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    Home » Recipes » Salads » Spicy Asian Cucumber Salad Recipe

    Spicy Asian Cucumber Salad Recipe

    by: Anya·posted: May 30, 2017·updated: Jul 12, 2023·37 CommentsThis post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
    Asian cucumber salad with red onions in a white bowl with text overlay that says 'Spicy Asian Cucumber Salad'

    This Spicy Asian Cucumber Salad is made with refreshing cucumbers, crunchy red onions, fragrant cilantro, and a simple roasted sesame dressing. It's a healthy salad to accompany all your Asian dishes and it comes together quickly in under 15 minutes! Plus, this easy recipe is an excellent way to use up your surplus of cucumbers.

    close up of cucumber salad with red onions, cilantro, and black sesame seeds.

    Embrace the summer heat with this refreshing Asian Cucumber Salad recipe. It is the queen of all salads and for good reason.

    Thinly sliced cucumbers and crispy red onions tossed in a delicious medley of roasted sesame dressing, tangy rice vinegar, and savory coconut aminos - this salad perfectly captures the essence of summer in every bite.

    Add in some fresh cilantro, a touch of spiciness, and a black sesame seeds for good measure, and it's a perfect accompaniment to your outdoor gatherings, picnics, or an easy side to a weeknight dinner.

    Pair it with your favorite chicken recipe or stir-fry to make it a complete meal.

    Jump to:
    • Why you'll love this recipe
    • Ingredients
    • Substitutions and Variations
    • Make it Nutrient Dense
    • Helpful Tips
    • Step-by-Step Instructions
    • Helpful Tools & Links
    • Serving Suggestions
    • Storage Instructions
    • FAQs
    • Printable Recipe

    Why you'll love this recipe

    Use up excess cucumbers - If you have a surplus of cucumbers from your garden or a generous supply from a farmer's market, this salad recipe is for you!

    Easy to make - With only 3 fresh ingredients and a handful of pantry staples, this Asian cucumber salad comes together quickly and effortlessly.

    Perfect for meal prep - This salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator, allowing the flavors to develop. Make over the weekend to enjoy on busy weeknights.

    Great accompaniment to Asian meals - Its versatile flavors make it an excellent pairing to various Asian cuisines. Whether it's Korean, Japanese, Chinese, or Thai - you can switch things up to make it work for your dinner tonight.

    💭Fun Fact: Cucumber salads are popular across various Asian cuisines and are appreciated not only for their refreshing taste but also for their cooling properties as they have a practical purpose to help people stay cool during hot weather. 

    Ingredients

    Learn how to make Spicy Cucumber Salad with 3 fresh ingredients plus the simple salad dressing. This easy recipe takes only 15 minutes from start to finish.

    ingredient shot for asian cucumber salad with cucumbers, red onion, salad dressing, and seasonings.
    • Cucumbers: Use thin-skinned seedless cucumbers such as Persian cucumbers or English cucumbers. This provides a crisp, refreshing, and crunchy base for the salad. Mini cucumbers would make a fun visual twist.
    • Red onion: Adds a hint of sharpness and color to the salad. You can use shallots or a white onion in a pinch.
    • Fresh cilantro: Provides a bright and herbaceous note to the salad and complements the rest of the ingredients well.
    • Dressing: A simple blend of toasted sesame oil, rice vinegar, coconut aminos, crushed red pepper, black sesame seeds, and unrefined sea salt completes this easy Asian cucumber salad.

    See the recipe card for exact quantities.

    Substitutions and Variations

    • Paleo/Whole30 Cucumber Salad - All the ingredients are naturally Whole30 and paleo compliant but if unsure about the rice vinegar, switch that out with apple cider vinegar.
    • Low Carb and Keto Cucumber Salad - Most of the ingredients are naturally low carb and there is no sweetener of any kind in this salad recipe. Swap out the rice vinegar with apple cider vinegar to reduce the carb count further. Given that there is very little fat in this dish, it's not technically keto.

