There is something wonderfully refreshing about a bowl of crisp cucumbers tossed in a bold, garlicky dressing. This spicy cucumber salad is light, vibrant, and full of flavor, with cool cucumbers soaking up a tangy soy and chili marinade.
Every bite is crunchy, slightly spicy, and perfectly balanced with a touch of sweetness. The best part is how quickly it comes together. This spicy cucumber salad takes only five minutes to prepare, making it one of my favorite quick sides when dinner needs something fresh and lively. Let's get cooking.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
This simple salad is proof that a handful of ingredients can create something truly delicious.
- Ready in just 5 minutes
- Crisp, refreshing, and lightly spicy
- Made with simple pantry staples
- Perfect as a quick side dish, appetizer, or snack
- Naturally gluten-free when using tamari or coconut aminos
- Pairs beautifully with grilled meats, rice bowls, and seafood
I've made this recipe many times when I needed a fast side dish, and it never disappoints. The dressing hits that perfect balance of savory, tangy, and gently sweet.
Ingredients
For the Salad
- 8 mini or Persian cucumbers
- 1 green onion, finely sliced
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
For the Dressing
- 1½ tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce, tamari, or coconut aminos
- 1½ tablespoons rice vinegar or white wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 2 large garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon crushed red chili flakes
These ingredients create a bright dressing that clings beautifully to the cucumbers.
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
Mini or Persian cucumbers
These cucumbers are ideal because they stay crunchy and have fewer seeds. Their thin skins also mean no peeling required.
Using English cucumbers
You can absolutely use a large English cucumber. Slice it into thin rounds or bite-sized pieces and continue with the recipe.
Soy sauce substitutes
Tamari works well for a gluten-free option, while coconut aminos add a slightly sweeter taste.
Sweetener choices
Honey adds gentle sweetness that balances the vinegar. Maple syrup works beautifully if you prefer a plant-based option.
Extra crunch
Sometimes I sprinkle in chopped peanuts or cashews for a little extra texture.
If you're curious about sesame oil and how it adds depth to dishes, this helpful ingredient guide explains why it's so popular in Asian cooking.
Instructions
1. Prepare the cucumbers
Wash and dry the cucumbers, then trim off the ends.
To create the accordion shape, place one cucumber between two chopsticks. Slice thin diagonal cuts at a 45-degree angle across the top. The chopsticks stop your knife so you do not slice completely through.
Flip the cucumber over and make straight cuts at a 90-degree angle. When stretched slightly, the cucumber forms a beautiful spiral.
Cut the spiraled cucumber in half and place it in a mixing bowl.
If you prefer a faster method, you can simply slice the cucumbers thinly with a knife or mandolin.
2. Make the dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together:
- soy sauce
- rice vinegar
- sesame oil
- honey
- minced garlic
- red chili flakes
Taste the dressing and adjust if needed. A little extra honey softens the spice, while more vinegar brightens the flavor.
3. Assemble the salad
Pour the dressing over the cucumbers.
Gently toss the cucumbers so they stay intact while soaking up the dressing.
Finish by sprinkling green onion slices and sesame seeds on top. Serve right away for the best crisp texture.
Pro Tips for Success
- Use very fresh cucumbers
Fresh cucumbers stay crisp and hold the dressing beautifully. - Slice thinly for better flavor
Thin slices absorb more dressing and create the perfect bite. - Let the salad sit briefly
Five minutes of resting time allows the dressing to soak into the cucumbers. - Adjust the spice level
Add more chili flakes if you love heat, or reduce them for a milder version. - Pat cucumbers dry
Dry cucumbers prevent the dressing from becoming diluted.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftover spicy cucumber salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
It stays fresh for up to four days.
This salad is meant to be served chilled, so no reheating is necessary. Simply give it a quick toss before serving again.
Make Ahead & Freezing
While this salad is incredibly quick to make, you can still prepare a few elements ahead of time.
- Slice cucumbers several hours in advance and refrigerate them.
- Mix the dressing up to one day ahead.
- Combine everything just before serving.
Freezing is not recommended because cucumbers lose their crisp texture once thawed.
Tips and Variations
Add roasted nuts
Chopped peanuts, almonds, or cashews add a delicious crunch.
Serve over lettuce
Romaine, spinach, or iceberg lettuce adds volume and turns the salad into a larger dish.
Add chili oil
For deeper heat, drizzle chili oil into the dressing.
Make it a quick meal
Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu.
Try a sesame twist
Add a little toasted sesame paste for a richer dressing.
FAQs
Yes. You can prepare it a few hours in advance. The cucumbers will absorb more of the dressing as they sit.
They work best because they are crisp and have thin skins, but English cucumbers also work well.
It has mild to medium heat depending on how many chili flakes you add.
📖 Recipe
Spicy Cucumber Salad
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer, Side Dish, Snack
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
This Asian spicy cucumber salad is light, fresh, and full of flavor. It's made with crunchy cucumbers, green onions, and marinated in a tangy garlic-soy dressing. The perfect 5-minute side dish, appetizer, or snack that packs a punch!
Ingredients
- 8 mini or Persian cucumbers
- 1 green onion, ends trimmed and finely sliced
- Sesame seeds
- 1 ½ tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce, tamari or coconut aminos
- 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 full red chili flakes
Instructions
- Wash, dry, and cut the ends off the cucumbers.
- Place a cucumber between two chopsticks and cut thin diagonal slices at a 45° angle without cutting all the way through.
- Flip the cucumber over and cut straight slices at a 90° angle to create the accordion spiral.
- Cut the spiraled cucumbers in half and place them in a large mixing bowl.
- In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey or maple syrup, minced garlic, and chili flakes.
- Pour the dressing over the cucumbers and gently mix.
- Garnish with sliced green onion and sesame seeds.
- Serve immediately and enjoy.
Notes
Use mini or Persian cucumbers for accordion cucumbers, but English cucumbers can be sliced into bite-sized pieces instead. Add ½ cup chopped almonds, cashews, or peanuts for extra crunch. You can also serve the salad over chopped romaine, spinach, Boston lettuce, or iceberg for more volume. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Serving Suggestions
This spicy cucumber salad pairs beautifully with so many meals.
Serve it with grilled chicken, teriyaki salmon, rice bowls, or noodle dishes. The cool crunch balances rich flavors perfectly.
It also makes a refreshing snack on warm days when you want something light but flavorful.
Nutrition & Notes
- Servings: 4
- Prep time: 5 minutes
- Total time: 5 minutes
- Calories: about 48 per serving
Approximate nutrition per serving:
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Protein: 1g
- Fat: 1g
- Fiber: 1g
Author: Lily, Let's Fly Tasty
I tested this dressing several times to get the balance just right. The garlic, soy, and vinegar create a bold flavor that still lets the fresh cucumber shine.
Reader Reviews
"Quick, refreshing, and full of flavor. I made this for dinner and everyone asked for the recipe." - Amanda
"The dressing is incredible. I will definitely make this again." - Jordan
Related Recipes
If you enjoyed this spicy cucumber salad, here are a few other recipes you might love:
Each of these dishes pairs beautifully with light salads like this one and makes a wonderful addition to family dinners.
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