Description
A refreshing and spicy cucumber salad featuring crisp mini or Persian cucumbers dressed in a flavorful blend of soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey, garlic, and chili flakes. This easy-to-make salad is perfect as a light side dish or accompaniment to grilled meats and seafood.
Ingredients
Scale
The Salad:
- 8 mini or Persian cucumbers
- 1 green onion, ends trimmed and finely sliced
- Sesame seeds, for garnish
The Dressing:
- 1 ½ tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce, tamari, or coconut aminos (if gluten free)
- 1 ½ tablespoon rice vinegar or white wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 2 large garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon crushed or whole red chili flakes
Instructions
- Prepare the Accordion Cucumbers: Wash, dry, and trim the ends of the cucumbers. Place each cucumber between two chopsticks and make thin diagonal cuts at a 45° angle on top, stopping at the chopsticks to avoid cutting through. Flip the cucumber and make 90° angle cuts to create a spiral effect. Cut spiraled cucumbers in half and place them in a large mixing bowl. Alternatively, slice cucumbers thinly on a mandolin.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together low-sodium soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey, minced garlic, and red chili flakes. Taste and adjust seasonings to preference.
- Assemble the Salad: Pour the dressing over the cucumbers and gently toss to coat, being careful not to break the cucumbers. Garnish with sliced green onion and sesame seeds before serving.
Notes
- English Cucumber: For accordion-style cucumbers, use mini or Persian cucumbers. You can also use English cucumbers cut into bite-sized pieces or slices.
- Add Nuts: Add ½ cup chopped almonds, cashews, or peanuts for extra crunch.
- Add Lettuce: Serve the salad on a bed of chopped romaine, spinach, Boston lettuce, or iceberg for added volume.
- Serving Suggestions: This salad pairs well with grilled chicken, air fryer chicken thighs, Asian chicken meatballs, teriyaki chicken, or seafood dishes like furikake salmon bowls, air fryer tilapia, and teriyaki salmon bites.
- Storing: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days for best freshness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 60
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 2.5g
- Saturated Fat: 0.3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 1.5g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
