My spicy cucumber salad recipe is a refreshing and zesty dish that’s perfect for hot summer days or as a side to your favorite meal. It’s quick to prepare, and uses simple ingredients. Whether you’re looking for a light lunch, a side dish, or a snack, this salad is a flavorful and healthy option. The cool crunch of cucumbers combined with a kick of spice makes this spicy cucumber salad is a hit with everyone in my family.
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Ingredients
It takes just a handful of ingredients to make this delicious spicy cucumber salad recipe. This is quick and easy to make and has so much flavor. It is so good.
- English cucumbers
- Garlic, minced
- Soy Sauce
- Rice Vinegar
- Chili Crisp
- Sesame Oil
- Salt
- Sugar
- Chopped Cilantro
See recipe card for quantities.
Why I Love This Recipe
Quick and Easy: This spicy cucumber salad recipe can be prepped in just 10 minutes, making it an ideal choice when you need a quick side dish or snack. The ease of preparation allows you to enjoy a fresh and flavorful cucumber salad without spending much time in the kitchen.
Fresh and Simple Ingredients: With just cucumbers, garlic, chili crisp, and a few other seasonings, this recipe uses simple ingredients can create a vibrant and satisfying dish. Cucumbers are a staple in my kitchen because they’re versatile and perfect for light dishes like this spicy cucumber salad recipe.
Healthy and Refreshing: This salad is not only low in calories but also packed with nutrients, making it a great option for those looking to eat healthily. The cucumbers provide a crisp texture, while the spices add a heat that can boost metabolism.
Customizable Spice Level: You can easily adjust the level of spiciness to suit your taste. Whether you like it mildly spicy or with an intense kick, this spicy cucumber salad can be tailored to your preference.
How to Make Spicy Cucumber Salad
Step 1 – Prepare cucumbers by slicing English cucumber in half and slicing into 1/2 moon shape.
Step 2 – Salt the cucumbers with teaspoon of salt to extract liquid from cucumbers. Let stand 20 minutes rinse cucumbers to remove salt.
Step 3 – Mince the garlic with a garlic press or knife and add to the cucumbers
Step 4: Add the Soy Sauce and rice vinegar to the cucumbers.
Step 5 – Add sesame oil to cucumbers. Sesame oil is a powerful flavor be sparing and taste. Do not overdo it.
Step 6: Salt the cucumbers. This salt is to season to cucumbers. The first round was to remove moisture.
Step 7 – Add sugar to the cucumbers for sweetness to balance the spice and acidity.
Step 8: Add the Chili Crunch to the cucumbers for the yummy spicy kick. You can add more or less if you want more or less spice.
Step 9 – Add cilantro for garnish and flavor and toss. Taste it and see how delicious it is. Place in the refrigerator for flavors to blend.
I seriously crave this spicy cucumber salad. It’s that good! The mix of cool, crunchy cucumbers with the spicy, tangy dressing hits all the right notes. It’s super easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser, whether you’re serving it as a side dish or a light snack. Trust me, once you try it, this salad will become one of your go-to recipes whenever you need something fresh, flavorful, and satisfying.
Tips, Substitutions, and Variations
- Adjust the Spice Level: If you prefer a milder salad, reduce the amount of chili crisp or use a milder chili sauce. For extra heat, add more chili crisp or a dash of hot sauce.
- Add Some Crunch: For additional texture, consider adding chopped peanuts or toasted sesame seeds.
- Make it Sweeter: Adjust the amount of sugar to taste if you prefer a slightly sweeter flavor profile.
- Alternative Oils: If you don’t have sesame oil, you can use olive oil or avocado oil, though the flavor will be different.
- Herb Variation: Fresh mint can be used in place of cilantro for a refreshing twist.
- Chill for Better Flavor: While this spicy cucumber salad recipe can be served immediately, letting it sit in the refrigerator for about 10 minutes allows the flavors to meld and intensify, making it even more delicious.
Equipment Used
I include a list of the equipment I use to make this recipe, which includes affiliate links. If you decide to purchase any items through these links, I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps support my blog and allows me to continue sharing delicious recipes with you. Your support is greatly appreciated!
OXO Good Grips Mandoline Slicer
Pyrex Glass Mixing Bowls
Cuisinart Stainless Steel Chef’s Knife
Organic Green Onions
365 Whole Foods Sesame Oil
Storage
Store leftover Cucumber Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, allthough it’s best enjoyed within the first day to maintain the cucumbers’ crisp texture.
FAQ
Yes, you can prepare the salad a few hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just note that the cucumbers may release some water as they sit, so you might want to drain any excess liquid before serving.
This salad pairs well with a variety of dishes, including grilled meats, seafood, and spicy Asian-inspired dishes. It’s also great on its own as a light snack or appetizer.
The salad will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. However, it’s best enjoyed fresh, as the cucumbers may lose their crunch over time.
Yes, you can use apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar if you don’t have rice vinegar. Each type of vinegar will add a slightly different flavor profile to the salad.
To make this salad gluten-free, ensure that you use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari in the dressing.
Related
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
Spicy Cucumber Salad
Ingredients
- 2 English cucumbers cut in half lengthwise and then sliced into ¼ inch thick half moons
- 6 cloves garlic minced
- 2 teaspoons soy sauce
- 2 teaspoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons chili crisp
- 2 teaspoons sesame oil
- 2 teaspoons salt 1 teaspoon of salt is to extract liquid from cucumbers
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 2 teaspoons chopped cilantro
Instructions
- Prepare the Cucumbers: Cut the cucumbers in half lengthwise, then slice them into ¼ inch thick half moons. This thicker cut helps the cucumbers stay crisp in the fridge. Place the sliced cucumbers in a bowl and sprinkle with 1 teaspoon of salt, tossing to coat evenly. Let them sit for 20 minutes to draw out excess moisture. Afterward, you can rinse the cucumbers to remove any excess salt, if desired.
- Mince the Garlic: Mince the garlic finely using a garlic press or by chopping it with a knife until it is finely minced.
- Mix the Dressing: In a separate bowl, combine the soy sauce, rice vinegar, chili crisp, sesame oil, the remaining teaspoon of salt, sugar, and chopped cilantro. Stir everything together until well mixed. Add the cucumbers and toss until well coated with the dressing.
- Chill for Flavor: Place the salad in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the salad from the refrigerator, give it a final mix, and serve.