    Use this simple Asian Cucumber Salad recipe as a general base to add more unique flavor. Here are some great ideas:

    • Chinese Cucumber Salad - Add one minced garlic clove and a touch of ginger for a zesty kick. Drizzle some honey for a hint of sweetness and swap coconut aminos with soy sauce. Add some chili oil for a fiery kick.
    • Japanese Cucumber Salad - Use Japanese cucumbers (Kyuri) instead of Persian cucumbers. Add white sesame seeds along with black. Substitute coconut aminos with ponzu sauce and sub rice vinegar with mirin (sweet rice wine vinegar). Top with seaweed flakes or furikake.
    • Korean Cucumber Salad - Add Gochujang (fermented chili paste) or Korean red pepper flakes called Gochugaru (which is a staple ingredient in Kimchi recipe) for a savory and spicy kick. Replace red onions with finely chopped scallions or green onions.
    cucumber salad with red onions and cilantro in a white bowl on a white background.

    Make it Nutrient Dense

    Staying true to the heart of what Prepare and Nourish is all about, there are ways to ensure you get the maximum nutrition in this easy cucumber salad recipe. Even though it's an incredibly simple recipe, you can take purposeful steps to turn this into a nutrient-dense meal.

    Make this seasonally. Cucumbers and cilantro are abundant during the warm summer months, which is a good thing they can cool you down. Make this refreshing cucumber salad regularly during hot weather, and source the cukes from your local farmer's markets for the best flavor.

    Use quality ingredients. Aside from the freshest cucumbers, use the best quality ingredients. That often likely means organic oil, vinegars, unrefined sea salt, and other seasonings. Initially, that may seem expensive but these pantry staples will last you a long time.

    Add in a ferment. Toss this with homemade Kimchi for the ultimate side dish. Or add a little spicy sauerkraut (made with ginger and garlic!) to spice things up.

    Helpful Tips

    Adjust spice level - If you prefer a milder salad, reduce the red pepper flakes or omit them altogether. Alternatively, if you enjoy a spicier salad, increase the amount to suit your taste.

    Toasted sesame seeds - Toasting the sesame seeds in a dry pan over medium heat for a few minutes can enhance their nutty flavor. Be careful not to burn them though!

    Make-ahead tip - This salad is great to make ahead. In fact, it tastes better as it ages. But at the very least, you want the flavors to meld together and intensify for at least 30 minutes in the fridge.

    💭Pro-tip: For easy cleanup, add the dressing ingredients directly into the salad bowl to avoid extra dishes to wash.

    Step-by-Step Instructions

    The complete printable recipe is below in the recipe card for your convenience.

    The recipe for Asian cucumber salad is very straightforward. Thinly sliced refreshing veggies are tossed in a tangy roasted sesame dressing for a salad that is out of this world delicious!

    fresh ingredients added to white bowl including cucumbers, cilantro, and red onion.

    Step 1. Slice

    Thinly slice cucumbers and red onions and place them into a medium bowl. Add finely chopped cilantro.

    overhead of clear small bowl with dressing, black sesame seeds and red chili flakes.

    Step 2. Whisk

    In a small bowl, whisk together the sesame oil, vinegar, coconut aminos, salt, sesame seeds, and pepper flakes.

    💭Pro tip: Use a mandoline slicer to achieve thin and uniform slices of cucumbers and red onions. 
    roasted sesame dressing poured over cucumbers and red onion asian salad dressing.

    Step 3. Toss

    Pour the roasted sesame dressing over the cucumbers and red onions and toss to coat evenly.

    close up of cucumber salad with red onions, cilantro, and black sesame seeds.

    Step 4. Chill

    Serve immediately or place in the refrigerator for up to a week for a more pickled taste.

    💭Pro tip: If refrigerating, freshen the cucumber salad up by garnishing with freshly chopped cilantro and sesame seeds. 
    close up overhead shot of cucumber salad with red onions and black sesame seeds with forks to the side.

    Helpful Tools & Links

    Below are some affiliate links that may be helpful to you as you make this recipe. You can find some of these items cheaper at your local store, but having a link helps you know what you're looking for.

