Easy Asian Cucumber Salad

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; 3/4 tbsp rice vinegar; 1 tbsp chili oil; 1/2 tbsp sesame seeds; 1/2 tbsp garlic (minced, optional)

Jack

Update : January 27, 2026

Bowl of Easy Asian Cucumber Salad with sesame seeds and green onions

why make this recipe

Easy Asian Cucumber Salad is a delicious and refreshing dish that brings a taste of the East to your table. This salad is quick to prepare and perfect as a light snack or a side dish for any meal. The combination of crunchy cucumbers with savory and slightly sweet flavors makes it a crowd-pleaser. It’s also a healthy option, packed with nutrients and low in calories.

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 so the slices look more oval than round. The thickness should be 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 minced garlic.
Stir until well combined and serve. Enjoy!

how to serve Easy Asian Cucumber Salad

Serve the Easy Asian Cucumber Salad chilled as a side dish with grilled meats or rice. It can also be enjoyed alone as a refreshing snack. For added flavor, you can sprinkle extra sesame seeds on top before serving.

how to store Easy Asian Cucumber Salad

To store the salad, keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It stays fresh for up to 3 days. However, the cucumbers may lose their crunch after a day or two, so it’s best to eat it fresh.

tips to make Easy Asian Cucumber Salad

Adjust the amount of sugar according to your taste preference. If you like it sweeter, use more sugar.
For an extra kick, add more chili oil or some sliced fresh chili peppers.
Feel free to experiment with other vegetables, such as carrots or bell peppers, for added color and crunch.

variation

You can swap out Persian cucumbers for English cucumbers if that’s what you have on hand. You can also replace sesame oil with olive oil for a different flavor.

FAQs

1. Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the salad in advance. However, for the best texture, eat it within a couple of days.

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

3. Can I add proteins to this salad?
Absolutely! You can add shredded chicken, tofu, or even shrimp to make it a complete meal.