• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
Elise Tries To Cook
  • Home
  • Recipes
    • Breakfast and Brunch
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
    • Meal Prep Friendly Recipes
    • Side Dishes
    • Clean Eating Snacks
    • Clean Desserts
    • Cocktails
    • Juices and Smoothies
  • About
    • Privacy
    • Contact Me
  • Work With Me
  • Navigation Menu: Social Icons

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
menu icon
go to homepage
search icon
Homepage link
  • Recipe index
  • Cocktails and Drinks
  • Meal Prep Recipes
  • Dinner
  • Contact Me
  • About Me
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
  • ×

    Easy Asian Cucumber Salad

    Published: Mar 22, 2021 · Modified: Aug 20, 2021 by Elise Shivamber · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    This easy Asian cucumber salad has minimal ingredients, is quick to make, and can be made in advance. It is a great no-cook BBQ side dish and tastes delicious on tacos!

    asian cucumber salad up close

    Thinly sliced cucumbers are marinated in an Asian-style dressing of rice wine vinegar, sesame oil and honey. With some pepper flakes it adds a slight heat to every bite.

    Jump to:
    • Step-by-Step Instructions
    • Marinade Ingredients
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • What to pair with an Asian Cucumber Salad
    • 📖 Recipe

    This easy no-heat side dish came out of necessity. In my old apartment I had no A/C, and a small kitchen with no air circulation. No-heat dishes became a way of life, and I couldn’t get enough recipes! 

    I needed quick dishes to keep me cool and refreshed. Nothing felt worse than sweating bullets while I cooked my meal, or ate it! This asian cucumber salad recipe came out of desperation - I wanted something to taste good and also be delicious. It’s since then become a staple in my household!

    Step-by-Step Instructions

    This easy cucumber salad recipe only takes a few steps and minimal ingredients!

    STEP ONE: Slice cucumbers on a mandoline or thinly with a knife.

    STEP TWO: Create the Asian dressing.

    STEP THREE: Combine dressing and cucumbers and into the fridge!

    STEP FOUR: Enjoy cold.

    marinating cucumbers for a cucumber salad recipe

    Marinade Ingredients

    Rice Wine Vinegar

    A good rice wine vinegar really makes the difference. My favorite is an Organic Rice Wine Vinegar from Marukan. If you don't have rice wine vinegar and really don't want to buy any (totally get it, I hate having bottles of random ingredients I use only once!), a good replacement is Apple Cider Vinegar.

    Toasted Sesame Oil

    Sesame oil is probably my favorite finishing oil. Made from toasted sesame seeds, it has so much flavor! It has a rich, nutty and toasty taste to it. A substitute for sesame oil would be olive oil, although you will miss out on the nutty flavor.

    Sesame Seeds

    This helps add a slight crunch and texture to every bite! If you can’t find any or don’t like sesame seeds, you can omit.

    pouring marinade on thinly sliced cucumbers

    Crushed Red Pepper Flakes

    Red pepper flakes add a sense of heat and dimension of flavor. You can remove or use less if you’re worried about too much heat. I strongly suggest using at least a portion of the flakes. If you want extra spice, top with chili oil or chili sesame oil!

    Honey

    The honey helps balance out the tartness of the rice wine vinegar and the nuttiness of the toasted sesame oil. Substitute for agave syrup.

    What type of cucumber to use

    English or Hothouse

    They are typically thinner skinned and have minimal seeds, making them great for a salad like this asian cucumber recipe. 

    Persian

    Similar to English cucumbers, they have a thinner skin. They are often smaller and mild in taste. These are a great substitute for hothouse cucumbers, although may have more seeds.

    cutting cucumbers on a mandolin

    How to prepare cucumbers: Knife vs. Mandoline

    My favorite way to thinly slice cucumbers is a mandoline. It comes out with perfectly even, consistent cucumbers. It also cuts every cucumber so thinly so that they can look pretty and also soak up more dressing! 

    Mandolines can be scary because of the blade. Moving the ingredients back and forth to quickly can cause accidents. Always be really careful when using a mandoline. Mine from OXO has a safe guard to use on the food to prevent cuts or you can alway purchase no cut gloves! 

    If you don’t have a mandoline (I highly recommend one and this one from OXO is the one I use!) then using a knife works. It may be harder to cut as thinly or evenly and be careful!

    asian cucumber salad up close with chopsticks

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Do I need to peel cucumbers before using?

    No! I actually prefer my cucumber in this salad with the skins. If you don’t like the skins, you can always remove them in advance.

    How do I store this salad?

    I like to store leftover or prepped cucumber salad in an airtight container in the fridge.

    How long do marinated cucumbers last in the fridge?

    Cucumbers in any type of vinegar-based dressing or marinade will last about 3-days in the refrigerator. Any more than 3-days and it will be sour-tasting.

    How do I make this in advance?

    If making in advance for a large crowd, just put the sauce and cucumbers separately until about 20-30 minutes prior to eating.

    What’s the best bowl to prepare this in?

    Use a wide and flat bowl or plate with raised sides. This will allow more of the cucumbers to soak in the dressing and be covered with the flavors.

    Can I used smashed cucumbers?

    Yes! You can always cut cucumbers into large chunks and smash it with a large spoon or rolling pin.

    Can I make this spicy?

