If you’re searching for a refreshing dish that’s bursting with bright, bold flavors and a touch of heat, this Spicy Cucumber Salad Recipe is just what you need. Crisp cucumber slices meet the zing of red onion, fresh herbs, and a perfectly balanced spicy dressing that elevates every bite. Whether you’re looking to spice up a weeknight meal or add a vibrant side to your barbecue, this salad strikes the ideal harmony between cooling freshness and a gentle kick of spice.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering a handful of simple, vibrant ingredients is all it takes to create this unforgettable salad. Each component plays a crucial role, from the crunchy cucumbers to the fragrant herbs and the well-rounded, spicy dressing that ties it all together.
- English cucumber: Thinly sliced for that satisfying crisp texture and mild, refreshing flavor.
- Red onion: Thinly sliced to add a hint of sharpness and lovely purple color contrast.
- Fresh cilantro: Chopped to bring bright, citrusy notes that lighten the salad.
- Fresh mint: Adds a cooling herbal layer that complements both spice and acidity.
- Rice vinegar: Provides a tangy base that wakes up the palate.
- Soy sauce: Brings umami depth and a touch of saltiness to the dressing.
- Sesame oil: Adds a toasty richness that rounds out the flavors beautifully.
- Sriracha sauce: The spicy star that gives this Spicy Cucumber Salad Recipe its characteristic kick.
- Salt: Enhances all the ingredients and balances the dressing perfectly.
How to Make Spicy Cucumber Salad Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables
Start by thinly slicing one English cucumber and half a cup of red onion. The thin slices ensure every bite is crisp and helps the flavors mingle beautifully. Combine these in a large bowl along with a quarter cup each of chopped fresh cilantro and mint for an herbaceous punch.
Step 2: Whisk the Dressing
In a small bowl, mix together a quarter cup of rice vinegar, two tablespoons of soy sauce, one tablespoon of sesame oil, one teaspoon of Sriracha sauce, and half a teaspoon of salt. Whisking these ingredients creates a harmonious dressing that perfectly balances tang, heat, and umami.
Step 3: Toss to Combine
Pour the vibrant dressing over the cucumber and herb mixture. Toss everything gently but thoroughly to ensure every slice is coated with that flavorful dressing, which marries the heat and freshness seamlessly.
Step 4: Chill Before Serving
Allow the salad to chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This step lets the flavors blend, softens the onions slightly, and enhances the refreshing, spicy goodness of the salad.
How to Serve Spicy Cucumber Salad Recipe
Garnishes
Boost the visual appeal and texture by garnishing with some toasted sesame seeds or a few more sprigs of fresh mint or cilantro. These small touches add a lovely crunch and fresh aroma that elevate the salad’s charm.
Side Dishes
This Spicy Cucumber Salad Recipe pairs wonderfully with grilled meats like chicken or steak, as well as Asian-inspired dishes such as teriyaki salmon or stir-fried noodles. Its cool, spicy notes balance heartier sides beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this salad in individual small bowls or use cucumber scoops as edible cups for bite-sized portions. You can also layer it atop rice bowls or vibrant grain salads to add a refreshing, spicy crunch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Spicy Cucumber Salad Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best enjoyed within two days to keep the cucumbers crisp and the herbs fresh.
Freezing
Due to the fresh nature of the salad ingredients, especially cucumbers and herbs, freezing is not recommended as it will alter the texture and flavor.
Reheating
This salad is meant to be enjoyed cold or at room temperature. There is no need to reheat; just give it a gentle stir and serve straight from the fridge.
FAQs
Can I use regular cucumbers instead of English cucumbers?
Yes, but English cucumbers are preferred because they have fewer seeds and a thinner skin, making the salad less watery and more tender.
How spicy is this salad?
The heat level depends on the amount of Sriracha sauce you add. One teaspoon offers a gentle kick, but you can easily adjust it to suit your spice tolerance.
Can I substitute the rice vinegar with something else?
White vinegar or apple cider vinegar can work in a pinch, but rice vinegar gives the dressing its signature mild tang that balances the spice perfectly.
Is this salad vegan and gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just ensure your soy sauce is gluten-free if you need to avoid gluten. The recipe is naturally vegan and packed with fresh ingredients.
How long should the salad marinate for best flavor?
At least 30 minutes in the refrigerator allows the flavors to meld beautifully, but if you have more time, a couple of hours will deepen the taste even more.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Spicy Cucumber Salad Recipe enough for anyone who loves a refreshing dish with a perfect balance of spice and herbal brightness. It’s effortless to prepare, vibrant, and always a crowd-pleaser. Give it a try—you just might find your new favorite go-to salad!
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Spicy Cucumber Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Vegan
Description
This Spicy Cucumber Salad is a refreshing and flavorful dish perfect for a light side or appetizer. Featuring crisp cucumbers tossed with red onion, fresh cilantro, and mint, all dressed in a tangy, spicy blend of rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, and Sriracha. It’s simple to prepare, vibrant in flavor, and ideal for cooling down warm days.
Ingredients
Vegetables and Herbs
- 1 English cucumber, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup thinly sliced red onion
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint
Dressing
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon Sriracha sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Combine the Vegetables and Herbs: In a large bowl, mix together the thinly sliced cucumber, red onion, chopped fresh cilantro, and fresh mint until well distributed.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, Sriracha sauce, and salt until the dressing is smooth and fully combined.
- Toss Salad with Dressing: Pour the prepared dressing over the cucumber and herb mixture. Toss gently to ensure all the ingredients are evenly coated with the spicy, tangy dressing.
- Chill before Serving: Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the cucumber to absorb the dressing. Serve cold for best taste and refreshment.
Notes
- For extra crunch, add thinly sliced radishes or toasted sesame seeds before serving.
- Adjust the Sriracha quantity to control the heat level to your preference.
- This salad is best served chilled, so plan to refrigerate before serving.
- Use a sharp knife or mandoline for thin, even cucumber slices.
- Gluten-free soy sauce can be substituted for a gluten-free version.
