Fresh Asian Sesame Cucumber Salad with Chili Oil Dressing
A quick and easy fresh Asian cucumber salad with a spicy chili oil dressing, toasted sesame seeds, and a perfect balance of nutty, tangy, and spicy flavors. Ideal as a refreshing side dish for warm weather or to complement grilled and spicy meals.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 medium English cucumbers, thinly sliced (about 1/8 inch thick)
- 2 tablespoons good-quality chili oil (e.g., Lao Gan Ma)
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce (low-sodium preferred)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 small clove garlic, minced (optional)
- 2 stalks green onions, thinly sliced
- Pinch of salt, to taste
- Optional: crushed peanuts or chopped cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Rinse and thinly slice 2 medium English cucumbers into rounds about 1/8 inch thick. Use a salad spinner or pat dry with paper towels to reduce moisture if desired.
- Toast 1 tablespoon sesame seeds in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes, shaking often until golden and fragrant. Set aside to cool.
- In a small bowl or jar, whisk together 2 tablespoons chili oil, 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 teaspoon sesame oil, and the minced garlic. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- In a mixing bowl, toss the cucumber slices with sliced green onions and the dressing until evenly coated.
- Sprinkle the toasted sesame seeds over the salad and toss lightly again. Add crushed peanuts or chopped cilantro if using.
- Optional: Chill the salad in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes before serving for better flavor development.
Notes
Use English or seedless cucumbers to reduce moisture and seeds. Toast sesame seeds fresh for best aroma. Adjust chili oil amount to control heat. Store dressing separately if preparing ahead to keep cucumbers crisp. Garnish with crushed peanuts or cilantro for extra texture and brightness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approximately 1 cup
- Calories: 70
- Sugar: 2
- Sodium: 300
- Fat: 6
- Saturated Fat: 0.5
- Carbohydrates: 4
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 1
Keywords: cucumber salad, Asian salad, sesame cucumber salad, chili oil dressing, quick salad, spicy salad, healthy side dish, easy recipe