With summer just around the corner, the best thing you can munch on is a refreshing salad, that only tastes amazing but is also easy to prepare. One of my favorite salads from this category is the Spicy Cucumber Salad, which is full of flavors and comes together in under 10 minutes. Cucumbers are a great way of keeping yourself hydrated in the scorching heat of summer, and with this delicious Salad recipe, you can make, eating cucumbers even more fun and you can’t get enough of it.
I love this salad so much is because of its extravagant flavors, and easy preparation, and this salad is best served great as a side dish. This Spicy Cucumber Salad recipe combines the refreshing and crunchy flavors of Cucumbers with a spicy and flavourful dressing that is full of sweet, spicy, tangy, and earthy notes. The best part is, that all this comes together in under 10 minutes, which means that you can prepare yourself a spicy snack or appetizer that is healthy and hydrating in quickly.
In this blog I have come up with my take on Salad, it is one of my favorite recipes for Cucumber Salad, and I would love to share it with you. So what are you waiting for, grab your cucumbers and put them to good use to make a spicy cucumber recipe. Try out this delectable recipe and munch on a healthy snack, this summer.
What else can you add to this Spicy Cucumber Salad?
Although this Cucumber Salad, tastes amazing it is but if you are in the mood to experiment with other ingredients then here’s my list of things that pair well with the flavors of this Salad:
Make it healthier
To create a healthier version of this salad, try adding some protein to it. You can do so by adding boiled chicken shreds, grilled tofu or even shrimp. To enhance the flavors, marinate your tofu/shrimp in some light soy sauce and sesame oil, before grilling them to perfection.
Korean Delight
If you are a fan of Korean flavours just like me then here’s a version of this Salad that you must try. Add a spoonful of gochujang paste to the dressing, this will give a Korean twist to our Spicy Cucumber salad, also you can add some Korean chili flakes and enrich the flavors as gochujang pairs excellently with soy sauce and sesame oil and it will turn into Korean cucumber salad.
Play with Nuttiness
To add a nutty and crunchy texture to the salad, you can add some nuts to it. Just chop your favorite nuts like peanuts, almonds, cashews, or walnuts and add it to the salad. For an even better taste, try roasting the nuts before you add them to the Spicy Cucumber Salad.
Recipe Card
Spicy Cucumber Salad
Ingredients
- 1 Large-size / 1 Large-size English cucumber
- ½ Medium-sized Onion
- 2 tbsp / 30 ml Light soy sauce
- 1 tsp / 5 ml White vinegar
- 1 tsp / 4 g Sugar
- 1 tsp / 2 g Chilli flakes
- 1 tsp / 2 g Paprika
- 2 tsp / 10 ml Sesame Oil
- 2 cloves / 6 g Garlic (minced)
- 2 tsp / 4 g Sesame seeds
Instructions
Let’s get Cooking!
- Start preparing your delicious Cucumber Salad, by washing an English Cucumber and pat drying it. Cut it lengthwise into two halves and slice them diagonally thinly pieces. Set aside.
- Slice half an Onion into thin juliennes and add them to a mixing bowl along with the sliced cucumbers.
- For the dressing, in a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine light soy sauce, white vinegar, sesame oil, paprika powder, and chili flakes with some sugar. Give them a good mix to combine everything well.
- Take 2 cloves of garlic, peel them, and using a sharp knife finely mince them, and add to the prepared dressing. Garlic will add pungency and a kick of flavor to the salad.
- Once done with the dressing, drizzle it on top of the sliced cucumber and onions. Toss them well until every piece is well coated in the dressing.
- Once mixed, sprinkle some sesame seeds on top to add crunchiness to the salad. Mix.
- Serve immediately, or if you have some time in hand then let the salad rest for about 15-20 minutes inside the refrigerator, this will not only chill it but also allow the dressing to sink deep into the veggies, offering a burst of flavor with each bite.
This easy Spicy Cucumber Salad is a perfect example of how simple and delicious healthy eating can be, we turned a simple salad into something extraordinary with just a few simple ingredients from your pantry.
This refreshing Asian cucumber salad works best as a side to your meals or even as a snack, the crispiness of cucumbers combined with the tangy spicy dressing is all you need to lift your mood in the heat of the summer. Try out this amazing salad and feel free to make new versions of it. This Spicy Salad has a lot to offer!
Nagi’s recipe from Recipetineats slightly inspires this recipe
Recipe FAQs
Can I use regular Cucumbers instead of English Cucumbers to make this Salad?
Yes, you can use your regular cucumbers to make this Salad. But one thing to keep in mind here is to peel them before cutting and slicing.
Can I add any other veggies, apart from Cucumbers and onions, to this Salad?
If you are a veggie lover and wish to add some other veggies, then feel free to use. You can add a variety of vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, beans, etc.
Can I make the Salad dressing beforehand?
Yes, you can make the dressing in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge, and minutes before serving, flip the cucumber by using it as per your liking.
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