A fresh, spicy Asian cucumber salad with crisp cucumbers, zesty ginger, and scallions tossed in a homemade chili dressing. Ready in about 5 minutes, it’s an easy, flavorful side for weeknight dinners, picnics, or barbecues.
Why We Love This Recipe
- Quick and simple – Slice cucumbers, toss with a little salt, whisk the dressing, and combine.
- Bright, bold flavors – Cooling cucumbers balance the sweet heat of chili oil, rice vinegar, and soy sauce.
- Perfect for gatherings – This crowd-pleasing salad pairs well with many dishes and is ideal for potlucks and barbecues.
Spicy Asian Cucumber Salad
This cucumber salad elevates simple meals with bold Asian-inspired flavors: chili oil, soy sauce, garlic, rice vinegar, and toasted sesame. It comes together in minutes, looks attractive on the table, and delivers a satisfying combination of heat and freshness.
Ingredients
- Cucumbers – mini or Persian cucumbers work well.
- Garlic – fresh and minced for the best flavor.
- Rice vinegar
- Chili oil – pick a flavorful brand you like.
- Soy sauce – low-sodium if you prefer less salt.
- Sugar – granulated sugar balances the acidity and spice.
- Sambal oelek – for extra heat and texture (optional to taste).
- Salt – to draw out cucumber moisture.
- Toasted sesame oil – use toasted for a richer aroma.
- Sesame seeds – toasted if possible, for garnish and nuttiness.
- Ginger – grated, for a bright finish.
- Scallions – thinly sliced, for freshness.
How to Make Asian Cucumber Salad
To give cucumbers an Asian flavor profile, combine pantry staples like rice vinegar, soy sauce, chili oil, and toasted sesame oil into a bright, spicy dressing.
- Prepare the cucumbers: Wash and trim the ends. Slice into thin coins (a diagonal cut is attractive). Place in a bowl, sprinkle with salt, toss, and let sit to draw out excess moisture.
- Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together minced garlic, rice vinegar, chili oil, soy sauce, sugar, sambal oelek (if using), toasted sesame oil, and sesame seeds until well combined.
- Assemble: Add the cucumbers to a serving bowl, drizzle with the dressing, then fold in grated ginger and sliced scallions. Toss gently to coat and serve immediately for best crunch.
More salad ideas: Try this salad alongside other simple sides for variety.
Tips for a Spicy, Crunchy Salad
- Adjust the heat: Start with the listed amount of sambal oelek or chili oil and add more in small increments until you reach your preferred spice level.
- Keep it crunchy: Tossing the cucumbers with salt and letting them sit removes excess water so the salad stays crisp. Serve soon after dressing to preserve texture.
If you try this recipe, feel free to leave a comment and let us know how it turned out. Enjoy!
Tasty Asian Recipes
For more ideas, try other Asian-inspired dishes that pair well with this salad.
Salads
The BEST Asian Chopped Salad w/ Cabbage
Dips
Asian Salad Dressing
Dinner
Asian Garlic Shrimp
Salads
Asian Cabbage Salad with Ramen Noodles
Spicy Asian Cucumber Salad
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Ingredients
Cucumbers
- 5 mini or Persian cucumbers
- ½ teaspoon salt
Dressing
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon chili oil
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce (low sodium)
- 2 teaspoons granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons sambal oelek (optional)
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
- 1 ½ teaspoons sesame seeds
Add-ins
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 2 scallions, thinly sliced
Instructions
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Prepare the cucumbers: Wash and trim the cucumbers, pat dry if needed, and slice into thin coins. Place in a bowl, sprinkle with salt, toss, and let sit to release excess moisture.
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Make the dressing: Whisk minced garlic, rice vinegar, chili oil, soy sauce, sugar, sambal oelek (if using), toasted sesame oil, and sesame seeds until combined.
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Assemble: Add the cucumbers to a serving bowl, drizzle with dressing to taste, top with grated ginger and sliced scallions, and fold gently to coat. Serve immediately.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be used as an approximation.
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