    • Tools: chef knife, cutting board, large mixing bowl, mandoline slicer
    • Ingredients: sea salt, black sesame seeds, red pepper flakes, toasted sesame oil, rice vinegar, coconut aminos
    • Storage Supplies: wide-mouth mason jars for leftovers, glass snap containers

    Serving Suggestions

    Serve this paleo cucumber salad as a side dish alongside other Asian main courses such as stir-fries, grilled meats or fish, sushi bowls, or noodles.

    The crispness and vibrant flavors of the salad will complement the main dish well.

    Spicy Asian Cucumber Salad pairing suggestions
    • Salmon poke in a white bowl on a bed of white rice with avocado, cilantro and green onions topped.
      Salmon Poke Bowl (Paleo, Whole30, Low Carb)
    • spicy pork with veggies over ramen
      Spicy Pork Ramen Recipe
      Cook Time1 Hours 30 Minutes
    • chicken wings on black dish with green herb.
      Crispy Baked Salt and Pepper Chicken Wings Recipe
    • Paleo Vietnamese Shaking Beef Bowl is full of bold flavors as pan-seared steaks, onions, ginger and lime-pepper dipping sauce come together. With its pungent bite, the watercress is a great contrast to the beef and roasted sweet potatoes add healthy substance to this 30 minute meal. #whole30 #sunbasket #superfood #paleo
      Paleo Vietnamese Shaking Beef Bowl (30 Minute Meal)
      Cook Time30 Minutes

    Storage Instructions

    To store: Leftover spicy Asian cucumber salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 7 days.

    Storage containers: These glass snap containers are perfect for leftovers but if you want to save them as Asian cucumber pickles, consider storing them in a wide-mouth mason jar.

    Cucumber and fresh cilantro with red onion and black sesame seeds salad in a white bowl.

    FAQs

    Can I use regular cucumbers instead of seedless cucumbers?

    Yes! You can use regular cucumbers to make Asian cucumber salad. However, seedless cucumbers are preferred for their crisp texture and minimal seeds (and consequently moisture), which contribute to a better salad consistency.

    How can I make cucumber salad not watery?

    Cucumbers in general have a higher moisture content. But to prevent the cucumber salad from becoming too watery, here are a few tips:
    1. Salt and rest: after slicing the cucumbers, season them lightly with salt and let them rest for 15 minutes. Afterwards, rinse the cucumbers and pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
    2. Remove seeds: if using cucumbers with large or watery seeds, scoop them out with a spoon before slicing.
    3. Drain: After dressing the salad, allow it to sit for a few minutes to let any excess moisture accumulate at the bottom of the bowl. Then scoop out the salad with a slotted spoon, leaving the moisture in the bowl.

    Can I scale this recipe to make a big batch for a crowd?

    Absolutely! You can easily scale this recipe to make a larger batch for a crowd or party. Simply adjust the servings needed and follow the recipe. Keep in mind, that a party typically has several sides and therefore the serving amount may change per person. Also, tasting and adjusting the seasonings before serving is a good idea to ensure your desired flavor.

    Looking for more cucumber recipes? Here are some ideas:
    • Shredded cabbage with cucumbers in a white bowl.
      Cabbage Cucumber Salad
    • Tomato wedges with cucumber slices and thinly sliced white onion
      Cucumber Tomato and Onion Salad
    • Everything Bagel Cucumber Bites with Smoked Salmon (Low Carb, GAPS, Primal) - Healthy smoked salmon on top of cream cheese topped cucumber slices and finished off with Everything Bagel Seasoning. A delicious, super easy, 15 minute, low-carb appetizer. #lowcarb #appetizers #smokedsalmon
      Everything Bagel Cucumber Bites with Smoked Salmon (Low Carb, GAPS, Primal)
    • Greek Tomato & Cucumber Salad (Low Carb, Primal, GAPS) -This Greek Tomato and Cucumber Salad with or without feta cheese has all the robust Mediterranean flavors. With a simple 4-ingredient salad dressing, this salad can be made in 15 minutes. #healthysalad #greeksalad
      Greek Tomato and Cucumber Salad (Primal, Low Carb, GAPS) +VIDEO
    Did you make this? Please leave a ⭐ recipe rating in the recipe card below and leave a review in the comments. Thank you!💚

    Printable Recipe

    cucumber salad in white bowl with forks to the side.

