

This salad became a regular in my kitchen thanks to a midnight snack craving. I wanted something light but bold, and cucumbers were all I had. After a quick scroll through my spice shelf, this sesame chili dressing came to life—and I haven’t stopped making it since. It’s become a go-to for lazy lunches and quick sides when dinner feels a little too beige.

What to Serve It With

Pair this salad with grilled chicken, dumplings, or a big bowl of ramen. It also works great as a palate cleanser on a party platter alongside edamame, spring rolls, or satay skewers.

How to Store

This salad is best eaten fresh, but you can store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 day. The cucumbers will soften over time but still taste delicious.

FAQs

Can I use another type of vinegar?

Yes! Rice vinegar works beautifully, or even white vinegar in a pinch.

Is this salad very spicy?

It has a kick, but you can dial the heat up or down by adjusting the chili oil and powder.

Can I make this ahead?

You can prep the dressing ahead of time, but toss with cucumbers just before serving for the best texture.

What kind of cucumber is best?

English or Persian cucumbers are perfect for their thin skins and crisp texture.

Asian Cucumber Salad is the spicy, quick appetizer your meal plan didn’t know it needed. It’s bold, fresh, and ridiculously easy to love.

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