Cucumber Salad Remix Asian

A refreshing, vibrant cucumber salad tossed with Asian-inspired seasonings, sesame oil, and fish sauce for a savory, tangy kick—perfect as a side or light appetizer.

I first remixed this simple cucumber salad for a weeknight meal—the punchy dressing and crunch kept everyone reaching for seconds!

Ingredients

• Cucumbers: 2 large, thinly sliced
• Red onion: 1 small, thinly sliced
• Carrot: 1 medium, julienned
• Scallions: 2, finely sliced
• Fresh cilantro: 1 tablespoon, chopped
• Rice vinegar: 2 tablespoons
• Sesame oil: 1 tablespoon
• Fish sauce: 1 tablespoon
• Soy sauce: 1 teaspoon (use gluten-free if needed)
• Honey or sugar: 1 teaspoon
• Garlic: 1 clove, finely minced
• Fresh ginger: 1 teaspoon, grated
• Red chili: 1 small, thinly sliced (optional)
• Toasted sesame seeds: 1 tablespoon, for garnish

Instructions

Mix Vegetables:

In a large bowl, combine cucumbers, red onion, carrot, scallions, and cilantro.

Make Dressing:

In a separate bowl, whisk together rice vinegar, sesame oil, fish sauce, soy sauce, honey (or sugar), garlic, ginger, and chili if using.

Toss Salad:

Pour the dressing over the vegetables and toss well to coat.

Let Flavors Meld:

Let the salad sit for at least 10 minutes to allow flavors to combine.

Finish and Serve:

Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds just before serving.

Save

This salad showed up at our summer BBQ and disappeared first—my kids loved the crisp cucumbers and sweet-savory dressing.

Notes

Add thinly sliced radish or bell pepper for extra crunch and color. Pair with grilled meats, seafood, or tofu for a complete meal. Adjust chili to taste for desired spice level.

Required Tools

Sharp knife, cutting board, mixing bowls, whisk or fork

Allergen Information

Contains fish (fish sauce) and soy (soy sauce). Sesame seeds and sesame oil may trigger allergies. Check all sauces for gluten if needed.

Save

This lively salad adds a crisp, refreshing touch to any meal—enjoy every burst of flavor!

Recipe FAQ

→ What vegetables are used in this cucumber salad?

Cucumbers, red onion, carrot, scallions, and cilantro provide crunch and freshness.

→ What makes the dressing savory and tangy?

The dressing combines sesame oil, rice vinegar, fish sauce, soy sauce, honey, garlic, ginger, and optional chili for a punchy flavor.

→ Can I make this vegetarian or vegan?

Yes, substitute fish sauce with vegetarian versions or extra soy sauce to suit your dietary preferences.

→ Is the salad gluten-free?

Yes, use gluten-free soy sauce to ensure the dish remains gluten-free.

→ How do I enhance the texture or flavor?

Add thinly sliced radish or bell pepper for extra crunch and color. Adjust chili for desired spice.

→ What are the allergen considerations?

This dish contains fish and soy. Sesame oil and seeds may trigger allergies; check sauces for gluten.