Refreshing Cucumber Salad

Cucumber salad is a light, crunchy, and refreshing dish that pairs well with almost any meal. It’s particularly popular in Asian, Mediterranean, and European cuisines, offering a cool contrast to spicy or rich foods. The combination of crisp cucumbers, tangy vinegar, and fresh herbs makes it an ideal summer side dish.

Origin of the Recipe

Cucumber-based salads have been enjoyed for centuries across different cultures. In Asian cuisine, they are often paired with soy sauce, sesame oil, and chili flakes. In Eastern Europe, variations include sour cream or yogurt dressings, while in Mediterranean cuisine, cucumbers are often combined with feta, tomatoes, and olive oil. This recipe takes inspiration from classic Asian and Mediterranean flavors.

What I Love About This Recipe

I love how this salad is simple yet packed with flavor. The cucumbers provide a cool, crisp texture, while the dressing adds the perfect balance of tangy, sweet, and savory notes. It’s incredibly quick to prepare, making a great last-minute side dish for any meal.

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Refreshing Cucumber Salad

Recipe by RecipeWikki

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

30

minutes

Cooking time

40

minutes

Calories

300

kcal

Ingredients

• 2 large cucumbers (English or Persian), thinly sliced

• ½ small red onion, thinly sliced

• ¼ cup rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)

• 1 tablespoon soy sauce (for an umami kick)

• 1 teaspoon sesame oil

• 1 teaspoon sugar (optional)

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• ½ teaspoon red chili flakes (optional, for spice)

• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro or dill

• 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds (optional)

Directions

• Wash and thinly slice the cucumbers using a knife or mandoline.
• If using regular cucumbers, peel them and remove seeds for a milder flavor.
• In a small bowl, whisk together vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, sugar, salt, and black pepper.
• Adjust seasoning to taste.
• In a large mixing bowl, combine sliced cucumbers and red onions.
• Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat everything evenly.
• Let the salad sit for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
• Garnish with chopped cilantro (or dill), sesame seeds, and red chili flakes if desired.
• Enjoy!
• Serve cold as a refreshing side dish with grilled meats, rice dishes, or as a light snack.

Notes

• Vegan & Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally vegan and gluten-free, but ensure your soy sauce is gluten-free if needed.
• Make It Creamy: Add Greek yogurt or sour cream for a creamy version.