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Asian Sesame Cucumber Salad with Easy 5-Minute Fresh Chili Oil Dressing

asian sesame cucumber salad - featured image
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A quick, refreshing Asian sesame cucumber salad featuring a homemade chili oil dressing that balances crunchy cucumbers with nutty sesame and a smoky, spicy kick. Ready in just 5 minutes, perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 medium cucumbers (English or seedless, thinly sliced)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds
  • 2 green onions, thinly sliced
  • 2 tablespoons chili oil
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
  • 1 teaspoon sugar or honey
  • 1 small garlic clove, minced (optional)

Instructions

  1. Wash and thinly slice 2 medium cucumbers into thin rounds. Place slices in a large bowl and sprinkle with 1 teaspoon salt. Toss gently and let sit for 10 minutes to draw out excess moisture.
  2. While cucumbers rest, combine 2 tablespoons chili oil, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil, 1 teaspoon sugar (or honey), and 1 minced garlic clove in a small bowl or jar. Whisk or shake until sugar dissolves and mixture is well combined.
  3. After 10 minutes, drain liquid from cucumbers or gently press with a paper towel to remove excess water.
  4. Pour chili oil dressing over cucumbers. Add 2 sliced green onions and 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds. Toss gently but thoroughly to coat evenly.
  5. Let salad sit for 5 minutes at room temperature to allow flavors to meld. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Notes

Salting cucumbers is essential to draw out moisture and keep the salad crisp. Adjust chili oil quantity to control heat level. Let salad sit a few minutes before serving for best flavor. Store leftovers in airtight container in fridge up to 2 days; drain excess liquid before serving. Avoid leaving salad too long to prevent sogginess.

Nutrition

Keywords: Asian cucumber salad, sesame cucumber salad, chili oil dressing, quick salad, easy cucumber salad, fresh salad, vegan salad, gluten-free salad

Find it online: https://sparklechew.com/asian-sesame-cucumber-salad-recipe-easy-5-minute-fresh-chili-oil-dressing/