    Asian Cucumber Salad

    Anya @ Prepare & Nourish
    Crunchy, refreshing cucumbers and red onion tossed in a tangy blend of fiery red pepper flakes and savory Asian flavors. This Spicy Asian Cucumber Salad recipe has the perfect balance of heat and freshness.
    5 from 2 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe Save RecipeSaved!
    Prep Time 20 minutes mins
    Total Time 20 minutes mins
    Course Salad
    Cuisine Asian, Chinese, Japanese, Korean
    Servings 6
    Calories 95 kcal

    Equipment

    • Mandoline slicer

    Ingredients
      

    • 6 seedless cucumbers approximately 1½ pounds
    • ¼ red onion
    • 2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil
    • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
    • 1 tablespoon coconut aminos
    • 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, finely chopped
    • 2 teaspoons black sesame seeds
    • ½ teaspoon sea salt
    • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Instructions
     

    • Slice: Thinly slice cucumbers using a mandoline or sharp knife and place in medium size bowl. Thinly slice the red onions and chop cilantro and add to the cucumbers.
    • Whisk: In a small bowl or jar, combine sesame seed oil, vinegar, coconut aminos, sesame seeds, salt and pepper flakes.
    • Toss: Pour the roasted sesame dressing over the cucumbers and red onion and toss to coat evenly.
    • Chill: Serve immediately or place in the refrigerator for up to a week for a more pickled taste.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 95kcal | Carbohydrates: 12g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Sodium: 259mg | Potassium: 455mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 374IU | Vitamin C: 9mg | Calcium: 56mg | Iron: 1mg
    Nutrition Information
    The information shown is an estimate provided for your convenience by an online calculator. It should not be considered as a substitute for a professional nutritionist's advice. See our complete Nutritional Information Disclaimer.
    Keyword asian cucumber salad, keto cucumber salad, spicy cucumber salad
    ©Prepare and Nourish • Content and photographs are copyright protected. Sharing of this recipe is encouraged and appreciated but please do NOT screenshot or copy/paste complete recipes to websites or social media.
    DID YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE?Leave a comment below and share a photo on Instagram. Mention @prepareandnourish and be sure to tag #prepareandnourish!

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    About Anya

    Sharing wholesome recipes using seasonal ingredients and simplified methods since 2014. My hope is you'll feel right at home in this online kitchen, where you'll find real food recipes for real families.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

      5 from 2 votes (2 ratings without comment)

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Carol Little R.H. says

      May 31, 2017 at 11:15 am

      LOVE cucumber salads. Make several versions. Cannot wait to try this one, Anya!
      Thanks.

      Reply
      • Anya says

        May 31, 2017 at 5:49 pm

        Hope you enjoy this salad, Carol. Cucumbers are so awesome!

        Reply
    2. Emily @ Recipes to Nourish says

      June 05, 2017 at 8:42 pm

      This cucumber salad is so perfect! This would be a huge hit in my home, we love Asian inspired dishes. Simply beautiful Anya!

      Reply
      • Anya says

        June 05, 2017 at 8:55 pm

        Thanks Emily! I'm certain your family would enjoy this!

        Reply
    3. Joni Gomes says

      June 06, 2017 at 5:29 am

      Looks easy and delicious!

      Reply
      • Anya says

        June 06, 2017 at 8:36 am

        It is, Joni. 🙂

        Reply
    4. Raia Todd says

      June 06, 2017 at 6:18 am

      Your salads always make me hungry! I love the addition of black sesame in this one!

      Reply
      • Anya says

        June 06, 2017 at 8:36 am

        They add a nice flavor and texture too.

        Reply
    5. Jean says

      June 06, 2017 at 8:05 am

      Yes, cucumber salads are the best! So crunchy and refreshing. What a great recipe!

      Reply
      • Anya says

        June 06, 2017 at 8:36 am

        Thanks Jean. They are the best!