    Yes, for extra spice, I suggest using chili sesame oil, or topping with a small drizzle of chili oil.

    two plates of cucumbers

    What to pair with an Asian Cucumber Salad

    • Beef Bulgogi
    • Grilled Swordfish Tacos
    • Teriyaki Shrimp, Chicken or Beef
    • Salmon

    📖 Recipe

    close up of an asian cucumber salad

    Easy Asian Cucumber Salad

    Elise Shivamber
    This easy Asian cucumber salad has minimal ingredients, is quick to make, and can be made in advance. It is a great no-cook BBQ side dish and tastes delicious on tacos!
    No ratings yet
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 10 mins
    Resting Time 30 mins
    Total Time 40 mins
    Course Salad, Side Dish
    Cuisine Japanese
    Servings 4 people
    Calories 117 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    • 3 Hothouse or English Cucumbers washed thoroughly
    • ½ Cup Rice Wine Vinegar
    • 2 TBSP Toasted Sesame Oil
    • 1 TBSP Honey
    • ¼ TSP Salt
    • 1 TSP Sesame Seeds
    • ¼ TSP Red Pepper Flakes

    Instructions
     

    • Cut the cucumbers into thin slices using a mandoline or knife.
    • Mix together the dressing of: rice wine vinegar, sesame oil, honey, salt and red pepper flakes.
    • Place cucumber slices in a bowl - the wider and flatter the bowl, the better, so that each piece can soak up the sauce.
    • Pour the sauce over the cucumbers and mix together gently.
    • Place in the fridge for at least 30-minutes.
    • Stir the marinated cucumber again right before eating, sprinkle extra sesame seeds on top and enjoy!

    Notes

    If making in advance for a large crowd, just put the sauce and cucumbers separately until about 20-30 minutes prior to eating.
    Use a wide and flat bowl or plate with raised sides. This will allow more of the cucumbers to soak in the dressing and be covered with the flavors.
    Red pepper flakes add a sense of heat and dimension of flavor. You can remove or use less if you’re worried about too much heat. I strongly suggest using at least a portion of the flakes. If you want extra spice, top with chili oil or chili sesame oil!
    A substitute for sesame oil would be olive oil, although you will miss out on the nutty flavor.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 117kcalCarbohydrates: 13gProtein: 2gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 1gSodium: 146mgPotassium: 6mgFiber: 2gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 1IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 7mgIron: 1mg
    Keyword cucumber, salad, vegan, vegetarian
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
    « Easy Grilled Swordfish Tacos
    Orange Agua Fresca (Agua de Naranja) »

    Sign up!

    For clean eats and drinks recipes sent directly to your inbox!

    Reader Interactions

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

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

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    Elise Shivamber Photo

    Hey there, I’m Elise! I use fresh, simple ingredients to make a healthy lifestyle more accessible. With clean ingredients, these recipes will make your heart and belly happy. Thanks for making me a part of your cooking journey!

    About →

    Fave Holiday Beverages

    • 5 ingredient sangria,easy sangria,red wine sangria,easy red wine sangria,best wine to use in a sangria,best wine to use in a red wine sangria,what fruit can i put in my sangria,classic ingredients in a sangria,5 ingredient red wine sangria
      Red Wine Sangria (5 Ingredients!)
    • Spiked Apple Cider,Kombucha
      Spiked Apple Cider Kombucha Cocktail
    • Sage-Infused Bee's Knees Cocktail
    • Winter Aperol Spritz,aperol spritz,cocktail,spiced orange & cranberry,simple syrup,aperol,prosecco
      Winter Aperol Spritz
    Sign Up! For weekly emails.

    Fave Sides

    • couscous salad,israelí couscous salad,pearled couscous salad,pearled couscous,israeli couscous,caramelized fennel salad,should you wash pearled couscous?,bbq side dishes
      Vegan Couscous Salad
    • eggplant dip greek,eggplant dip,eggplant dips,dip eggplant,roast eggplant dip,eggplant dip roasted,recipe for eggplant dip,eggplant dips recipe,eggplant recipes dip,roasted eggplant dip,recipes for eggplant dip,eggplant greek dip,greek eggplant dip,mediterranean eggplant dip,recipe roasted eggplant dip,healthy dip for veggies,healthy veggie dips,dips recipes healthy,healthy dip recipes,whipped eggplant,roasted eggplant and garlic dip,roasted eggplant and garlic,eggplant and garlic recipes,eggplant and garlic,healthy mid morning and afternoon snack,healthy afternoon snacks at work,healthy afternoon snack for kids,mid afternoon snack healthy,healthy mid afternoon snack,hummus eggplant,eggplant hummus,eggplant hummus recipe,hummus with eggplant,roasted eggplant hummus recipe,dips for appetizers,cold dips for appetizers
      Creamy Greek Roasted Eggplant Dip
    • healthier potato salad,brussels sprouts potato salad,healthy potato salad,mayo-less potato salad,what is in a potato salad,how to make a brussels sprouts potato salad,best potatoes for a potato salad,which potatoes should i use in a potato salad,how long to boil potatoes for a potato salad,potato salad with mustard
      Easy Vegan Potato Salad with Dill
    • kale fennel dried fig salad,kale fennel salad,kale dried fig salad,how long to massage kale,how to prepare fennel for a kale fennel salad,how do i pick the best fennel,can i eat fennel fronds,what does fennel taste like,how to cut fennel,kale fennel and dried fig salad
      Kale Fennel Dried Fig Salad with Lemon Chive Dressing

    New Recipes

    • Gluten Free Chicken Burgers
    • Lemony Kale and Spinach Salad
    • Easy Chicken Fajita Tacos
    • Fajita Veggies (Chipotle Copycat)

    As Featured In

    the food gawker logo of a bowl above food gawker text
    the feed feed logo of circle surrounding two spoons

    Footer

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • About Me
    • Privacy Policy

    Let's Connect!

    • Find us on Facebook
    • Find us on Instagram
    • Find us on Pinterest
    • Newsletter

    Contact

    • Contact
    • Work With Me

    Copyright © 2022 Elise Tries to Cook

    AS AN AMAZON ASSOCIATE AFFILIATE, I EARN FROM QUALIFYING PURCHASES.