Name: Asian Cucumber Salad with Sesame and Ginger Recipe
Prep time: 25 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 1 1/2 pounds Turkish, Persian or English cucumbers (about 5 cups sliced); 1/2 teaspoon salt; 4–5 scallions, finely sliced; 1 teaspoon ginger, grated; 1 clove garlic, finely minced; 1/4 cup rice vinegar; 1 tablespoon soy sauce (for gluten-free use Bragg’s Liquid Aminos or Coconut aminos); 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil; 1 tablespoon maple syrup (or honey, or sugar), more to taste; 1 teaspoon chili garlic sauce (sambal olek) or sriracha, more to taste; 1–2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds

Jump to Recipe· 4.5 from 22 reviews

If you’re looking for a fresh, crunchy side that’s bursting with flavor, you’re going to love this Asian Cucumber Salad with Sesame and Ginger Recipe. It’s quick to whip up, perfectly tangy, and has just the right amount of kick—the kind of salad that makes you want to eat cucumbers every day. Whether you’re serving it alongside grilled meats or just snacking, this salad is a fan-freaking-tastic way to brighten up your meal.

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Why This Recipe Works

Simple Ingredients: Uses everyday pantry staples for a recipe that’s easy to make anytime.
Balanced Flavors: The sesame oil, ginger, and vinegar create a perfect harmony of nuttiness, spice, and tang.
Refreshing Texture: Thin cucumber slices stay crisp without getting soggy thanks to the salting step.
Versatility: Works great as a side dish, snack, or even light lunch addition—plus lots of room to customize!

Asian Cucumber Salad with Sesame and Ginger, cucumber salad recipe, healthier side dishes, Asian-inspired salad, quick cucumber salad - A clear glass bowl filled with sliced green cucumbers mixed with small pieces of green onions and sprinkled with light brown sesame seeds, two wooden salad forks with metal handles rest inside the bowl touching the cucumbers, all placed on a white marbled surface photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

The magic of this Asian Cucumber Salad with Sesame and Ginger Recipe is in the balance and freshness of its ingredients. Each component plays a role—from cucumbers that bring the cool crunch, to the soy sauce and vinegar delivering savory tang, and the maple syrup rounding it all out with touch of sweetness. A quick tip: choosing the right cucumber variety can make all the difference.

Asian Cucumber Salad with Sesame and Ginger, cucumber salad recipe, healthier side dishes, Asian-inspired salad, quick cucumber salad - Flat lay of fresh whole English cucumbers, thinly sliced scallions scattered beside, a small pile of finely grated fresh ginger root, a single peeled garlic clove minced finely, small white ceramic bowls each holding clear rice vinegar, dark soy sauce, golden toasted sesame oil, amber maple syrup, and bright red chili garlic sauce, a few scattered toasted sesame seeds next to the bowls, all arranged with perfect symmetry on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Cucumbers: Turkish, Persian, or English cucumbers work best because they have thinner skins and fewer seeds, making your salad smoother and less bitter.
Salt: Helps to draw out excess moisture from cucumbers, so your salad stays crisp instead of watery.
Scallions: Add a mild onion flavor that complements the ginger without overpowering it.
Ginger: Freshly grated ginger gives a spicy warmth and aromatic zing that defines the salad’s profile.
Garlic: Brightens up the dressing with a punch of umami.
Rice Vinegar: Provides acidity but is gentle enough to maintain balance with the other flavors.
Soy Sauce: Brings that savory ‘umami’ boost—use gluten-free alternatives like Bragg’s Liquid Aminos or Coconut aminos if needed.
Toasted Sesame Oil: Adds the signature nutty flavor and aroma that makes this salad so addictive.
Maple Syrup: Sweetens the dressing naturally; honey or sugar work well too depending on what you have on hand.
Chili Garlic Sauce (Sambal Oelek): Adds heat and a little depth, but it’s totally adjustable or skippable based on your spice preference.
Toasted Sesame Seeds: A crunchy finish that pumps up the sesame flavor and the salad’s texture.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love this Asian Cucumber Salad with Sesame and Ginger Recipe as a base, but I often jazz it up depending on what’s in my fridge or my mood. Don’t be afraid to experiment—you can personalize this salad to your taste quite easily.

Variation: For a Thai-inspired twist, I add a squeeze of fresh lime juice and some chopped cilantro or Thai basil—it makes such a fresh, bright difference.
Make It Spicy: I sometimes swap the chili garlic sauce for a spoonful of gochujang or add thinly sliced fresh chili for more heat.
Add Crunch: Toasted peanuts or crushed roasted peanuts sprinkled on top give a great textural crunch and an extra layer of flavor.
Protein Boost: Toss in some cooked shrimp or shredded chicken to turn this salad into a light and refreshing meal.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Asian Cucumber Salad with Sesame and Ginger Recipe

Step 1: Score and Slice Your Cucumbers

I like to use the tines of a fork to gently score the cucumbers lengthwise—that little technique helps the dressing cling better to each slice. If you’re in a hurry, you can totally skip this step and just slice thinly. After slicing, toss the cucumbers with salt and let them hang out for at least 10-15 minutes. This draws out excess water so your salad isn’t soggy and keeps every bite crispy and fresh.