        Reply
    6. Kari - Get Inspired Everyday! says

      June 06, 2017 at 8:23 am

      This looks so fresh and delicious, and also a great way to use up the black sesame seeds I have in the spice cupboard!

      Reply
      • Anya says

        June 06, 2017 at 8:36 am

        Haha! Yes.

        Reply
    7. linda spiker says

      June 06, 2017 at 1:23 pm

      What a beautiful, simple way to serve cucumbers!

      Reply
      • Anya says

        June 06, 2017 at 4:58 pm

        Agreed!! Thanks Linda. 🙂

        Reply
    8. Renee says

      June 06, 2017 at 4:11 pm

      Love that dressing - sounds amazing! One of my girls is literally obsessed with all things cucumbers - she will love this salad! Thank you!

      Reply
      • Anya says

        June 06, 2017 at 4:52 pm

        Thanks Renee.

        Reply
    9. Tina says

      June 08, 2017 at 11:11 am

      I love a good refreshing cucumber salad when it's warm out!

      Reply
    10. Jo Romero says

      June 08, 2017 at 11:40 am

      No one in our family really like cucumbers, and your post has me wondering whether I've just not been preparing them properly! Think I'll give this salad a try. Looks beautiful!

      Reply
      • Anya says

        June 09, 2017 at 10:55 am

        Thanks Jo. Give this one a try. It's quite tasty.

        Reply
    11. ChihYu says

      June 08, 2017 at 1:31 pm

      Love cucumber salad. It's one of our favorite summer go-to salad in my household. Love it !

      Reply
      • Anya says

        June 09, 2017 at 10:54 am

        Thank you. 🙂 We love it too.

        Reply
    12. Michele Spring says

      June 09, 2017 at 8:23 am

      Wow, you Californians get cucumbers early! Mine are still teeeeny tiiiiiny plants. Sigh. 🙂 But when mine get bigger I'll have to try this salad since it looks so delicious and refreshing!

      Reply
      • Anya says

        June 09, 2017 at 10:53 am

        Yeah...we're pretty lucky to be getting cukes so early in the season.

        Reply
    13. Cristina Curp says

      June 10, 2017 at 10:36 am

      MMM mmm MMM this looks delicious! The perfect bbq side dish. Tangy and refreshing. Thank you!

      Reply
    14. Amanda Torres // TheCuriousCoconut.com says

      June 11, 2017 at 10:13 am

      YES! I am making this this week, I'm swimming in cucumbers!!

      Reply
      • Anya says

        June 11, 2017 at 5:36 pm

        Nice! That's the best!

        Reply
    15. Holley Marth says

      June 11, 2017 at 8:43 pm

      Tart and crispy! I am excited to make this salad!

      Reply
    16. Georgina Young says

      June 12, 2017 at 7:42 am

      Asian salads are just the best - and so elegant too! That dressing sounds divine <3

      Reply
    17. Real Food with Dana says

      June 12, 2017 at 8:18 am

      This is one of my favorite summer salads! So refreshing. Love it!

      Reply
    18. Darryl Edwards says

      June 12, 2017 at 12:32 pm

      A great way to jazz up cucumbers! Something I can easily accomplish too. Thank you!

      Reply
    19. Becky Winkler says

      June 13, 2017 at 6:11 am

      This looks like such a refreshing side dish to pair with a stir-fry!

      Reply
    20. Dawn says

      August 03, 2017 at 10:08 am

      Love the added sesame seeds!

      Reply
    21. Linda says

      August 16, 2017 at 8:16 am

      I have to bring a salad to a party this weekend. I am totally going to make this.

      Reply
      • Anya says

        August 16, 2017 at 9:59 am

        Hope everyone likes it! 🙂

        Reply
    22. madelyn says

      August 22, 2017 at 9:29 am

      I love this twist on the cucumber salad. Thanks!

      Reply
    23. Kelly @ A Girl Worth Saving says

      August 30, 2017 at 11:38 am

      I never would have thought to use sesame seeds! Looks delicious!

      Reply

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