Fast Chinese Cucumber Salad

Crisp, refreshing, and bursting with bold flavors, this Fast Chinese Cucumber Salad is the perfect go-to side dish or appetizer for busy weeknights. Ready in just 10 minutes with no cooking required, this recipe combines crunchy English cucumbers with a vibrant dressing made from soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and a hint of sugar for balance. Aromatic minced garlic and a touch of crushed red pepper flakes bring an irresistible kick, while toasted sesame seeds and optional fresh cilantro elevate the dish with a nutty, herby finish. Perfect for fans of quick and healthy Asian-inspired recipes, this salad is not only easy to prepare but also highly versatile—serve it as a light starter or pair it with your favorite stir-fry or rice dish for a flavorful meal.

Nutriscore Rating: 72/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:0 mins

Total Time:10 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 pieces English cucumber
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 2 pieces Garlic cloves
• 1.5 tablespoons Soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon Rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon Sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon Sugar
• 0.5 teaspoons Crushed red pepper flakes
• 1 teaspoon Toasted sesame seeds
• 2 tablespoons Chopped fresh cilantro (optional)

Directions

Step 1

Wash the cucumbers thoroughly and pat them dry.

Step 2

Slice the cucumbers into quarters lengthwise, then cut them into 1-inch pieces.

Step 3

Place the cucumber pieces into a mixing bowl and sprinkle with 1 teaspoon of salt. Toss to combine, then let them sit for 5-10 minutes to draw out excess water.

Step 4

While the cucumbers rest, finely mince the garlic cloves.

Step 5

In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, sugar, and red pepper flakes.

Step 6

Drain the excess water from the cucumbers and gently pat them dry with a paper towel.

Step 7

Add the minced garlic to the cucumbers, then pour the prepared dressing over them. Toss to coat evenly.

Step 8

Transfer the salad to a serving dish. Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and freshly chopped cilantro, if using.

Step 9

Serve immediately or chill in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes for enhanced flavor.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	672.9 grams (672.9g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	268

Total Fat 15.30g	20%
Saturated Fat 2.10g	11%
Polyunsaturated Fat 5.90g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 3238mg	141%
Total Carbohydrate 30.30g	11%
Dietary Fiber 4.80g	17%
Total Sugars 14.30g
Protein 7.00g	14%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 136mg	10%
Iron 2mg	12%
Potassium 1008mg	21%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 48.0%

Protein: 9.8%

Carbs: 42.2%