Description
A refreshing and spicy cucumber salad featuring crisp mini or Persian cucumbers tossed in a flavorful dressing made with soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey, garlic, and chili flakes, garnished with green onions and sesame seeds for a delightful crunch and zest. Perfect as a light side dish or accompaniment to grilled meats or 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 cut the ends off the cucumbers. Place one cucumber between two chopsticks and cut thin diagonal slices on top at a 45° angle, being careful not to cut all the way through. Flip the cucumber and make 90° angle cuts to create a spiral effect. Cut the spiraled cucumbers in half and add to a large mixing bowl. Alternatively, thinly slice the cucumbers using a mandolin.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the low-sodium soy sauce (or tamari/coconut aminos), rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey (or maple syrup), minced garlic, and crushed red chili flakes. Taste and adjust seasoning according to preference.
- Assemble the Salad: Pour the prepared dressing over the cucumbers and gently toss to combine without breaking the cucumber spirals. Garnish the salad with finely sliced green onion and sprinkle sesame seeds on top. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- English Cucumber: For accordion style cucumbers, mini or Persian cucumbers are best, but you can use an English cucumber cut into bite-sized pieces or slices if preferred.
- Add Nuts: Incorporate ½ cup of chopped almonds, cashews, or peanuts to add extra crunch to the salad.
- Add Lettuce: Serving the spicy cucumber salad on a bed of chopped romaine, spinach, Boston lettuce, or iceberg lettuce adds volume and texture.
- Serving Suggestions: This salad pairs well with grilled chicken, air fryer boneless chicken thighs, Asian chicken meatballs, air fryer teriyaki chicken, furikake salmon bowls, air fryer tilapia, or air fryer teriyaki salmon bites.
- Storage: Store leftover spicy cucumber salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days for best freshness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1 cup)
- Calories: 70
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 320 mg
- Fat: 2.5 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
