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Crisp Asian Cucumber Salad Recipe with Zesty Garlic Dressing

Crisp Asian Cucumber Salad Recipe with Zesty Garlic Dressing

Asian Cucumber Salad is made with rice vinegar, sesame, ginger, garlic and soy, cool and refreshing and pairs well with many things. It's vegan and gluten-free and is a nice addition to meals and ...
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Prep Time 25 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: 89
Ingredients Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 1/2 pounds Turkish, Persian, or English cucumbers (about 5 cups sliced)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 4-5 scallions, finely sliced
  • 1 teaspoon ginger, grated, more to taste
  • 1 fat garlic clove, grated, or finely minced
  • 1/4 cup rice wine vinegar (or sub rice vinegar, see notes)
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce (or substitute Bragg’s Liquid Aminos or Coconut Aminos)
  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil (do not regular sesame oil)
  • 1 – 2 tablespoons maple syrup (or agave, honey, or sugar), more to taste, see note.
  • 1-2 teaspoons chili garlic sauce (Sambal Olek) or sub sriracha,  more to taste
  • 1-2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds

Method
 

  1. Using the tines of a fork, score the cucumbers lengthwise- this will help the dressing cling to the cucumbers. Slice the cucumbers thinly and place them in a bowl, and toss with the salt (to help them draw out their liquid). Let this stand 10-15 minutes while you gather the remaining ingredients. Strain (but do not rinse).
  2. Place the strained cucumbers in a large bowl with scallions, ginger, garlic, rice vinegar, soy sauce, toasted sesame oil, sweetener, garlic-chili paste, and toasted sesame seeds. Mix well.
  3. Taste and adjust salt, sweetness, and spice level to your liking. Find the balance- see notes.
  4. Cucumber salad is best served on the same day but will keep for up to 3 days in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Nutrition

Calories: 89kcalCarbohydrates: 11.5gProtein: 2gFat: 4.8gSaturated Fat: 0.7gSodium: 404.5mgFiber: 1.4gSugar: 6.4g

Notes

Scoring the cucumbers with a fork before slicing is a key technique that enhances the salad's flavor and texture. This method creates grooves on the cucumber's surface, allowing the dressing to cling better and infuse each slice with the savory blend of rice vinegar, soy sauce, and sesame oil, resulting in a more flavorful dish.

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