Description
This viral cucumber salad is a crisp, spicy, and refreshing dish that comes together in minutes. Featuring crunchy Persian cucumbers, a savory-sweet dressing, and a bold kick from Chinese chili oil, this salad is the perfect side or light meal. The key? Salting the cucumbers first to draw out moisture and intensify crunch. Tossed with garlic, sesame, soy, and green onions, every bite is full of flavor and texture.
Ingredients
6 Mini cucumbers or Persian cucumbers
2 tsp salt (to drain water)
Dressing
1 tbsp regular soy sauce
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp rice vinegar or white vinegar
1 tbsp Chinese chili oil
1 tbsp white granulated sugar
1 tsp sesame oil
1 tsp sesame seeds
2 tbsp green onion, finely sliced
Instructions
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Prep the Cucumbers
Wash and dry the cucumbers. Slice them thinly with the skin on for texture. Toss with 2 teaspoons of salt and place in a colander for 15–20 minutes to draw out excess water. After resting, gently squeeze and pat dry with a clean towel or paper towel. -
Make the Dressing
In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, minced garlic, vinegar, Chinese chili oil, sugar, sesame oil, sesame seeds, and finely sliced green onion. Stir until the sugar dissolves and the dressing is well combined. -
Toss and Chill
Add the cucumbers to a bowl and pour the dressing over them. Toss well to coat each slice. Refrigerate for 15–30 minutes to allow flavors to soak in. Serve chilled and garnish with extra sesame seeds or green onions, if desired.
Notes
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Use Persian or mini cucumbers for best results they stay crisp and soak up flavor beautifully.
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Salting first is key to prevent sogginess and boost crunch.
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Chinese chili oil brings signature heat and depth adjust to your spice preference.
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Great for meal prep just keep the cucumbers and dressing separate until ready to serve.
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Want to make it a meal? Top with tofu, shrimp, or pair with cold noodles.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch
- Method: No-cook
- Cuisine: Asian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 95
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 530mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
Keywords: viral cucumber salad, spicy cucumber salad, Chinese cucumber salad, chili oil cucumber, soy garlic cucumber, cold cucumber dish, sesame cucumber salad, quick side salad, no cook salad, vegan Asian salad