Hungry Healthy Happy

menu icon
go to homepage
  • About Us
  • Recipe Index
  • Meal Plans
  • Recipes To Your Inbox
  • Shop
search icon
Homepage link
  • About Us
  • Recipe Index
  • Meal Plans
  • Recipes To Your Inbox
  • Shop
×
Hungry Healthy Happy » Recipes » Side Dishes

Asian Cucumber Salad

Published: Aug 16, 2022 · Written by Dannii Martin · This post may contain affiliate links which earn us commissions if purchases are made · 11 Comments

162 shares
  • 52
Diet: Gluten Free / Vegetarian
Jump to Recipe
Asian cucumber salad with a text title overlay.

The perfect quick and easy side dish, this Asian Cucumber Salad is made by simply mixing thinly sliced cucumbers with a sesame based dressing. These marinated crispy cucumbers are a light and cool salad that goes with almost anything.

Asian cucumber salad in a bowl next to a pink towel.

We love cucumbers, and they are much more versatile than you might realise. This Asian Cucumber Salad is a great way to use up a lot of cucumbers and it's a good way to use soy sauce too. We love serving it with noodles or grilled chicken, but it's great with other salad items too.

The key to this amazing Asian salad with cucumbers is the dressing, and it's so easy to make - you probably have most of the ingredients in your kitchen already.

If you are looking for some other cucumber recipes, why not try our Cucumber Sushi Boats, Cucumber and Radish Salad, Sparkling Cucumber Water, Cucumber Dill Salad or Cucumber Tomato Salad?

Jump to:
  • Why You Will Love It
  • Ingredients and Substitutions
  • Variations
  • How to Make Asian Cucumber Salad - Step by Step
  • Serving Suggestions
  • Extra Tips
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • More Cucumber Recipes
  • Recipe
  • Feedback

Why You Will Love It

  • Delicious way to use cucumbers - If you are growing cucumbers this year, then this is a great way to use them up.
  • Versatile - There is so much that you can serve this Asian salad with. We love them with gyoza.
  • Easy to make - Just mix everything together and it's ready to eat.
  • Can be made in advance - You can make this an hour in advance so it is in the fridge ready to serve.

Ingredients and Substitutions

All the ingredients needed for this recipe with text overlay labels.

A full ingredients list, along with US Customary and Metric measurements, can be found in the recipe card at the end of this post.

  • Cucumber - We used an English cucumber and kept the skin on. You could use smaller Persian cucumbers though if you prefer.
  • Shallots - These add a lovely sweetness to the Asian Cucumber Salad.
  • Garlic and ginger - You could grate and crush this yourself, but we use a garlic and ginger paste in a jar as it's much easier.
  • Chilli sauce - This is optional, but we like a kick of heat in our food. We used Sriracha, as it's the best.
  • Soy sauce - This gives the amazing umami. We used light soy sauce.
  • Sesame seeds - This adds a nice crunch to the finished salad.
  • Sesame oil - This is what gives the delicious Asian flavour to the Chinese cucumber salad. You can find it with the other flavoured oils in the supermarket.
  • Rice wine vinegar - You can swap this for apple cider vinegar if you prefer, but we like the flavour of rice wine vinegar.
  • Honey - This is a preference thing, as not everyone likes the sweetness in the salad, but we do. You could use maple syrup if you wanted to keep it vegan.
  • Salt - Generously season.

Variations

This is a pretty simple salad, so there is not too much that can be changed. You could adapt the ingredient amounts, depending on how spicy or garlic and gingery you like it. Feel free to add more chilli sauce too.

Other ingredients that you can add to the Asian cucumber salad include:

  • Shredded cabbage
  • Grated carrots
  • Edamame
  • Sugarsnap Peas

How to Make Asian Cucumber Salad - Step by Step

A chopping board and knife with a cucumber cut into slices.
  1. Step 1: Slice the cucumber thinly.
A bowl containing slices of cucumber.
  1. Step 2: Add the sliced cucumber to a bowl.
Garlic, ginger, chopped shallots and sauces added to the cucumber.
  1. Step 3: Add the other ingredients (except the sesame seeds) and mix well.
  2. Step 4: Serve topped with sesame seeds.

Serving Suggestions

This is such a versatile side dish, that is goes with almost anything. Here are some of our favourite dishes to serve with this Asian cucumber salad:

  • Honey Mustard Salmon
  • Air Fryer Steak
  • Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken
  • Air Fryer Gyoza
  • Crispy Chicken Goujons
  • Baked Lamb Chops
  • Lemon and Herb Chicken
  • Air Fryer Gyoza
Cucumber salad on a plate with some gyoza.

