Asian Cucumber Salad

Enjoy this light and delicious Asian Cucumber Salad. It's a bright, fresh addition to any meal. Thinly sliced cucumbers are tossed with sesame seeds, ginger, sesame oil, rice vinegar and a touch of heat.

Variations on how to cut this Easy Asian cucumber salad

You can have fun experimenting with different shapes in this crunchy Asian cucumber salad for a fun presentation. Here are some suggestions.

1. Use a julienne peeler to make long strips of cucumber.
2. Use a spiralizer to make zucchini noodles.
3. Use a mandolin slicer to cut the cucumbers super thin.
4. Use a vegetable peeler to create long cucumber slices

Ingredients for our Asian Cucumber Salad Recipe

• Persian Cucumbers. You can also use a large seedless English cucumber or a Japanese cucumber.
• Rice Vinegar. is a smoother less acidic vinegar, feel free to use apple cider vinegar if its what you have .
• Toasted Sesame Oil. This essential Asian cooking ingredient I keep in my pantry at all times, it adds a nice nutty flavor to dishes. A little oil is enough to flavor your dishes.
• Agave Syrup. It adds just a touch of sweetness. You may substitute maple syrup or honey.
• Soy Sauce. Use tamari instead if you are gluten-free.
• Grated Fresh Ginger. If you can't buy it fresh, you can buy the frozen cubes of minced ginger instead.
• Sriracha. This dictates the heat, so adjust according to your preference.
• Garlic Chili Paste. It also adds heat so use it to taste.
• Sesame Seeds. Use white sesame, black or toasted sesame seeds instead, or consider a combination of two or three.

How to Make Asian Cucumber Salad

To make this salad recipe, begin by cutting the cucumbers into slices. In a Japanese Cucumber Salad the cucumbers are cut in half length-wise and sliced half moons instead.

You do not need to peel the cucumber but you can if you prefer. In a small bowl which the dressing ingredients, and toss it all together in a large bowl. Keep the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for three to four days.

What are the different types of Cucumbers?

Here are some cucumber varieties we know about.

• Persian cucumbers: they are small with smooth skin and very tiny seeds and there's no need to peel them.
• English Cucumber also called seedless cucumber is a long cucumber with vertical slightly bumpy vertical lines on its skin. It is usually found wrapped in plastic in the markets in the US. The skin is edible.
• Japanese cucumbers also called Kyuri to look like English cucumbers, but with bumpier skin with. Skin is edible.
• Slicing cucumber, the most commonly found cucumber in the market has large seeds and a thick dark green skin. The skin is waxed and too thick to eat. The slicing cucumber must be peeled before eating.
• Kirby cucumber is a smaller cucumber, fatter than Persian cucumbers a lighter bumpier skin and large seeds. It is also called pickling cucumber. We prefer to peel Kirby cucumbers we find the skin a little thick.
• Armenian cucumbers are long and curvy like a snake. There's skin is pale green and thin. There's no need to peel these Armenian cucumbers.

Tips for the Best Asian Cucumber Salad

1. Start with fresh, refrigerated cucumbers for a cold salad at the finish.
2. Use a sharp knife to cut the cucumbers.
3. Refrigerate for at least thirty minutes to let the flavors of the dressing meld. Toss before serving.
4. Do not freeze this salad. Cucumbers become soft and mushy in the freezer.
5. Slice the cucumbers ahead of time if you will be rushing to finish dinner on the night you want to serve this salad.
6. The dressing can be made a few days ahead.
7. Cucumbers can be sliced up to two days before you make the salad and kept in a plastic food storage bag or an airtight container until you are ready to mix the dressing.

Variations on our Easy Asian Cucumber Salad

• If you aren't fan of sriracha, use red pepper flakes to adjust the heat.
• Chop fresh cilantro or other fresh herbs for a nice twist in flavor.
• Sprinkle the salad with roasted peanuts instead of sesame seeds.
• Add small diced red onion or scallions (green onion).

FAQ

Do you need to peel cucumbers?

No. The skin of the cucumber is edible, but we prefer to peel some varieties like the slicing cucumber because it often comes waxed and the skin is thick, Kirby cucumbers also have a thick skin which we also prefer to peel.

Are cucumber salads healthy?

Yes. Cucumbers contain vitamin C and B, cooper, phosphorus, potassium, and magnesium.The dish is also low in calories and low carb. Just be mindful of the dressing you use, so you can keep it healthy.

What to Serve with Asian Cucumber Salad

Try one of these recipes: Asian-Inspired Sesame Crusted Tofu Veggie Sandwich, Coconut Miso Ramen, or Sweet Potato Noodles Stir Fry with Peanut Sauce. The Asian cucumber salad makes a perfect side dish for any Asian Inspired dishes and also pairs well with

More Cucumber Recipes You May Like

• Cucumber Avocado Salad
• Cucumber-Melon-Lemon Popsicles
• Savory Carrot Ginger Granita With Tangy Cucumber Topping

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