Asian Cucumber Salad

Q: How do you store an Asian cucumber salad?

Refrigeration : Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. For optimal freshness, the salad is best consumed within 1-2 days. Before Serving Again : Stir the salad well before serving, as the dressing may settle at the bottom. You may want to add a little extra soy sauce or vinegar to refresh the flavors.

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A deliciously crispy and refreshing dish, Asian cucumber salad is like a breath of fresh air! While in the west, our idea of Chinese food tends to be on the heavy side, go for something light, fresh and authentic.

This is hands down my favorite cucumber salad. It brings such a light, flavorful quality, and is the perfect option for a quick and easy lunch.

Why you'll love this Asian cucumber salad

Cucumber salads are just so refreshing
It's such an easy salad to make
This spicy cucumber salad has a terrific kick
The salad dressing for this recipe is delicious!

Equipment needed

There are a few key items you'll need to make this Asian cucumber salad recipe:

Rolling pin – you'll need this to smash up your cucumbers
Chopping board – get yourself a non-slip chopping board
Salad bowls – a salad bowl set is the way to go when it comes to serving up this delicious salad

How to make Asian cucumber salad

You need cucumbers, scallions, garlic, rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, toasted sesame seeds, sugar and salt.

Smash the cucumbers with a rolling pin!

Slice the cucumber into bite-sized pieces. Salt and leave to stand for 30 minutes.

After a while, cucumber water would have formed at the bottom of the bowl.

Drain the cucumber.

Make the salad dressing.

Add the garlic and sliced scallions to the cucumber.

Mix the dressing with the salad.

Top Tip

If you're a garlic or chili lover, you can adjust the level of chili and garlic to suit your personal tastes.

What to serve with Asian cucumber salad

Steamed Jasmine Rice: Serve the salad alongside plain steamed rice for a simple yet satisfying meal.
Fried Rice: Pair with vegetable, chicken, shrimp, or egg fried rice to complement the flavors.
Cold Noodles: Serve with chilled soba or rice noodles tossed in a light soy sauce and sesame dressing.
Stir-Fried Noodles: Enjoy a complete meal with pad thai or lo mein.
Grilled Chicken: Marinate chicken in a soy-ginger sauce and grill, serving slices alongside the salad.
Teriyaki Salmon: A glazed teriyaki salmon fillet pairs well with the fresh, crunchy salad.
Tofu: Crispy or marinated tofu can make the meal more substantial for vegetarians.
Spring Rolls: Fresh or fried spring rolls make a great companion to the cucumber salad.
Dumplings: Serve with steamed or pan-fried dumplings for a delicious appetizer or side.

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Variations to this recipe

Bell Peppers: Thinly sliced for added color and crunch.
Carrots: Julienned for extra texture and sweetness.
Radishes: Sliced thinly to add a peppery bite.
Mint: Fresh mint leaves can be added for a refreshing twist.
Basil: Thai basil adds a unique flavor that pairs well with the other ingredients.
Grilled Chicken: Sliced and added to make the salad more filling.
Tofu: Cubed and marinated tofu can add a vegetarian protein source.
Shrimp: Cooked and chilled shrimp can be mixed in for a seafood variation.
Chopped Peanuts: For added crunch and a nutty flavor.
Cashews: Toasted cashews can be sprinkled on top for richness.
Sunflower Seeds: Add for a different texture and flavor.
Hoisin Sauce: A small amount can add sweetness and depth.
Fish Sauce: A few drops can enhance the umami flavor (use sparingly due to its strong taste).
Chili Crisp: Adds both heat and texture; adjust the amount to taste.
Wasabi: A small amount of wasabi paste can provide a different kind of heat and flavor.

