Hey there, fellow foodies! Are you looking for a refreshing, spicy, and oh-so-easy side dish to add some zing to your meals? Well, you’re in the right place! Today, I’m super excited to share with you my go-to recipe for a Spicy Cucumber Salad that’s ready in just minutes. Perfect for those quick family dinners or as a healthy snack, this salad is a game-changer. Plus, it’s packed with flavors that will make your taste buds dance!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare—ready in under 15 minutes!
- Light and refreshing, making it perfect for any season.
- Packed with bold, tangy, and slightly spicy flavors.
- Great for meal prep—stays fresh in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Vegan-friendly and gluten-free, so everyone can enjoy it!
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need for this simple yet flavorful salad:
- 6 mini cucumbers (sliced)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp chili oil (or chili crunch)
- 1/2 tsp sugar
- 1/2 tsp toasted sesame seeds
- 1/4 tsp Korean chili flakes or red pepper flakes
Full ingredient list with measurements is provided in the printable recipe card below.
How to Make the Recipe
Let’s dive into the step-by-step process. It’s so simple, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without this recipe!
- Add the sliced cucumbers and salt to a bowl. Let them sit for about 10 minutes to draw out excess moisture. After that, drain any liquid that’s released.
- Add the remaining ingredients to the bowl with the cucumbers. Stir everything together until well combined.
- Enjoy your Spicy Cucumber Salad immediately, or refrigerate it for up to 4 days. The flavors only get better with time!
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
Here are a few tips to take your salad to the next level:
- For an extra crunchy texture, try adding some toasted chopped peanuts or cashews.
- If you prefer a milder heat, start with a small amount of chili oil and adjust to taste.
- Let the salad marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
How to Serve
This Spicy Cucumber Salad is incredibly versatile. Here are a few ways to enjoy it:
- As a side dish for your favorite Asian-inspired meals.
- As a topping for noodle bowls or vegetable tortilla roll-ups.
- As a light and refreshing snack on its own.
Make Ahead and Storage
One of the best things about this recipe is how well it holds up in the fridge. You can prepare the entire salad up to 4 days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors will only get better with time, making it perfect for meal prep or as a quick grab-and-go option for those busy weeknights.
There you have it—my secret recipe for a Spicy Cucumber Salad that’s quick, easy, and bursting with flavor. Whether you’re looking for a healthy snack, a fresh side dish, or a flavorful addition to your meal prep, this salad checks all the boxes. So go ahead, give it a try, and let me know what you think in the comments below!
Spicy Cucumber Salad
Ingredients
- 6 mini cucumbers (sliced)
- 0.5 tsp salt
- 2 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp chili oil (or chili crunch)
- 0.5 tsp sugar
- 0.5 tsp toasted sesame seeds
- 0.25 tsp Korean chili flakes or red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Add cucumbers and salt to a bowl and let them sit for 10 minutes; drain any liquid.
- Add the remaining ingredients to the cucumbers and stir to combine. Enjoy immediately, or refrigerate for up to 4 days.