Pin it 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 made this salad for a summer dinner with friends and it was the perfect crunchy cooling side that everyone kept reaching for more of.
Ingredients
- Large cucumbers: 2 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 clove: 1 finely minced
- Fresh ginger: 1 teaspoon grated
- Red chili: 1 small thinly sliced (optional)
- Toasted sesame seeds: 1 tablespoon for garnish
Instructions
- Combine vegetables:
- In a large bowl combine cucumbers red onion carrot scallions and cilantro.
- Make dressing:
- In a separate small 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.
- Meld flavors:
- Let the salad sit for at least 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Garnish and serve:
- Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds just before serving.
Pin it This salad is one our family enjoys for picnics or as a healthy weeknight side and everyone loves how the flavors pop with each bite.
Required Tools
Sharp knife cutting board mixing bowls and whisk or fork are all you need for this recipe.
Allergen Information
This dish contains fish and soy and may trigger sesame allergies always check ingredient labels to ensure they fit your needs.
Nutritional Information
Each serving has 75 calories 4 g fat 8 g carbohydrates and 2 g protein making it a light and nourishing choice.
Pin it Enjoy this cucumber salad chilled for maximum freshness and flavor it pairs perfectly with grilled meats or tofu.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the vegetables and dressing in advance, then toss together and chill up to two hours before serving.
- → What alternatives can I use for fish sauce?
Swap fish sauce for extra soy sauce or a vegetarian fish sauce to suit dietary preferences, keeping the savory depth.
- → How do I add extra crunch or color?
Add thin slices of radish or bell pepper to the mix for additional crunch, flavor, and visual appeal.
- → Is this salad gluten-free?
Use gluten-free soy sauce to keep the dish gluten-free, and always check packaging for hidden gluten.
- → How spicy is the dressing?
The dressing includes optional fresh chili, which you can adjust or omit based on personal spice preference.
- → What is the best way to serve this salad?
Enjoy it chilled, sprinkled with sesame seeds, as a refreshing side or light appetizer alongside grilled proteins or tofu.