Refreshing, crunchy, and bursting with flavor, this quick Asian cucumber salad recipe won't be another boring side dish on your table. It's a healthy appetizer made with simple ingredients like cucumber, sesame oil, and Asian spices!

The Best Asian Cucumber Salad Recipe

Cucumber is hugely popular in Asian cuisine because it is light, fresh, and healthy. While it can be a bit bland on its own, it’s the perfect base for a flavorful dressing like the one used in this recipe.

If you need a break from the usual salads, then trying this spicy Asian cucumber salad is a great way to switch things up. It’s crunchy, delicious, and tangy with a little bit of heat!

Make this spicy cucumber salad as a healthy appetizer or side dish for a quick weeknight meal. It’s one of the easiest Asian salad recipes you can make with almost 500 votes and an average rating of 4.6!

“I just made this for the first time tonight and it is delicious!! I made my own chili oil which turned out awesome. I will definitely be making this again as my cucumbers come on from the garden. The sweet and hot flavors are amazing together :)”

– Linda

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy. It only takes 20 minutes to make, so it’s perfect for a last-minute side dish!
• Super light yet satisfying. No heavy dressings or creamy sauces here! It’s great as a side dish to balance out a heavier main course.
• Healthy and nutritious. Cucumbers are low in calories and high in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. It’s about 96% water too, so that’s an added bonus!

Want to keep this even simpler? You can’t go wrong with my Pickled Cucumber, or Sichuan Smashed Cucumber Salad.

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What Goes Into This Recipe

• cucumber – use varieties with thin skins and fewer seeds. Persian cucumbers are less watery than others, but you can use burpless or Japanese cucumbers too.
• vinegar – I’m using apple cider vinegar, but you can use rice wine vinegar instead. It adds a slight tanginess to the salad.
• sesame oil – no Asian salad dressing is complete without a touch of sesame oil. It adds an authentic nutty flavor to the dish.
• chili powder and chili oil – give a nice, spicy kick to the light flavors. You can always adjust the amount depending on your heat tolerance.

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Variations

• Protein boost. Make this salad heartier by putting shrimp kebab or juicy boneless chicken breasts on top. It’s an easy way to turn this salad into a complete meal.
• Red onions. Add some thinly sliced onions for another level of crunch and flavor. It’s simple, but it makes a big difference.
• Korean-style. Top the salad off with some kimchi for an authentic Korean flavor.
• Thai-inspired. Mix in some Thai sweet chili sauce, chopped peanuts, cilantro, and a splash of lime juice to the dressing for a Thai Cucumber Salad.
• Yogurt-based. Make Greek/Mediterranean Creamy Cucumber Salad by using Greek plain yogurt, dill and balsamic vinegar.

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How To Make Spicy Cucumber Salad

The key to making a great Asian cucumber salad lies in the dressing. My recipe is garlicky, spicy, and savory with just a touch of sweetness and tanginess. Not to mention, it only takes a few minutes to put together!

1. Rinse the cucumber thoroughly and slice it into pieces. Add the salt to the cucumber and stir gently to combine well. Chill in the refrigerator for 15 minutes. Drain the salt water from the cucumber.
   
   Pro tip: Salting the cucumber not only adds flavor but also helps to draw out excess water. It will give the salad a crisp and refreshing texture.
   
   
2. Combine the garlic, vinegar, sugar, chili powder, chili oil, and sesame oil together and stir to mix well. Make sure that the sugar is completely dissolved.
   
   
3. Add the dressing to the cucumber and toss well. Top with sesame seeds and serve.
   
   

I love chilling my salad in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving. This gives the cucumbers a chance to soak up all those delicious flavors, making every bite even more satisfying.

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The Secret Ingredient

If you’re used to eating spicy food, then chili powder is probably a staple in your pantry. But for a more authentic Asian flavor, I use Korean chili powder or gochugaru in this salad recipe.

Gochugaru is made from dried peppers, but it has those smoky and fruity flavors that you won’t find in regular chili powders It’s not as spicy as chili powder, though there are different kinds with varying spiciness levels.

It also has a bright red color that adds a beautiful pop of color to the salad. Plus, its coarse texture gives the dish a great mouthfeel and look.

You can buy gochugaru in supermarkets, Asian grocery stores, and online. It’s definitely worth having in your stack because you can use it in all sorts of recipes, not just Asian dishes!

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Frequently Asked Questions

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What To Serve With This Recipe

Don’t limit yourself to enjoying this salad solely with Asian-inspired dishes. It complements a wide range of main courses, from proteins (such as ginger soy chicken), simple rice and noodle dishes to just about anything else you can imagine (such as shoyu egg).

For a wholesome and easy weeknight dinner, I recommend the following recipes:

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I hope you enjoy this post as much as I do. If you try my recipe, please share your photo in the Comments section and consider giving it a 5-star rating. I can’t wait to see your creations! Want more easy and delicious recipes? Subscribe to my newsletter and follow me on Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram for new updates.