Bright, zesty, and full of bold flavors, this Spicy Cucumber Salad is the perfect balance of heat and refreshing coolness. Thinly sliced English cucumbers are lightly salted to enhance their crisp texture, then tossed in a vibrant dressing made with rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, and a touch of honey for subtle sweetness. Minced garlic and red chili flakes add an irresistible kick, while green onion, fresh cilantro, and toasted sesame seeds provide layers of freshness and crunch. Ready in just 15 minutes and packed with flavor, this no-cook recipe is perfect as a spicy side dish, a refreshing appetizer, or even a light snack. Simple, healthy, and utterly irresistibleβthis salad is a must-try for fans of easy, Asian-inspired dishes!
Slice the cucumber into thin rounds or half moons, depending on your preference. If the cucumber has seeds, you may also wish to scoop them out before slicing.
In a large bowl, toss the cucumber slices with 1 teaspoon of salt. Let them sit for about 10 minutes to help draw out excess moisture.
Meanwhile, in a small bowl, whisk together the rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, and honey until well combined.
Mince the garlic cloves finely and add them to the dressing along with the red chili flakes. Stir everything together.
Rinse the salted cucumber slices under cold water to remove excess salt and then gently pat them dry with paper towels.
Pour the dressing over the cucumber slices, ensuring all pieces are coated evenly. Toss gently to combine.
Thinly slice the green onion and chop the fresh cilantro. Add them to the salad for added freshness and flavor.
Sprinkle the sesame seeds over the salad for a nutty crunch.
Cover and chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together before serving.
Serve chilled as a refreshing and spicy side dish or appetizer.
Calories |
267 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 19.2 g | 25% | |
| Saturated Fat | 2.7 g | 14% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 7.9 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 2954 mg | 128% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 21.8 g | 8% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 4.0 g | 14% | |
| Total Sugars | 11.3 g | ||
| Protein | 6.0 g | 12% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 86 mg | 7% | |
| Iron | 2.1 mg | 12% | |
| Potassium | 640 mg | 14% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.