Step 2: Drain and Prepare the Dressing

Use a fine mesh strainer to drain the cucumbers but avoid rinsing, so they retain some of that salty goodness. Then, combine scallions, freshly grated ginger, minced garlic, rice vinegar, soy sauce, toasted sesame oil, maple syrup, and chili garlic sauce in a bowl. Mix well so the flavors meld together before tossing with your cucumbers.

Step 3: Toss It All Together and Let It Chill

Pour the dressing over the cucumbers and sesame seeds, then toss gently to coat each piece evenly. I always taste at this point to check if it needs a touch more salt, sweetness, or heat. Pop the salad into the fridge for at least 20 minutes before serving so all those vibrant flavors can marry nicely.

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Tips from My Kitchen

Use Thin Slices: The thinner the cucumber slices, the better they soak up the dressing and stay tender but crisp.
Don’t Skip Salting: Salting cucumbers before dressing is a game-changer for this salad; it keeps everything from turning watery.
Adjust Sweetness to Taste: I always start with the suggested maple syrup but add a bit more if I want a slightly sweeter counterpoint to the acidity and spice.
Mix Gently: Toss carefully so you don’t bruise the cucumbers and keep the salad looking fresh and vibrant.

How to Serve Asian Cucumber Salad with Sesame and Ginger Recipe

Asian Cucumber Salad with Sesame and Ginger, cucumber salad recipe, healthier side dishes, Asian-inspired salad, quick cucumber salad - A white bowl filled with many thin, round slices of cucumber with bright green skins and a glossy texture from light dressing, topped with small white sesame seeds and small pieces of green onion mixed in. The cucumbers are stacked to create a small mound that rises above the bowl. The bowl has small brown spots and is placed on a wooden surface with a pair of light brown chopsticks laying beside it. The background is dark and out of focus. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

My must-have garnishes on this salad are extra toasted sesame seeds and sometimes on special occasions, I sprinkle chopped cilantro or Thai basil leaves for an aromatic lift. A few crushed peanuts on top add crunch and a bit of richness that I can’t resist.

Side Dishes

This salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, teriyaki salmon, or even a steaming bowl of ramen. I often serve it alongside coconut rice or crispy tofu for a flavorful, balanced meal that feels light but satisfying.

Creative Ways to Present

For dinner parties, I like to serve the Asian Cucumber Salad with Sesame and Ginger Recipe in individual small glass cups or bamboo bowls, topped with little edible flowers or microgreens. It instantly makes the salad feel festive and polished without much effort.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, but I like to eat this salad within 2 to 3 days for maximum freshness. The cucumbers will release some juices over time, so giving it a quick stir before serving helps redistribute the dressing.

Freezing

Freezing this salad isn’t really recommended because cucumbers don’t freeze well—they become mushy and watery upon thawing. It’s best to enjoy fresh or refrigerated leftovers.

Reheating

This salad is best served cold or at room temperature, so reheating isn’t necessary. Just take leftovers out of the fridge about 10 minutes before eating to take the chill off and enjoy that bright, fresh flavor.

FAQs

Can I use regular cucumbers instead of Turkish or Persian cucumbers?

Absolutely! You can use regular cucumbers, but just be aware they typically have thicker skins and more seeds, which can make the salad wetter and slightly more bitter. If using them, peeling and deseeding can improve the texture and taste.
Is the Asian Cucumber Salad with Sesame and Ginger Recipe gluten-free?

It can be! Simply swap out traditional soy sauce with gluten-free options such as Bragg’s Liquid Aminos or Coconut aminos. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
How spicy is this salad and can I adjust the heat?

The recipe calls for chili garlic sauce, which adds a mild to medium heat. You can easily adjust the spiciness by using less sauce or opting for sriracha, sambal olek, or none at all if you prefer a milder flavor.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can make it a few hours ahead and refrigerate to let the flavors meld, but I recommend serving it the same day for the best crunch and freshness. It keeps well for up to 3 days refrigerated.

Final Thoughts

This Asian Cucumber Salad with Sesame and Ginger Recipe is one of those simple pleasures I always come back to because it’s so effortlessly tasty and refreshing. It’s perfect for when you want something light but packed with exciting flavor and texture. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do—consider it your new go-to for fast, fresh, and flavorful salads that feel like a little celebration in every bite!

Asian Cucumber Salad with Sesame and Ginger Recipe

Why This Recipe Works

Ingredients & Why They Work

Make It Your Way