Extra Tips

  • Score the cucumber with a fork before slicing - this will help the dressing cling to it better.
  • For some extra crunch, add some crushed cashews or peanuts to the top of the salad.
  • You could slice the cucumbers lengthways and then scoop the seeds out before slicing, but we like the seeds.
  • If you want a bit of an extra fresh flavour, then you can add some fresh chopped coriander (cilantro).
  • You can just mix everything together straight away like we have, but you could also add some salt to the cucumbers to draw some water out and then rinse them. These will give crispier cucumbers.
Sesame seeds sprinkled over cucumber slices.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Asian Cucumber Salad in advance?

Yes, you can make this a couple of hours in advance, but the cucumbers will release liquid as they sit in the fridge. This will result in the dressing being a lot thinner if left.

How do I get crispy cucumbers?

To make this extra crispy, you need lots of salt. Soak them in salt and then rinse them and you will have extra crispy cucumbers. You only need about 10 minutes though, any longer and the cucumber will start to break down.

How many calories in a serving of Asian cucumber salad?

There are 139 calories per serving.

More Cucumber Recipes

  • Quick pickled cucumbers in an open glass jar.
    Quick Pickled Cucumbers
  • Cucumber sushi boats on a wooden serving board.
    Cucumber Sushi Boats
  • A jug of sparkling cucumber water.
    Sparkling Cucumber Water
  • Cucumber Tomato Salad in a dish next to a mint leaves.
    Cucumber Tomato Salad

If you’ve tried this Asian Cucumber Salad, then let us know how you got on in the comments below.
Tag us in your creations on Instagram @hungryhealthyhappy - Use the hashtag #hungryhealthyhappy too.

Recipe

Asian cucumber salad in a bowl with a spoon.

Asian Cucumber Salad

By: Dannii Martin
The perfect quick and easy side dish, this Asian Cucumber Salad is made by simply mixing thinly sliced cucumbers with a sesame based dressing.
A circular logo saying GF.
Gluten Free
An illustration of a v-shaped plant.
Vegetarian
5 from 13 votes
Pin Print Save recipe Saved!
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: Asian
Prep: 5 minutes mins
Total: 5 minutes mins
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 139kcal
Allergens:
An illustration of sesame seeds
Sesame
An illustration of soyabeans.
Soya
An illustration of a wine glass.
Sulphites

Ingredients

  • 2 Cucumber - small; English
  • 2 Shallots - diced
  • 1 tablespoon Garlic and ginger paste
  • 3 tablespoon Soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
  • 1 tablespoon Sriracha sauce
  • 2 tablespoon Sesame oil
  • 5 tablespoon Rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon Honey
  • 0.5 teaspoon Sea salt

Instructions

  • Slice the cucumber thinly.
  • Add the sliced cucumber to a bowl.
  • Add the other ingredients (except the sesame seeds) and mix well.
  • Serve topped with sesame seeds.

Recipe Tips

  • Score the cucumber with a fork before slicing - this will help the dressing cling to it better.
  • For some extra crunch, add some crushed cashews or peanuts to the top of the salad.
  • You could slice the cucumbers lengthways and then scoop the seeds out before slicing, but we like the seeds.
  • If you want a bit of an extra fresh flavour, then you can add some fresh chopped coriander (cilantro).
  • You can just mix everything together straight away like we have, but you could also add some salt to the cucumbers to draw some water out and then rinse them. These will give crispier cucumbers.

Nutritional Information

Serving: 1portion | Calories: 139kcal | Carbohydrates: 14g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 9g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Sodium: 951mg | Potassium: 323mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 164IU | Vitamin C: 8mg | Calcium: 54mg | Iron: 1mg

The nutritional information provided is approximate and is calculated using online tools. Information can vary depending on various factors, but we have endeavoured to be as accurate as possible.

As all appliances vary, cooking times are a guide. Please note that by changing the serving size, the cooking time may also need to be altered.

You'll love these too...

  • A red bowl full of cottage cheese tzatziki.
    Cottage Cheese Tzatziki
  • A bowl of high protein potato salad with a serving spoon in it.
    High Protein Potato Salad
  • A red bowl full of Greek yogurt coleslaw.
    Greek Yogurt Coleslaw
  • A large serving dish full of Summer pasta salad.
    Easy Summer Pasta Salad

Comments

  1. dina and bruce miller says

    May 16, 2023 at 1:32 pm

    5 stars
    We are lightening up our Summer meals, and this was perfection! Yum!

