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Emmas Dish

Asian Cucumber Salad Fresh and Flavorful Delight

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To make this tasty Asian cucumber salad, you will need: - 2 large English cucumbers - 1/4 cup rice vinegar - 2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari - 1 tablespoon sesame oil - 1 tablespoon sugar or honey - 1 teaspoon ginger, grated - 1 fresh red chili, finely sliced (optional) - 2 green onions, chopped - 2 tablespoons sesame seeds, toasted - Fresh cilantro for garnish - Salt to taste You can switch out some ingredients based on what you have: - Use regular cucumbers if you can't find English ones. - Swap rice vinegar for apple cider vinegar for a different taste. - If you need it gluten-free, choose tamari instead of soy sauce. - Honey can replace sugar for a natural sweetener. - Skip the chili if you prefer no heat, or add more for spice. This salad is not just delicious; it's healthy too! Here’s a rough breakdown for one serving: - Calories: 80 - Protein: 2g - Carbohydrates: 10g - Dietary Fiber: 1g - Sugars: 3g - Fat: 4g This dish is fresh and light, making it a great choice for any meal. Enjoy! {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by washing the cucumbers well. This step ensures they are clean and fresh. Next, slice them into thin rounds. Aim for about 1/8 inch thick. If your cucumbers have many seeds, cut them in half lengthwise. Scoop out the seeds before slicing. This will help your salad stay crisp. Place the sliced cucumbers in a large mixing bowl. Sprinkle them with salt. Let them sit for about 15 minutes. This helps draw out extra moisture, making them crunchy and tasty. In a separate bowl, it’s time to mix the dressing. Combine the rice vinegar and soy sauce or tamari. Add sesame oil, sugar or honey, and grated ginger. If you like heat, include the finely sliced red chili. Stir until the sugar dissolves completely. This dressing brings all the flavors together. After 15 minutes, drain the cucumbers. Gently pat them dry with paper towels. This step makes sure your salad isn’t soggy. Toss the cucumbers in the dressing mixture. Make sure they are well coated. Now, add the chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds. Toss gently to combine everything. Let the salad sit for at least 10 minutes. This waiting time allows the flavors to meld nicely. Serve the salad in a beautiful dish. Garnish with fresh cilantro for color and flavor. Enjoy your fresh and flavorful Asian cucumber salad! Pick firm, dark green cucumbers for the best taste. Look for cucumbers without soft spots. English cucumbers work great. They have fewer seeds and a thin skin. If you see wax on them, it’s okay. The wax helps keep them fresh. Always wash your cucumbers before slicing. You can boost flavor with fresh herbs. Mint or basil adds a nice kick. Try adding crushed garlic for a bold taste. A splash of lime juice can brighten the dish. For extra heat, use more chili. Experiment with different flavors to find what you love. Make this salad ahead of time for better taste. Letting it sit helps the flavors mix. I suggest chilling it for at least 30 minutes. You can prepare the cucumbers and dressing separately. Mix them just before serving to keep cucumbers crisp. Pro Tips Choose Fresh Cucumbers: Look for firm, dark green cucumbers with smooth skin. Fresh cucumbers will have a crisp texture, enhancing the salad's crunch. Adjust Seasoning to Taste: Taste the dressing before mixing it with the cucumbers. Feel free to adjust the sweetness or saltiness based on your preference. Let It Marinate: Allow the salad to sit for a bit after mixing to let the flavors meld together. This step is crucial for a more flavorful dish. Experiment with Add-ins: Consider adding other vegetables like bell peppers or radishes for extra crunch and color. You can also include proteins such as grilled chicken or tofu for a heartier salad. {{image_2}} You can easily add protein to this salad. Try adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu. These options boost the flavors and make the dish more filling. Simply cook your chosen protein and slice it. Toss it with the cucumber salad right before serving. Chicken adds richness, while shrimp adds a sweet touch. Tofu is a great choice for a vegetarian option. If you want a vegetarian or vegan salad, there are easy swaps. Use maple syrup instead of honey to keep it plant-based. For protein, consider chickpeas, edamame, or nuts. These ingredients add texture and nutrients. You can also skip the sesame oil and use olive oil instead. This keeps it fresh and light while still tasting wonderful. Feel free to get creative with the dressing. You can try adding peanut butter for a nutty flavor. A splash of lime juice can brighten the taste even more. If you like a kick, add a dash of Sriracha or chili flakes. Experiment with different flavors to find your favorite. Each dressing will give the salad a new twist while keeping it refreshing. To keep your Asian cucumber salad fresh, store it in an airtight container. The coolness of the fridge helps maintain its crunch. Try to eat the salad within a few days for the best taste. If you notice any moisture buildup in the container, drain it to keep the cucumbers crispy. Freezing cucumber salad is not recommended. Cucumbers have high water content and will become mushy when thawed. For the best texture, always enjoy this salad fresh. If you have leftover dressing, you can freeze it for later use. When stored properly, the salad lasts about 3 days in the fridge. After that, the cucumbers may lose their crispness. If you want to enjoy it longer, consider making smaller batches. Enjoying it fresh will always bring out the best flavors! Yes, you can use other types of cucumbers. Persian cucumbers are a great option. They are small and crunchy, just like English cucumbers. You can also use regular garden cucumbers. If you do, remove the seeds and peel them for the best taste. To make the salad spicy, add fresh red chili. Slice it thinly and mix it in with the dressing. If you want more heat, try adding a dash of chili oil or a pinch of red pepper flakes. Adjust to your taste for the perfect kick. Yes, this recipe can be gluten-free. Use tamari instead of soy sauce. Tamari is a gluten-free soy sauce that works well. Always check labels for hidden gluten in other ingredients, like rice vinegar. This salad pairs well with grilled chicken or fish. It also complements rice dishes and stir-fries. You can serve it as a side dish at barbecues or picnics. For a light meal, enjoy it with some rice noodles or quinoa. This blog post covered how to make a tasty cucumber salad. We looked at the needed ingredients and substitutions, along with the nutrition facts. I shared simple steps for preparation and tips to enhance flavor. You can even switch up the recipe with different proteins or dressings. Remember to store it right, so it stays fresh. Try out the ideas in the FAQs for more fun variations. Now, you have all the tools to create a delicious salad that fits your taste!

