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- 2 large cucumbers, thinly sliced - 1 cup shredded carrots - 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced - 3 green onions, chopped - 3 tablespoons rice vinegar - 2 tablespoons soy sauce - 1 tablespoon sesame oil - 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated - 1 teaspoon chili paste - 1 tablespoon sesame seeds - Fresh cilantro leaves {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by washing the cucumbers well under cool water. This step ensures they are clean and crisp. You can peel the cucumbers if you prefer a smoother taste. For best results, slice them into thin rounds. A sharp knife or a mandoline slicer works well for this task. Thin slices give the salad a nice crunch. In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced cucumbers, shredded carrots, red bell pepper, and chopped green onions. Mix these ingredients gently. This way, each veggie gets equal attention and flavor. Take a small bowl and whisk together the rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, and grated ginger. This dressing adds a punch of flavor. If you like spice, mix in chili paste. Taste the dressing and add salt to your liking. This step helps balance the flavors. Pour the dressing over the mixed salad ingredients. Use a spatula to toss everything together. Make sure each piece of vegetable gets coated in the dressing. This step brings all the flavors together. Sprinkle sesame seeds over the salad. Gently toss it again to blend in the seeds. Let the salad rest for about 10-15 minutes. This time allows the flavors to meld and keeps the cucumbers crunchy. Serve the salad in individual bowls for a fun presentation. You can also use a large platter for a family-style meal. Top with fresh cilantro leaves for added color and aroma. This finishing touch makes the dish inviting and fresh. When making a crunchy cucumber salad, pick the right cucumbers. I recommend using English cucumbers or Persian cucumbers. These types have fewer seeds and a thinner skin, giving you that crisp texture. They taste great and stay crunchy longer in the salad. To make your salad even better, think about extra ingredients. You can add sliced radishes for a peppery kick. If you want a little sweetness, try adding mango or pineapple. Fresh herbs like mint or basil can also brighten the dish. Don’t forget about the chili paste! It adds a nice heat if you like spice. To keep your salad fresh, store it in an airtight container. Place it in the fridge right after making it. Try to eat it within two days for the best taste. If you notice the cucumbers getting too soft, you can strain the salad. This will help keep the crunch for longer. Pro Tips Use a Mandoline Slicer: For perfectly thin cucumber slices, a mandoline slicer is your best friend. It ensures uniformity and enhances the salad's presentation. Adjust the Spice Level: If you're sensitive to heat, start with a small amount of chili paste. You can always add more later, but it's hard to tone down the spice once it's in! Fresh Ingredients Matter: For the best flavor, use fresh cucumbers, carrots, and bell peppers. Seasonal produce will elevate the overall taste of your salad. Let It Marinate: Allowing the salad to rest for 10-15 minutes before serving not only enhances the flavor but also helps the cucumbers stay crunchy. {{image_4}} For a gluten-free option, use tamari instead of soy sauce. Tamari has a similar taste, but it lacks gluten. You can also swap rice vinegar with apple cider vinegar for a different flavor. These changes keep the salad tasty and safe for those with gluten issues. To make this salad heartier, you can add cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu. Simply chop the protein into small pieces and toss it in with the veggies. This adds extra nutrition and makes the salad more filling. You can also use edamame for a plant-based protein boost. Want some heat or sweetness? Try adding diced mango or pineapple for a sweet twist. For spice, mix in sliced jalapeños or extra chili paste. These changes give your salad a new life and keep things interesting. You can experiment with different flavors to find what you love best. Store your Crunchy Asian Cucumber Salad in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh and crisp. Make sure to get as much air out as you can. If you have leftover dressing, keep it separate. This helps prevent the salad from getting soggy. You can prepare ingredients in advance. Slice cucumbers and veggies, but don’t mix them yet. Store each in separate containers in the fridge. This way, they stay fresh until you are ready to eat. Mix them just before serving for the best crunch. When stored correctly, this salad lasts about 2-3 days in the fridge. After that, the cucumbers may start to lose their crunch. Always check for any signs of spoilage before eating. If it looks or smells off, it’s best to toss it out. Yes, you can use other veggies. Try bell peppers or radishes for crunch. Shredded cabbage adds a nice texture too. You can also add snap peas or jicama for extra crunch. Feel free to mix and match based on what you like! To add heat, use chili paste or fresh chili peppers. You can also add some red pepper flakes for a milder kick. If you like it very spicy, consider adding sriracha to the dressing. Just start small and taste as you go! Yes, this salad is great for meal prep! You can chop the veggies and store them in the fridge. Keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to eat. This way, the salad stays fresh and crunchy longer. It’s perfect for busy days! Absolutely! This salad is already mostly vegan. Just make sure to use a soy sauce that is vegan-friendly. You can swap out the sesame oil for another oil if needed. This way, you keep the flavor without any animal products. This salad pairs well with grilled chicken or fish. You can also serve it with rice or noodle dishes. It makes a great side for tacos or sandwiches too. Try it with other Asian-inspired dishes for a fun twist! In this blog post, I broke down how to create a fresh and tasty salad. We covered the best ingredients, from crisp cucumbers to vibrant bell peppers. I also shared tips for making a delicious dressing and offered storage advice to keep your salad fresh. Remember, you can adjust the recipe to match your tastes with proteins or spices. My final thought is simple: enjoy experimenting and making this salad your own! It's an easy way to eat healthy and feel great.

Crunchy Asian Cucumber Salad

A refreshing salad featuring crisp cucumbers, vibrant vegetables, and a tangy dressing.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Appetizer
Cuisine Asian
Servings 4
Calories 80 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 large cucumbers, thinly sliced
  • 1 cup shredded carrots
  • 1 medium red bell pepper, thinly sliced
  • 3 stalks green onions, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (preferably toasted)
  • 3 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1 teaspoon chili paste (optional for a spicy kick)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
  • to taste salt
  • for garnish fresh cilantro leaves

Instructions
 

  • Prepare the Cucumbers: Begin by thoroughly washing the cucumbers under cool water. For a smoother texture, consider peeling them, then slice the cucumbers into thin rounds using a mandoline slicer or a sharp knife.
  • Mix the Vegetables: In a large mixing bowl, combine the thinly sliced cucumbers, shredded carrots, sliced red bell pepper, and chopped green onions. Gently toss the ingredients to ensure they're evenly distributed.
  • Make the Dressing: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, and grated ginger. If you enjoy some heat, add the chili paste at this stage. Taste the dressing and adjust seasoning by adding salt as needed.
  • Combine and Toss: Pour the prepared dressing over the mixed salad ingredients in the larger bowl. Carefully toss everything together until each piece is coated with the flavorful dressing.
  • Add the Finishing Touch: Sprinkle the sesame seeds over the top of the salad and give it one last gentle toss to incorporate the seeds without breaking the vegetables.
  • Let it Rest: Allow the salad to sit for about 10-15 minutes before serving. This resting period will enhance the flavor fusion and allow the cucumbers to retain their crunch.
  • Serve and Garnish: Serve the salad in individual bowls for a personal touch or arrange it on a large platter. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves for an aromatic finish.

Notes

Allowing the salad to rest enhances the flavor.
Keyword cucumber, healthy, salad, vegetarian