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Easy Creamy Asian Cucumber Salad

A crisp, refreshing, and incredibly flavorful side dish featuring thinly sliced cucumbers tossed in a rich, umami-packed creamy sesame and chili dressing. Perfect for a quick side dish or summer cookout.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Resting Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine: Asian, Asian Fusion
Calories: 95
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Cucumbers
  • 1 lb Persian cucumbers about 5-6, or 1 large English cucumber
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt for sweating
Creamy Dressing
  • 3 tablespoons Kewpie mayonnaise or standard mayo
  • 1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce or tamari
  • 1 tablespoon unseasoned rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
  • 1 teaspoon honey or granulated sugar
  • 1 clove garlic finely minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon fresh ginger finely grated
  • 1-2 teaspoons Sriracha or chili crisp to taste
Garnish
  • 1 teaspoon white sesame seeds toasted
  • 1 teaspoon black sesame seeds
  • 1 pinch red pepper flakes optional

Equipment

  • Mandoline Slicer or Sharp Knife
  • Colander
  • Mixing bowls

Method
 

  1. Thinly slice the cucumbers into 1/8-inch rounds using a knife or mandoline.
  2. Place the cucumber slices in a colander, sprinkle with 1 teaspoon of kosher salt, and toss to combine. Let sit for 15-20 minutes to draw out excess moisture.
  3. Rinse the cucumbers thoroughly under cold water to remove the salt. Transfer to a clean kitchen towel and gently squeeze and pat them completely dry.
  4. In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey, garlic, ginger, and Sriracha until smooth and creamy.
  5. Add the dried cucumber slices and half of the sesame seeds to the dressing. Toss gently until all the cucumbers are evenly coated.
  6. Cover and chill in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes to let flavors meld. Garnish with remaining sesame seeds and red pepper flakes before serving.

Notes

Drying the cucumbers thoroughly is the most important step; otherwise, your creamy dressing will become watery. Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days.