Spicy Cucumber Salad Recipe

Introduction

This Spicy Cucumber Salad is a refreshing and crunchy dish with a zesty kick, perfect for warm days or as a vibrant side. The combination of crisp cucumbers and a flavorful spicy dressing makes it both light and satisfying.

Ingredients

• 8 mini or Persian cucumbers
• 1 green onion (ends trimmed and finely sliced)
• Sesame seeds
• 1 ½ tbsp low-sodium soy sauce (tamari or coconut aminos if gluten free)
• 1 ½ tbsp rice vinegar or white wine vinegar
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
• 2 large garlic cloves (minced)
• 1 tsp crushed or full red chili flakes

Instructions

1. Step 1: Prepare the Accordion Cucumbers. Wash, dry, and cut the ends off the cucumbers. Place one cucumber between two chopsticks and carefully cut thin diagonal slices at a 45° angle on top, stopping at the chopsticks to avoid cutting all the way through. Flip the cucumber over and make cuts at a 90° angle. Avoid cutting straight across or repeating the 45° angle on this side to create a spiral effect. Cut the spiraled cucumber in half and add to a large mixing bowl. Alternatively, thinly slice the cucumbers using a mandolin.
2. Step 2: Make the dressing. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, vinegar, sesame oil, honey, minced garlic, and red chili flakes. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
3. Step 3: Assemble the salad by pouring the dressing over the cucumbers. Gently toss to coat without breaking the cucumber pieces. Garnish with sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

• Use tamari or coconut aminos for a gluten-free version of the soy sauce.
• Adjust the amount of chili flakes to control the heat level.
• Add chopped fresh herbs like cilantro or mint for extra freshness.
• For a crunchier texture, chill the cucumbers before assembling the salad.

Storage

Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. It’s best enjoyed fresh, as cucumbers can become soggy over time. When ready to serve, give the salad a gentle toss to redistribute the dressing.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular cucumbers instead of mini or Persian cucumbers?

Yes, you can use regular cucumbers. Peel them if the skin is thick or waxed, and remove the seeds if they are large to maintain the best texture.

How spicy is this salad?

The salad has a mild to moderate spiciness from the chili flakes, but you can easily adjust the amount to suit your heat preference.

Spicy Cucumber Salad Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 554 reviews

A vibrant and spicy cucumber salad featuring crisp Persian cucumbers dressed in a tangy, savory, and slightly sweet dressing with a hint of heat from red chili flakes. This refreshing salad is perfect as a light side dish or appetizer, and it combines easy-to-prepare ingredients with a visually appealing spiral-cut cucumber presentation.

• Author: Anna
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Salad
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: Asian Fusion
• Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Salad

• 8 mini or Persian cucumbers
• 1 green onion, ends trimmed and finely sliced
• Sesame seeds, for garnish

Dressing

• 1 ½ tbsp low-sodium soy sauce (or tamari/coconut aminos for gluten free)
• 1 ½ tbsp rice vinegar or white wine vinegar
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
• 2 large garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp crushed or whole red chili flakes

Instructions

1. Prepare the Accordion Cucumbers: Wash and dry the cucumbers, then cut off the ends. Place one cucumber between two chopsticks and make thin diagonal cuts at a 45° angle on the top, ensuring you don’t cut all the way through due to the chopsticks acting as a guard. Flip the cucumber over and make cuts at a 90° angle. This technique creates a spiral effect. Cut each spiraled cucumber in half and add to a large mixing bowl. Alternatively, thinly slice the cucumbers using a mandolin.
2. Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey, minced garlic, and red chili flakes. Taste and adjust the seasoning as preferred, balancing sweetness, saltiness, and heat.
3. Assemble the Salad: Pour the dressing over the cucumbers and gently toss to coat evenly without breaking the cucumber slices. Garnish with finely sliced green onions and sprinkle sesame seeds on top. Serve immediately and enjoy the refreshing spicy cucumber salad.

Notes

• For a gluten-free version, substitute soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos.
• Use maple syrup instead of honey for a vegan option.
• If you don’t have chopsticks, you can create a similar accordion effect by partially slicing the cucumber thinly and carefully avoiding cutting through.
• Adjust red chili flakes to control the spice level as preferred.
• This salad is best served fresh to maintain cucumber crunchiness.

Keywords: spicy cucumber salad, accordion cucumber, Asian cucumber salad, gluten free salad, no cook salad, refreshing cucumber salad