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spicy cucumber salad - featured image

Spicy Cucumber Salad

  • Author: Jason Miller
  • Total Time: 10 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Description

This spicy cucumber salad is a crunchy, refreshing summer snack featuring crisp cucumbers tossed with chili flakes, lime, and sesame oil. It’s quick to make, healthy, and packed with bold, tangy flavor—perfect for picnics, barbecues, or light lunches.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 large English or Persian cucumbers (about 14 oz/400g)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
  • 1/2 to 1 teaspoon chili flakes (Korean gochugaru or red pepper flakes)
  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice (about 1 lime)
  • 1 small garlic clove, minced
  • 1 teaspoon honey (optional, use agave for vegan)
  • 2 green onions, thinly sliced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped (optional, or substitute mint/basil)
  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Wash and dry cucumbers. Slice into thin rounds or half-moons (about 1/4 inch thick).
  2. Place cucumber slices in a mixing bowl. Sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon salt and toss gently. Let sit for 5–10 minutes to draw out water.
  3. Drain off released water and pat cucumber slices dry with a clean towel or paper towel.
  4. In a small bowl, whisk together sesame oil, rice vinegar, lime juice, chili flakes, minced garlic, and honey (if using). Taste and adjust seasoning.
  5. Add dried cucumbers to the dressing bowl. Toss gently to coat all slices evenly. Adjust salt or lime to taste.
  6. Mix in sliced green onions and chopped cilantro (or other herbs). Toss again.
  7. Transfer salad to serving bowl. Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds for garnish.
  8. Serve immediately for best crunch, or chill covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 hours.

Notes

Salt and drain cucumbers for maximum crunch and to prevent watery salad. Adjust chili flakes for desired heat. Substitute herbs or sweetener as needed. Salad is best served fresh but can be chilled for up to 2 hours. For vegan, use agave instead of honey. Add extra veggies or protein for variations.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Salad
  • Cuisine: Fusion (Thai, Mexican)

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: About 1 cup per serving
  • Calories: 70
  • Sugar: 3
  • Sodium: 300
  • Fat: 4
  • Saturated Fat: 0.5
  • Carbohydrates: 8
  • Fiber: 2
  • Protein: 2

Keywords: spicy cucumber salad, summer snack, healthy salad, gluten-free, vegan, Thai salad, Mexican street food, easy salad, picnic recipe, refreshing salad

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Find it online: https://besthighproteinrecipes.com/spicy-cucumber-salad-recipe-easy-healthy-summer-snack-to-try/