Popular substitutions

Japanese or Persian Cucumbers: Use these instead of English cucumbers for a slightly different texture and flavor.
Regular Cucumbers: If using regular cucumbers, consider peeling and seeding them to reduce bitterness and excess water.
Apple Cider Vinegar: A slightly sweeter alternative to rice vinegar.
White Vinegar: A more acidic option that can replace rice vinegar if needed.
Tamari: A gluten-free alternative that offers a similar savory taste.
Coconut Aminos: A soy-free and gluten-free option with a slightly sweeter flavor.
Olive Oil: Offers a milder taste if sesame oil is unavailable.
Peanut Oil: Provides a nutty flavor that complements the salad well.
Honey: Adds a natural sweetness; use an equal amount.
Agave Syrup: A vegan alternative to honey.
Red Pepper Flakes: Use a pinch or two to add heat if fresh chili is not available.
Sriracha: A small amount can substitute for fresh chili for a spicy kick.

What is in an Asian cucumber salad?

Also known as a Chinese cucumber salad, Asian cucumber salad is a fresh, zesty, and spicy salad made with smashed cucumbers, chili, green onions, rice vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, and toasted sesame seeds.

With a mix of fresh ingredients, rich flavors, and fragrant spices, it's a unique-tasting salad and an excellent alternative to a regular summer salad.

For another green salad, check out this Green Jello Salad.

What are the best cucumbers for an Asian cucumber salad?

Japanese, Persian, and English cucumbers are all great options for making a Chinese smashed cucumber salad.

Japanese cucumbers
Japanese cucumbers are longer and thinner than normal cucumbers and have a slightly sweeter, more flavorful taste than standard cucumbers, making them an excellent choice for making Chinese smashed cucumber salad.

Persian cucumbers
Persian cucumbers are thin-skinned, narrow, and extra crispy. They have a mild, subtly sweet flavor. Persian or English cucumbers are ideal for this salad.

English cucumbers
English cucumbers, with their long and narrow shape, slight sweetness, and mild flavor, are not just a perfect addition to any salad, but also a versatile ingredient that can inspire your culinary creativity.

American cucumbers
Short and wide with a slightly bitter taste, thick skin, and plenty of seeds, American cucumbers are readily available in the US. However, they're not as good as the three above regarding cucumber salads.

Can you make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can make this Chinese smashed cucumber salad a couple of days ahead of time. However, I recommend eating it as soon as you've made it, as it's best served fresh so that the cucumbers retain that luscious, crisp texture.

How do I make cucumbers less bitter?

I recommend using Japanese, English or Persian cucumbers, all with subtle sweetness.

However, if you do find that your cucumbers are a little on the bitter side, simply sprinkle them with salt and let them sit for a few minutes. Then rinse them thoroughly. This will help draw out moisture and bitterness from the cucumbers before they are added to the salad.

What can I do with a glut of cucumbers?

Use your cucumbers to make a delicious summer salad like this one!

You could also freeze them for long term storage. Cucumbers freeze really well – check out my guide on freezing cucumber if you have lots of extra cucumbers and you don't plan to use them any time soon.

How do you store an Asian cucumber salad?

Refrigeration: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. For optimal freshness, the salad is best consumed within 1-2 days.

Before Serving Again: Stir the salad well before serving, as the dressing may settle at the bottom. You may want to add a little extra soy sauce or vinegar to refresh the flavors.

More sensational salads

Few things hit the spot quite like a fresh tasty salad. I've got an array of creative salads that will inspire you in the kitchen. Take a look at the list below and pick your favorites:

Cucumber ribbon salad – this fresh and tasty salad is so simple yet so incredibly effective. It's great as a side but also as a quick and easy lunch
Cucumber salad with avocado and cashews – a gloriously easy cucumber salad that makes use of some simple yet wonderful flavor combinations. This is the perfect recipe to serve up at a summer backyard BBQ
Goat's cheese salad with sun-dried tomatoes and walnuts – a wonderful harmony of flavors makes this recipe an absolute winner, perfect all year round
4 bean salad – if you’re a fan of beans, don't miss out on this one. It's the perfect vegan lunch, packed with flavor, yet still refreshing
Edamame salad – the delicious Japanese bean salad that you'll go back to again and again

See more Salad →

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