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If you crave a refreshing dish, the Asian Cucumber Salad is your answer. This salad bursts with flavor and crunch. Packed with simple, fresh ingredients, it adds zing to any meal. You’ll love how quick and easy it is to make. Follow my guide for the best tips, tricks, and variations to suit your taste. Let’s dive into this fresh and tasty delight!

Why I Love This Recipe

  1. Refreshing Flavor: This salad offers a crisp, refreshing taste that perfectly balances sweet and tangy notes.
  2. Quick and Easy: With minimal prep time, this dish can be whipped up in just 25 minutes, making it perfect for busy days.
  3. Versatile Ingredient: Cucumbers are not only hydrating but also a great base for various dressings and toppings.
  4. Healthy Option: This salad is light yet satisfying, packed with vitamins and nutrients, making it a guilt-free addition to any meal.

Ingredients

List of Ingredients

To make this tasty Asian cucumber salad, you will need:

– 2 large English cucumbers

– 1/4 cup rice vinegar

– 2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari

– 1 tablespoon sesame oil

– 1 tablespoon sugar or honey

– 1 teaspoon ginger, grated

– 1 fresh red chili, finely sliced (optional)

– 2 green onions, chopped

– 2 tablespoons sesame seeds, toasted

– Fresh cilantro for garnish

– Salt to taste

Substitutions for Ingredients

You can switch out some ingredients based on what you have:

– Use regular cucumbers if you can’t find English ones.

– Swap rice vinegar for apple cider vinegar for a different taste.

– If you need it gluten-free, choose tamari instead of soy sauce.

– Honey can replace sugar for a natural sweetener.

– Skip the chili if you prefer no heat, or add more for spice.

Nutritional Information per Serving

This salad is not just delicious; it’s healthy too! Here’s a rough breakdown for one serving:

– Calories: 80

– Protein: 2g

– Carbohydrates: 10g

– Dietary Fiber: 1g

– Sugars: 3g

– Fat: 4g

This dish is fresh and light, making it a great choice for any meal. Enjoy!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparation of Cucumbers

Start by washing the cucumbers well. This step ensures they are clean and fresh. Next, slice them into thin rounds. Aim for about 1/8 inch thick. If your cucumbers have many seeds, cut them in half lengthwise. Scoop out the seeds before slicing. This will help your salad stay crisp.

Place the sliced cucumbers in a large mixing bowl. Sprinkle them with salt. Let them sit for about 15 minutes. This helps draw out extra moisture, making them crunchy and tasty.

