Bursting with bold flavors and vibrant textures, this Garlic Cucumber Salad is a refreshing side dish that's perfect for any occasion. Crisp English cucumbers are lightly salted to draw out their natural juices, then tossed in a zesty dressing made with soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and a touch of sugar for balanced sweetness. The addition of freshly minced garlic and a hint of red chili flakes infuses the salad with a savory kick, while toasted sesame seeds add a delightful crunch. Optional cilantro offers a pop of freshness, making this easy 15-minute recipe a must-try for lovers of Asian-inspired cuisine. Serve it chilled for a crisp and cooling complement to your main dishes!
Wash the cucumbers thoroughly and pat them dry.
Slice the cucumbers into thin rounds. For a more textured salad, you can smash the cucumbers lightly with the flat side of a knife before cutting them into bite-sized chunks.
Transfer the cucumber slices to a mixing bowl and sprinkle them with salt. Toss gently and let them sit for 5 minutes to draw out excess water.
While the cucumbers rest, peel and finely mince the garlic cloves.
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, sugar, and red chili flakes until the sugar is dissolved.
Drain the excess water released by the cucumbers and pat them dry with a paper towel.
Pour the dressing over the cucumbers and toss until evenly coated.
Add the minced garlic and mix well, ensuring the garlic is distributed evenly throughout the salad.
Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds over the salad and garnish with fresh cilantro, if desired.
Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld.
Serving size | 680.9 grams (680.9g) |
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Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
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Calories | 277 |
Total Fat 16.50g | 21% |
Saturated Fat 2.40g | 12% |
Polyunsaturated Fat 5.90g | |
Cholesterol 0mg | 0% |
Sodium 2346mg | 102% |
Total Carbohydrate 31.80g | 12% |
Dietary Fiber 5.80g | 21% |
Total Sugars 14.40g | |
Protein 8.80g | 18% |
Vitamin D 0IU | 0% |
Calcium 144mg | 11% |
Iron 3mg | 14% |
Potassium 1052mg | 22% |
Source of Calories