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Spicy cucumber salad

Spicy Cucumber Salad Recipe

I just whipped up the most refreshing and zesty Spicy Cucumber Salad, and WOW! The crunch from the Persian cucumbers paired with that fiery homemade chili onion crunch is a game-changer!  It’s the perfect balance of spicy, tangy, and sweet, all in one bite. Whether you’re serving it as a side for grilled meats or bringing it to a summer potluck, this salad is a must-try. Trust me, it’s a hit every time!

  • Total Time: 10 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6–7 mini cucumbers (about 3–4 cups), or English cucumbers
  • ½ tsp coarse sea salt
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1½ tsp ginger, minced
  • 2 Tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 Tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1 tsp sesame oil
  • ½ tsp white granulated sugar
  • ½ tsp red pepper flakes (or dried red bell pepper flakes for less spice)
  • ½ tsp white sesame seeds
  • 3–5 Tbsp chili onion crunch (or substitute with garlic chili sauce)

Instructions

  1. Thinly slice the cucumbers and add them to a large bowl. Sprinkle with salt and let sit for 15 minutes to draw out excess moisture.
  2. Prepare the chili onion crunch if using homemade or opt for store-bought.
  3. Mix the sauce ingredients (soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes).
  4. Discard the excess moisture from the cucumbers and pour the sauce over the cucumbers. Toss to coat.
  5. Top with chili onion crunch and sesame seeds. Serve fresh for the best taste.

Notes

  • Use Persian or English cucumbers for their thin skin and minimal seeds.
  • Serve freshly made for the crunchiest texture. The cucumbers release water over time, diluting the dressing.
  • Adjust spiciness by adding or reducing red pepper flakes. You can serve chili onion crunch on the side for customizable heat.
  • Author: Fionna
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Salad
  • Method: Mixing
  • Cuisine: Korean-inspired

Nutrition

  • Calories: 77 kcal
  • Sugar: 7g
  • Sodium: 807mg
  • Fat: 2g
  • Protein: 4g

Keywords: #SpicyCucumberSalad #FreshAndSpicy #SummerSalad #HealthyEating #KoreanInspired #FoodieFavorites #CucumberLovers