Mixing the Dressing

In a separate bowl, it’s time to mix the dressing. Combine the rice vinegar and soy sauce or tamari. Add sesame oil, sugar or honey, and grated ginger. If you like heat, include the finely sliced red chili. Stir until the sugar dissolves completely. This dressing brings all the flavors together.

Combining Ingredients

After 15 minutes, drain the cucumbers. Gently pat them dry with paper towels. This step makes sure your salad isn’t soggy. Toss the cucumbers in the dressing mixture. Make sure they are well coated.

Now, add the chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds. Toss gently to combine everything. Let the salad sit for at least 10 minutes. This waiting time allows the flavors to meld nicely. Serve the salad in a beautiful dish. Garnish with fresh cilantro for color and flavor. Enjoy your fresh and flavorful Asian cucumber salad!

Tips & Tricks

How to Choose the Best Cucumbers

Pick firm, dark green cucumbers for the best taste. Look for cucumbers without soft spots. English cucumbers work great. They have fewer seeds and a thin skin. If you see wax on them, it’s okay. The wax helps keep them fresh. Always wash your cucumbers before slicing.

Enhancing Flavor with Additional Ingredients

You can boost flavor with fresh herbs. Mint or basil adds a nice kick. Try adding crushed garlic for a bold taste. A splash of lime juice can brighten the dish. For extra heat, use more chili. Experiment with different flavors to find what you love.

Making Ahead for Optimal Flavor

Make this salad ahead of time for better taste. Letting it sit helps the flavors mix. I suggest chilling it for at least 30 minutes. You can prepare the cucumbers and dressing separately. Mix them just before serving to keep cucumbers crisp.

Pro Tips

  1. Choose Fresh Cucumbers: Look for firm, dark green cucumbers with smooth skin. Fresh cucumbers will have a crisp texture, enhancing the salad’s crunch.
  2. Adjust Seasoning to Taste: Taste the dressing before mixing it with the cucumbers. Feel free to adjust the sweetness or saltiness based on your preference.
  3. Let It Marinate: Allow the salad to sit for a bit after mixing to let the flavors meld together. This step is crucial for a more flavorful dish.
  4. Experiment with Add-ins: Consider adding other vegetables like bell peppers or radishes for extra crunch and color. You can also include proteins such as grilled chicken or tofu for a heartier salad.

Variations

Adding Protein for a Full Meal

You can easily add protein to this salad. Try adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu. These options boost the flavors and make the dish more filling. Simply cook your chosen protein and slice it. Toss it with the cucumber salad right before serving. Chicken adds richness, while shrimp adds a sweet touch. Tofu is a great choice for a vegetarian option.

Vegetarian and Vegan Substitutions

If you want a vegetarian or vegan salad, there are easy swaps. Use maple syrup instead of honey to keep it plant-based. For protein, consider chickpeas, edamame, or nuts. These ingredients add texture and nutrients. You can also skip the sesame oil and use olive oil instead. This keeps it fresh and light while still tasting wonderful.

Exploring Different Dressings

Feel free to get creative with the dressing. You can try adding peanut butter for a nutty flavor. A splash of lime juice can brighten the taste even more. If you like a kick, add a dash of Sriracha or chili flakes. Experiment with different flavors to find your favorite. Each dressing will give the salad a new twist while keeping it refreshing.

Storage Info

Refrigeration Tips

To keep your Asian cucumber salad fresh, store it in an airtight container. The coolness of the fridge helps maintain its crunch. Try to eat the salad within a few days for the best taste. If you notice any moisture buildup in the container, drain it to keep the cucumbers crispy.

Freezing Considerations

Freezing cucumber salad is not recommended. Cucumbers have high water content and will become mushy when thawed. For the best texture, always enjoy this salad fresh. If you have leftover dressing, you can freeze it for later use.

How Long Does It Last?

When stored properly, the salad lasts about 3 days in the fridge. After that, the cucumbers may lose their crispness. If you want to enjoy it longer, consider making smaller batches. Enjoying it fresh will always bring out the best flavors!

FAQs

Can I use other types of cucumbers?

Yes, you can use other types of cucumbers. Persian cucumbers are a great option. They are small and crunchy, just like English cucumbers. You can also use regular garden cucumbers. If you do, remove the seeds and peel them for the best taste.

How can I make this salad spicy?

