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Fresh Asian Sesame Cucumber Salad Recipe Easy Spicy Chili Oil Dressing

fresh asian sesame cucumber salad - featured image
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A quick and refreshing cucumber salad featuring toasted sesame oil and a spicy homemade chili oil dressing, perfect for warm weather and easy to prepare in about 15 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 medium English cucumbers, thinly sliced
  • 2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 clove garlic, finely minced
  • 1–2 teaspoons homemade or store-bought chili oil
  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
  • 2 stalks green onions, thinly sliced (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon honey or sugar
  • Pinch of salt, to taste

Instructions

  1. Wash and dry the cucumbers. Using a mandoline or sharp knife, slice them thinly into rounds about 1/8-inch (3 mm) thick. Set aside in a large bowl.
  2. Heat a dry skillet over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon of sesame seeds and toast, stirring frequently, until golden brown and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil, 1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce, 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, 1 teaspoon honey, minced garlic, and 1-2 teaspoons chili oil. Adjust chili oil to taste.
  4. Pour the dressing over the sliced cucumbers. Add the toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions if using. Gently toss until cucumbers are well coated.
  5. Let the salad sit for 10 minutes at room temperature to allow flavors to meld and cucumbers to soften slightly.
  6. Taste and adjust salt or add more honey or vinegar if needed. Serve chilled or at room temperature. Optionally, sprinkle with extra sesame seeds or chili flakes before serving.

Notes

Use toasted sesame oil for best flavor. Let the salad rest for 10 minutes before serving to enhance flavor and soften cucumbers slightly. If cucumbers release too much water, drain excess liquid before serving to avoid sogginess. Prepare dressing separately if making ahead to maintain cucumber crunch. Adjust chili oil quantity to control spiciness. For gluten-free, substitute tamari for soy sauce. For vegan, ensure chili oil contains no animal products or make your own.

Nutrition

Keywords: cucumber salad, sesame cucumber salad, Asian salad, chili oil dressing, spicy cucumber salad, easy cucumber salad, healthy salad, vegan salad, gluten-free salad

Find it online: https://evabake.com/fresh-asian-sesame-cucumber-salad-recipe-easy-spicy-chili-oil-dressing/