Save A refreshing, vibrant cucumber salad tossed with Asian-inspired seasonings, sesame oil, and fish sauce for a savory, tangy kick—perfect as a side or light appetizer.
The first time I made this cucumber salad remix, everyone at our picnic reached for seconds. Its balance of crunch and bold flavors kept the bowl empty long before the main course arrived.
Ingredients
- Vegetables: 2 large cucumbers, thinly sliced, 1 small red onion, thinly sliced, 1 medium carrot, julienned, 2 scallions, finely sliced, 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped
- Dressing: 2 tablespoons rice vinegar, 1 tablespoon sesame oil, 1 tablespoon fish sauce, 1 teaspoon soy sauce (use gluten-free if needed), 1 teaspoon honey or sugar, 1 garlic clove, finely minced, 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger, 1 small red chili, thinly sliced (optional)
- Garnish: 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
Instructions
- Prepare Vegetables:
- In a large bowl, combine cucumbers, red onion, carrot, scallions, and cilantro.
- Make Dressing:
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together rice vinegar, sesame oil, fish sauce, soy sauce, honey (or sugar), garlic, ginger, and chili if using.
- Toss Salad:
- Pour the dressing over the vegetables and toss well to coat.
- Let Flavors Meld:
- Let the salad sit for at least 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Finish and Serve:
- Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds just before serving.
Save My family loves pairing this cucumber salad with grilled salmon or tofu for warm weather dinners outside. The sesame seeds always get an extra sprinkle from my kids.
Required Tools
Sharp knife, cutting board, mixing bowls, whisk or fork help speed up the prep for this simple salad.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Calories: 75, Total Fat: 4 g, Carbohydrates: 8 g, Protein: 2 g
Recipe Variations
For a vegetarian version, replace fish sauce with a vegetarian fish sauce or extra soy sauce. Add thinly sliced radish or bell pepper for extra crunch and color. Adjust chili to taste for desired spice level.
Save This salad is the perfect bright side dish or light lunch, and leftovers stay crisp for hours in the fridge.
Kitchen Questions
- → How do I keep cucumbers crisp in this salad?
Thinly slice cucumbers and salt them lightly to draw out excess moisture before tossing with the dressing. Serve soon after mixing for best texture.
- → Can I substitute fish sauce for a vegetarian option?
Yes, replace fish sauce with vegetarian fish sauce or increase soy sauce for a plant-based alternative while preserving savory depth.
- → Is this suitable for gluten-free diets?
Use gluten-free soy sauce to ensure the salad is gluten-free. Double-check all packaged sauces for hidden gluten sources.
- → What other vegetables work well here?
Try adding thinly sliced radish, bell pepper, or shredded cabbage for extra color, crunch, and flavor variation.
- → How spicy is this salad?
Heat is optional and controlled by the amount of red chili you add. Adjust to your preferred spice level or omit if desired.