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–+ servings
Asian Cucumber Salad

Crunchy Asian Cucumber Salad with a Spicy Twist

This Asian Cucumber Salad features crunchy cucumber spirals in a sweet-salty dressing, perfect for a quick and refreshing side dish.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Marinating Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: Asian
Calories: 80
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 2 medium English cucumbers for their crisp texture and mild skin
  • 2 tablespoons sesame seeds or sunflower seeds if desired
  • 2 tablespoons green onion (chopped) can substitute with shallots
For the Dressing
  • 1 tablespoon granulated white sugar or honey as a natural alternative
  • 2 cloves garlic (crushed) always use fresh for best flavor
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce can substitute with coconut aminos for gluten-free
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar for variation
  • 1 tablespoon Chinese chili oil adjust to taste based on heat tolerance
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil or olive oil, though flavor will differ
  • 1 teaspoon salt to draw out moisture from cucumbers
Extras
  • Optional add-ins consider shredded carrots or fresh cilantro

Equipment

  • Mixing bowl
  • Chopsticks
  • kitchen towel

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Gather all fresh ingredients including cucumbers, sugar, sesame seeds, garlic, green onions, soy sauce, rice vinegar, chili oil, sesame oil, and salt.
  2. In a medium mixing bowl, combine granulated sugar, sesame seeds, crushed garlic, and chopped green onions. Pour in soy sauce, rice vinegar, Chinese chili oil, and sesame oil. Whisk until smooth.
  3. Trim ends of cucumbers and make diagonal cuts along their length to create spiral shapes.
  4. Sprinkle salt over spiralized cucumbers and gently massage it in. Let sit for 8-10 minutes.
  5. Rinse the cucumbers under cold water to remove excess salt and pat dry with a towel.
  6. Drizzle the dressing over the cucumbers and toss gently to coat evenly. Serve immediately or chill for enhanced flavors.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 80kcalCarbohydrates: 9gProtein: 2gFat: 4gSaturated Fat: 0.5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gSodium: 500mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 40mgIron: 1mg

Notes

Allow the salad to marinate in dressing for 10 minutes before serving for best flavor. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

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