This Spicy Sesame Cucumber Salad is a light, crunchy, and flavorful dish that is perfect for hot summer days, meal prepping, or as a healthy side dish. The combination of crisp cucumbers, sweet carrots, sesame seeds, and a tangy soy sauce dressing makes this salad refreshing, slightly spicy, and packed with umami flavor. The sesame seeds and vinegar enhance the dish with nutty depth and tangy brightness, while the paprika and soy sauce create a savory and slightly smoky taste.
Preparation Time
This quick and easy cucumber salad comes together in just a few minutes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Resting Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Servings: 2-3
Ingredients
This simple yet flavorful salad is made with fresh, wholesome ingredients.
- Cucumbers, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 carrot, grated
- Green onion, chopped
- 40 ml olive oil
- 20 grams sugar
- 20 ml soy sauce
- 15 grams paprika
- 20 grams sesame seeds
- 10 ml apple or rice vinegar
Directions
This spicy and crunchy cucumber salad is easy to prepare and full of flavor.
- Prepare the Cucumbers: Slice the cucumbers and place them in a bowl. Sprinkle with 1 tablespoon of salt, mix well, and let them sit for 15 minutes to release excess water.
- Prepare the Vegetables: Grate the carrot and chop the green onion. Add them to the bowl with the cucumbers.
- Drain Excess Liquid: After 15 minutes, drain off any excess liquid from the cucumbers.
- Make the Dressing: In a separate bowl, mix together olive oil, sugar, soy sauce, paprika, sesame seeds, and apple or rice vinegar to create the dressing.
- Toss the Salad: Pour the dressing over the cucumber mixture and toss everything together until well coated.
- Refrigerate for Best Flavor: Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to blend.
- Serve and Enjoy: Enjoy this simple, flavorful, and nutritious salad, perfect for a light meal or as a refreshing side dish!
Nutritional Facts
This low-calorie and high-fiber salad is perfect for weight loss and a balanced diet.
- Calories: 120 kcal per serving
- Protein: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fats: 7g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sodium: 480mg
The Origins and Popularity of Cucumber Salads
Cucumber salads have been popular across various cultures for centuries. In Korean cuisine, Oi Muchim is a spicy cucumber salad featuring garlic, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes. In Japanese cuisine, Sunomono is a cucumber salad dressed in rice vinegar, sesame seeds, and sugar. Meanwhile, in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisines, cucumber salads are often paired with yogurt, lemon, and herbs for a cooling side dish. This spicy sesame cucumber salad draws inspiration from Asian flavors, offering a delicious, tangy, and slightly spicy twist on a classic cucumber dish.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Spicy Sesame Cucumber Salad is light, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make.
- Crisp and Refreshing: The crunchy cucumbers and carrots make every bite satisfying.
- Perfectly Balanced Flavors: The sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy dressing enhances the freshness.
- Low-Calorie and Healthy: Packed with fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants.
- Quick and Easy: Takes just a few minutes to prepare, with minimal ingredients.
- Great for Weight Loss: Low in calories and carbohydrates, making it ideal for a healthy diet.
Health Benefits of Cucumber Salad
This nutritious salad is packed with essential vitamins and minerals.
- Cucumbers: High in hydration, fiber, and antioxidants, promoting healthy digestion.
- Carrots: A great source of beta-carotene and vitamin A, supporting eye health and immunity.
- Olive Oil: Contains healthy monounsaturated fats, which support heart health.
- Sesame Seeds: Rich in calcium, magnesium, and healthy fats, aiding bone health and digestion.
- Soy Sauce: Provides umami flavor and contains essential amino acids.
Serving Suggestions
This spicy sesame cucumber salad pairs well with a variety of dishes and meals.
- With Grilled Chicken or Fish: Adds a refreshing contrast to smoky, grilled meats.
- With Rice or Noodles: Serve alongside steamed rice or sesame noodles for a balanced meal.
- With Sushi or Asian-Inspired Dishes: Complements sushi rolls, dumplings, or stir-fries.
- With BBQ or Roasted Meats: A great cool and fresh side dish.
Tips for the Best Cucumber Salad
Follow these expert tips to make the perfect spicy cucumber salad.
- Use Fresh Cucumbers: Choose firm, crisp cucumbers for the best texture.
- Let It Marinate: Let the salad sit for at least 30 minutes before serving to develop flavors.
- Use Hot Oil in Dressing: This brings out the flavors of the garlic and spices.
- Adjust the Dressing to Taste: If you prefer a sweeter flavor, add a touch of honey.
- Chill Before Serving: A cold salad is more refreshing and flavorful.
Variations to Try
Customize this cucumber salad with different flavors and ingredients.
- Spicy Korean Style: Add gochujang (Korean chili paste) or red pepper flakes for extra heat.
- Creamy Version: Mix in Greek yogurt or tahini for a creamy dressing.
- Crunchy Additions: Add roasted peanuts or crushed almonds for extra crunch.
- Vegan-Friendly: Replace soy sauce with coconut aminos for a gluten-free and vegan option.
Conclusion: A Light, Flavorful, and Refreshing Salad
This Spicy Sesame Cucumber Salad is a perfect blend of crisp, tangy, and savory flavors. Whether you’re serving it as a side dish, appetizer, or main meal, this quick and easy recipe is packed with nutrition and flavor. The combination of fresh vegetables, bold spices, and a flavorful dressing makes it a go-to salad for any occasion. Try it today and enjoy a healthy, light, and satisfying meal!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- 1. Can I make this salad ahead of time? Yes! Store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours for the best flavor.
- 2. How do I prevent cucumbers from becoming soggy? Salt the cucumbers first and let them sit for 10 minutes, then drain excess water before mixing.
- 3. Can I use different vegetables? Absolutely! Try adding radishes, zucchini, or shredded cabbage for variety.
- 4. What can I use instead of soy sauce? Tamari or coconut aminos are great gluten-free alternatives.
- 5. Can I add a protein source to make it a meal? Yes! Add grilled chicken, shrimp, tofu, or chickpeas for a protein boost.
- 6. What’s the best way to store leftovers? Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Stir before serving.
Enjoy this Spicy Sesame Cucumber Salad, a quick, light, and flavorful dish perfect for any meal! 🥒✨