To make the salad spicy, add fresh red chili. Slice it thinly and mix it in with the dressing. If you want more heat, try adding a dash of chili oil or a pinch of red pepper flakes. Adjust to your taste for the perfect kick.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe can be gluten-free. Use tamari instead of soy sauce. Tamari is a gluten-free soy sauce that works well. Always check labels for hidden gluten in other ingredients, like rice vinegar.

What are good serving suggestions with this salad?

This salad pairs well with grilled chicken or fish. It also complements rice dishes and stir-fries. You can serve it as a side dish at barbecues or picnics. For a light meal, enjoy it with some rice noodles or quinoa.

This blog post covered how to make a tasty cucumber salad. We looked at the needed ingredients and substitutions, along with the nutrition facts. I shared simple steps for preparation and tips to enhance flavor. You can even switch up the recipe with different proteins or dressings. Remember to store it right, so it stays fresh. Try out the ideas in the FAQs for more fun variations. Now, you have all the tools to create a delicious salad that fits your tast

To make this tasty Asian cucumber salad, you will need: - 2 large English cucumbers - 1/4 cup rice vinegar - 2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari - 1 tablespoon sesame oil - 1 tablespoon sugar or honey - 1 teaspoon ginger, grated - 1 fresh red chili, finely sliced (optional) - 2 green onions, chopped - 2 tablespoons sesame seeds, toasted - Fresh cilantro for garnish - Salt to taste You can switch out some ingredients based on what you have: - Use regular cucumbers if you can't find English ones. - Swap rice vinegar for apple cider vinegar for a different taste. - If you need it gluten-free, choose tamari instead of soy sauce. - Honey can replace sugar for a natural sweetener. - Skip the chili if you prefer no heat, or add more for spice. This salad is not just delicious; it's healthy too! Here’s a rough breakdown for one serving: - Calories: 80 - Protein: 2g - Carbohydrates: 10g - Dietary Fiber: 1g - Sugars: 3g - Fat: 4g This dish is fresh and light, making it a great choice for any meal. Enjoy! {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by washing the cucumbers well. This step ensures they are clean and fresh. Next, slice them into thin rounds. Aim for about 1/8 inch thick. If your cucumbers have many seeds, cut them in half lengthwise. Scoop out the seeds before slicing. This will help your salad stay crisp. Place the sliced cucumbers in a large mixing bowl. Sprinkle them with salt. Let them sit for about 15 minutes. This helps draw out extra moisture, making them crunchy and tasty. In a separate bowl, it’s time to mix the dressing. Combine the rice vinegar and soy sauce or tamari. Add sesame oil, sugar or honey, and grated ginger. If you like heat, include the finely sliced red chili. Stir until the sugar dissolves completely. This dressing brings all the flavors together. After 15 minutes, drain the cucumbers. Gently pat them dry with paper towels. This step makes sure your salad isn’t soggy. Toss the cucumbers in the dressing mixture. Make sure they are well coated. Now, add the chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds. Toss gently to combine everything. Let the salad sit for at least 10 minutes. This waiting time allows the flavors to meld nicely. Serve the salad in a beautiful dish. Garnish with fresh cilantro for color and flavor. Enjoy your fresh and flavorful Asian cucumber salad! Pick firm, dark green cucumbers for the best taste. Look for cucumbers without soft spots. English cucumbers work great. They have fewer seeds and a thin skin. If you see wax on them, it’s okay. The wax helps keep them fresh. Always wash your cucumbers before slicing. You can boost flavor with fresh herbs. Mint or basil adds a nice kick. Try adding crushed garlic for a bold taste. A splash of lime juice can brighten the dish. For extra heat, use more chili. Experiment with different flavors to find what you love. Make this salad ahead of time for better taste. Letting it sit helps the flavors mix. I suggest chilling it for at least 30 minutes. You can prepare the cucumbers and dressing separately. Mix them just before serving to keep cucumbers crisp. Pro Tips Choose Fresh Cucumbers: Look for firm, dark green cucumbers with smooth skin. Fresh cucumbers will have a crisp texture, enhancing the salad's crunch. Adjust Seasoning to Taste: Taste the dressing before mixing it with the cucumbers. Feel free to adjust the sweetness or saltiness based on your preference. Let It Marinate: Allow the salad to sit for a bit after mixing to let the flavors meld together. This step is crucial for a more flavorful dish. Experiment with Add-ins: Consider adding other vegetables like bell peppers or radishes for extra crunch and color. You can also include proteins such as grilled chicken or tofu for a heartier salad. {{image_2}} You can easily add protein to this salad. Try adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu. These options boost the flavors and make the dish more filling. Simply cook your chosen protein and slice it. Toss it with the cucumber salad right before serving. Chicken adds richness, while shrimp adds a sweet touch. Tofu is a great choice for a vegetarian option. If you want a vegetarian or vegan salad, there are easy swaps. Use maple syrup instead of honey to keep it plant-based. For protein, consider chickpeas, edamame, or nuts. These ingredients add texture and nutrients. You can also skip the sesame oil and use olive oil instead. This keeps it fresh and light while still tasting wonderful. Feel free to get creative with the dressing. You can try adding peanut butter for a nutty flavor. A splash of lime juice can brighten the taste even more. If you like a kick, add a dash of Sriracha or chili flakes. Experiment with different flavors to find your favorite. Each dressing will give the salad a new twist while keeping it refreshing. To keep your Asian cucumber salad fresh, store it in an airtight container. The coolness of the fridge helps maintain its crunch. Try to eat the salad within a few days for the best taste. If you notice any moisture buildup in the container, drain it to keep the cucumbers crispy. Freezing cucumber salad is not recommended. Cucumbers have high water content and will become mushy when thawed. For the best texture, always enjoy this salad fresh. If you have leftover dressing, you can freeze it for later use. When stored properly, the salad lasts about 3 days in the fridge. After that, the cucumbers may lose their crispness. If you want to enjoy it longer, consider making smaller batches. Enjoying it fresh will always bring out the best flavors! Yes, you can use other types of cucumbers. Persian cucumbers are a great option. They are small and crunchy, just like English cucumbers. You can also use regular garden cucumbers. If you do, remove the seeds and peel them for the best taste. To make the salad spicy, add fresh red chili. Slice it thinly and mix it in with the dressing. If you want more heat, try adding a dash of chili oil or a pinch of red pepper flakes. Adjust to your taste for the perfect kick. Yes, this recipe can be gluten-free. Use tamari instead of soy sauce. Tamari is a gluten-free soy sauce that works well. Always check labels for hidden gluten in other ingredients, like rice vinegar. This salad pairs well with grilled chicken or fish. It also complements rice dishes and stir-fries. You can serve it as a side dish at barbecues or picnics. For a light meal, enjoy it with some rice noodles or quinoa. This blog post covered how to make a tasty cucumber salad. We looked at the needed ingredients and substitutions, along with the nutrition facts. I shared simple steps for preparation and tips to enhance flavor. You can even switch up the recipe with different proteins or dressings. Remember to store it right, so it stays fresh. Try out the ideas in the FAQs for more fun variations. Now, you have all the tools to create a delicious salad that fits your taste!

