Easy Asian Cucumber Salad Recipe

Name: Easy Asian Cucumber Salad
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 5 Persian cucumbers; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/2 tbsp sesame oil; 3/4 tbsp light soy sauce; 1/2-1 tbsp sugar (to taste); 3/4 tbsp rice vinegar; 1 tbsp chili oil; 1/2 tbsp sesame seeds; 1/2 tbsp garlic (minced, optional)

Posted on May 13, 2026

Easy Asian cucumber salad with sesame seeds, chili flakes, and sliced cucumbers

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Why Make This Recipe

Easy Asian Cucumber Salad is a refreshing side dish that pairs well with many meals. It’s quick to make and requires minimal ingredients. This salad is not only light and crunchy but also packed with flavors. Perfect for warm days or as a complement to rich main dishes, this salad is sure to brighten up any meal. Plus, it’s a great way to enjoy more vegetables in a delicious way!

Table of Contents

How to Make Easy Asian Cucumber Salad

Ingredients:

5 Persian cucumbers
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tbsp sesame oil
3/4 tbsp light soy sauce
1/2-1 tbsp sugar (see notes)
3/4 tbsp rice vinegar
1 tbsp chili oil
1/2 tbsp sesame seeds
1/2 tbsp garlic (minced, optional)

Directions:

Rinse and slice one end of the cucumber at an angle.
Continue slicing at an angle. The slices should look more oval than round. Thickness is up to your preference.
Add the cucumber slices to a bowl or container and sprinkle with 1/2 tsp of salt.
Mix well and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes to draw out the water.
Drain the water and give the cucumbers a quick 10-second rinse before returning them to the bowl or container.
Add sesame oil, light soy sauce, sugar, rice vinegar, chili oil, sesame seeds, and garlic.
Stir until well combined and serve. Enjoy!

How to Serve Easy Asian Cucumber Salad

Serve this salad chilled as a refreshing side dish. It goes well with grilled meats, rice dishes, or as part of a larger Asian-inspired meal. You can also add some extra sesame seeds on top for garnish before serving.

How to Store Easy Asian Cucumber Salad

If you have leftovers, store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can last for up to 2 days. The cucumbers may become softer over time, so it’s best to eat them fresh for the most crunch.

Tips to Make Easy Asian Cucumber Salad

For extra flavor, let the salad marinate for a longer time, even up to a few hours if you can.
Adjust the sugar to your taste. If you prefer a sweeter salad, add a bit more.
Experiment with additional ingredients like chopped cilantro or sliced radishes for more color and flavor.

Variation

You can change up this salad by adding sliced bell peppers, carrots, or even avocado for a creamier texture.

Easy Asian Cucumber Salad is crisp, refreshing, and packed with bold tangy flavor, making it the perfect healthy side dish for quick lunches, BBQs, and family dinners.

For more fresh and flavorful recipes, enjoy this hearty pasta salad with cowboy caviar or try this colorful simple cowboy caviar. You can also discover this spicy Oi Muchim Korean cucumber salad for another refreshing side dish idea.

FAQs

Can I use regular cucumbers instead of Persian cucumbers?
Yes, you can, but Persian cucumbers are sweeter and crunchier, making them ideal for this salad.

Is this salad gluten-free?
To make this salad gluten-free, use a gluten-free soy sauce alternative.

Can I make this salad in advance?
Yes, but it’s best to consume it within 24-48 hours for the best texture and flavor. The cucumbers may get softer as they sit in the dressing.

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