    Reply
  2. Amanda says

    August 26, 2022 at 1:34 pm

    5 stars
    This salad was delicious. It was perfectly light and refreshing for summer, and I just loved the kick from the sriracha.

    Reply
  3. Mahy says

    August 26, 2022 at 12:38 pm

    5 stars
    So light and so easy to make. Love how bright the colors look, too!

    Reply
  4. Katherine says

    August 26, 2022 at 11:08 am

    5 stars
    Such a great refreshing and flavorful salad!

    Reply
  5. Ieva says

    August 26, 2022 at 8:54 am

    5 stars
    Lovely recipe! Couldn't believe that something as bland as cucumber can pack so much flavour with all the soy, sriracha and honey! A great side dish to stir-fries and South East Asian curries!

    Reply
  6. Amanda Wren-Grimwood says

    August 26, 2022 at 8:53 am

    5 stars
    Can't beat a cucumber salad and this one is so delicious. Love all of the Asian flavours.

    Reply
  7. Kristine says

    August 23, 2022 at 9:42 pm

    5 stars
    I couldn't wait to try this salad. I love cucumbers and am always looking for exciting ways to spice them up. This was insanely good! I'll be making this again, and again! Thanks!

    Reply
  8. Kathleen says

    August 23, 2022 at 8:56 pm

    5 stars
    This is one flavor packed Asian cucumber salad. It is a perfect side dish.

    Reply
  9. Tayler says

    August 23, 2022 at 8:22 pm

    5 stars
    I made this salad with dinner last night and it was incredible. Thanks so much for sharing the recipe!

    Reply
  10. Sara Welch says

    August 23, 2022 at 6:54 pm

    5 stars
    This was such a crisp and refreshing salad that was not only easy, but delicious to boot! Light yet hearty; loved every bite!

    Reply
  11. Kelley says

    August 23, 2022 at 6:31 pm

    This looks so refreshing! The perfect side dish. Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
5 from 13 votes (3 ratings without comment)

Made this recipe? Let me know! Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Dannii with a sunset behind her.

Welcome

My name is Dannii. Here you will find easy family recipes with a healthy twist.

Established in 2011, Hungry Healthy Happy has become one of the UK's most popular food blogs, with two successful recipe books published.

About me...

Salad Recipes

  • Roasted Vegetable Winter Salad in a white dish surrounded by crumbled feta.
    Roasted Vegetable Winter Salad
  • A plate of kale, watermelon and feta salad surrounded by watermelon slices.
    Kale, Watermelon and Feta Salad
  • A large bowl of chickpea tuna salad with a serving spoon in it.
    Chickpea Tuna Salad
  • Chopped Blue Cheese Salad in a large white bowl.
    Chopped Blue Cheese Salad
  • A bowl of watercress salad with a wooden fork and spoon in it.
    Watercress Salad
  • Little Gem Salad in a round white bowl.
    Little Gem Salad

Recipe Books

The Hungry Healthy Happy book cover.
The healthy slow cooker book cover.
the front cover of The Picky Plate eBook.

Popular Recipes

  • Leftover chicken pasta on a black plate.
    Leftover Chicken Pasta
  • Mediterranean Rice Salad in a large round serving dish.
    Mediterranean Rice Salad
  • Fourteen healthy flapjacks on a sheet of parchment paper.
    Healthy Flapjacks
  • A tortilla chip being dipped into some nacho cheese sauce.
    2 Minute Nacho Cheese Sauce
  • Sticky Ginger Beef in a bowl with rice and broccoli.
    10 Minute Sticky Ginger Beef Mince
  • Baked Egg Tortilla in a round baking dish.
    Baked Egg Tortilla (Tortilla Quiche)

Footer

Help & Information

  • Contact
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility Policy
  • Advertising
  • Blog

About us

  • About us
  • Newsletter Sign Up!
  • Press enquiries
  • FAQ

Follow us


Featured in

A selection of publications that Hungry Healthy Happy has been featured in

As an Amazon Associate we earn certain commissions from qualifying purchases. By using our site, you agree that we can collect and use your data. Our privacy statement has more details.

Copyright © 2011-2024 Hungry Healthy Happy • All Rights Reserved

  • 52

Rate This Recipe

Your vote:




A rating is required
A name is required
An email is required

Recipe Ratings without Comment

Something went wrong. Please try again.