Crispy Asian Cucumber Salad

A refreshing and crunchy salad featuring cucumbers dressed in a tangy Asian-inspired dressing.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Appetizer
Cuisine Asian
Servings 4
Calories 50 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 large English cucumbers
  • 0.25 cup rice vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon sugar or honey
  • 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
  • 1 fresh red chili, finely sliced (optional)
  • 2 green onions chopped
  • 2 tablespoons sesame seeds, toasted
  • to taste salt
  • for garnish fresh cilantro

Instructions
 

  • Start by washing the cucumbers thoroughly. Slice them into thin rounds, about 1/8 inch thick. If the cucumbers have a lot of seeds, consider halving them lengthwise and scooping out the seeds before slicing.
  • Place the sliced cucumbers in a large mixing bowl and sprinkle with salt. Let them sit for about 15 minutes to draw out excess moisture.
  • In a separate bowl, mix together the rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, sugar (or honey), grated ginger, and chopped fresh chili (if using). Stir until the sugar is dissolved.
  • After 15 minutes, drain the cucumbers and gently pat them dry with paper towels.
  • Toss the cucumbers in the dressing mixture until well coated.
  • Add the chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds to the cucumber salad. Toss gently again to combine.
  • Let the salad sit for at least 10 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
  • Serve the salad in a beautiful dish, garnished with fresh cilantro for an extra pop of color and flavor.

Notes

Letting the salad sit for a few minutes enhances the flavor.
Keyword Asian salad, cucumber salad, refreshing salad

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