Zesty Cucumber Salad Recipe: A Fiery Fresh Summer Delight

Cool summer days call for a refreshing cucumber salad that brings incredible cucumber salad crunch to your table.

Crisp vegetables dance with zesty seasonings in this simple dish.

The ingredients blend seamlessly, creating a light and vibrant side that complements any main course.

Sliced cucumbers provide a satisfying texture that keeps you coming back for more.

Each bite offers a perfect balance of tangy and fresh flavors.

Chilled and easy to prepare, this salad promises to be a crowd-pleaser at your next gathering.

You’ll want to make extra for seconds.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Calories: 45 kcal

Servings: 5

What You’ll Use For Spicy Cucumber Salad

• Cucumbers: Crisp and refreshing vegetable that adds cool crunch and hydration to the dish, select firm and bright green cucumbers without blemishes or soft spots.

• Salt: Essential for drawing out moisture and enhancing the cucumber's natural flavor, use fine sea salt or kosher salt for best absorption and even distribution.

Tools For Fast Spicy Cucumber Salad Prep

• Large Colander: Perfect for draining cucumbers and removing excess water.
• Sharp Knife: Essential for thinly slicing cucumbers with precision.
• Paper Towels: Great for patting cucumber slices dry after draining.
• Mixing Bowl: Needed for combining and tossing cucumber ingredients.
• Cutting Board: Provides a stable surface for slicing cucumbers safely.

Steps To Toss Spicy Cucumber Salad In Minutes

• Slice Cucumbers

Grab your cucumbers and cut them into delicate, thin rounds that’ll make your salad look super elegant and fresh.

• Draw Out Moisture

Toss those cucumber slices with a sprinkle of salt and let them chill for about 10 minutes. This little trick helps remove extra water and concentrates those crisp cucumber flavors.

• Dry and Prep

Gently pat your cucumber slices with a clean kitchen towel or paper towel to remove any remaining moisture. This ensures your salad stays wonderfully crisp and doesn’t get soggy.

• Create Zesty Dressing

Whisk together a tangy mix of rice vinegar, a touch of sugar, red pepper flakes, and a splash of sesame oil to create a mouth-watering sauce that’ll make your cucumber salad sing with flavor.

• Combine and Toss

Pour your spicy dressing over the cucumber slices and give everything a gentle but thorough mix. Make sure each slice gets coated in that delicious, fiery goodness.

• Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle some chopped green onions or toasted sesame seeds on top for an extra crunch and visual pop. Serve immediately and watch everyone dig in with excitement!

Tips For Crisp Spicy Cucumber Salad Flavor

• Water Drainage Master: Let cucumbers sit in a colander with salt to draw out excess moisture, ensuring a crisp and not soggy salad texture.
• Spice Level Control: Adjust chili flakes or hot sauce quantity to match your personal heat tolerance, from mild to blazing hot.
• Herb Boost Option: Experiment with fresh herbs like dill, mint, or cilantro to add extra layers of flavor and freshness to the cucumber base.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the salad up to 2 hours in advance, but add dressing just before serving to maintain cucumber crunchiness and prevent wilting.
• Low-Carb Friendly: This recipe naturally fits ketogenic and low-carb diets, making it a perfect side dish for health-conscious eaters without compromising on taste.

Serve Spicy Cucumber Salad Cool And Zingy

• Flavor Fusion Plate: Pair this zesty cucumber salad with grilled chicken or fish for a refreshing and light summer meal that balances heat and cool crispness.
• Texture Crunch Topper: Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds or chopped peanuts over the salad to add an exciting crunch and nutty dimension that complements the cucumber's soft texture.
• Appetizer Companion: Serve alongside Asian-inspired dishes like teriyaki salmon or sushi rolls, where the salad's spicy and tangy profile will cleanse the palate and enhance the overall dining experience.
• Picnic Perfect Side: Pack this salad in individual containers for outdoor gatherings, as its quick preparation and vibrant flavors make it an ideal portable dish that stays crisp and delicious.

Keep Spicy Cucumber Salad Fresh And Crunchy

• Quick Chill Zone: Store this refreshing salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, keeping its crisp texture and zesty flavors intact.
• Moisture Management: After preparing, gently pat cucumbers dry to prevent watery pooling and maintain the salad's perfect crunch.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare cucumber slices and dressing separately, combining just before serving to keep ingredients vibrant and prevent soggy textures.
• Smart Serving Strategy: Serve immediately after mixing for maximum flavor intensity and crispest cucumber experience, ideal for picnics, potlucks, or quick summer meals.

Crunchy Cucumber Salad Recipe

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4.7 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Korean Spicy Cucumber Salad delivers crisp refreshment with bold flavors from Seoul’s street cuisine. Crunchy cucumbers mingle with zesty seasonings, promising a quick and delightful side dish you’ll crave repeatedly.

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Ingredients

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• 2 cucumbers (large or 4 mini), thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
• 2 green onions, thinly sliced
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• ½ tsp salt (for sweating the cucumbers)
• 1 tsp honey (or maple syrup for vegan)
• ½ tsp grated ginger (optional, for extra flavor)
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
• ½ tsp gochugaru (Korean chili flakes, optional for extra heat)
• 1 tsp sesame seeds (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Slice cucumbers into thin, translucent half-moons using a sharp chef’s knife, maintaining uniform thickness for consistent texture.
2. Salting: Transfer cucumber slices to a fine-mesh strainer, generously dust with salt, and gently toss to distribute seasoning, allowing natural moisture to drain for 10-12 minutes.
3. Drying: Blot cucumber slices with clean kitchen towels or paper towels to remove excess liquid and prevent diluting the dressing.
4. Dressing Creation: Whisk rice vinegar, chili flakes, sesame oil, and honey together to craft a vibrant, multi-dimensional flavor profile that enhances the cucumber’s freshness.
5. Combining: Fold drained cucumber slices into the zesty dressing, ensuring each piece is elegantly coated with the spicy-sweet marinade.
6. Finishing: Sprinkle finely chopped cilantro and toasted sesame seeds over the salad, adding aromatic complexity and textural intrigue.
7. Serving: Chill the cucumber salad for 15-20 minutes to allow flavors to meld and intensify, creating a refreshing and provocative side dish.

Notes

• Knife Precision: Use a sharp chef’s knife to slice cucumbers uniformly, ensuring each slice is thin and consistent for optimal texture and even flavor absorption.
• Salt Drainage Technique: Salting cucumbers draws out excess moisture, concentrating their natural crispness and preventing a watery salad, which can dilute the dressing’s intensity.
• Dressing Balance: Adjust chili flakes and honey to control spice level, creating a personalized heat profile that matches individual taste preferences without overwhelming the cucumber’s delicate flavor.
• Chilling Strategy: Refrigerate the salad for at least 15 minutes before serving, allowing flavors to meld and develop a more complex, harmonious taste profile that enhances the overall culinary experience.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Mixing
• Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 45
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 360 mg
• Fat: 2 g
• Saturated Fat: 0 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 1 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 8 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 1 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg