Asian Cucumber Salad | This is the best way to eat cucumber I've ever known.
Looking for a vibrant, incredibly refreshing, and crunch-packed salad recipe that proves to be the absolute best way to eat cucumbers you've ever known? This Asian Cucumber Salad is a total game-changer!
Combining fresh crisp cucumbers sliced into neat rounds, aromatic freshly minced garlic, fragrant green cilantro, and a savory dressing of extra virgin olive oil, sesame oil, chili powder, black pepper, and sea salt. To achieve that ultimate refreshing crunch, this recipe follows a brilliant culinary rule: skipping acidic lemon juice (which softens greens) and instead adding sugar and chilling in the refrigerator. Every single bite is zesty, aromatic, mouthwateringly crisp, and 100% plant-based.
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PREP TIME: 10 Minutes
CHILLING TIME: 15 Minutes
SERVINGS: 2–3 portions
DIETARY: 100% Vegan, Gluten-Free, Clean Eating, Low-Calorie
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INGREDIENTS:
Main Vegetables & Aromatics:
• 2–3 fresh crisp cucumbers (washed and sliced into neat uniform rounds)
• 2 cloves fresh garlic (finely minced)
• A small bunch of fresh green cilantro (finely chopped)
Dressing & Seasonings:
• 1–2 tablespoons sugar (the secret crunch booster—NO lemon juice!)
• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• 1 teaspoon fragrant sesame oil
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (or red pepper flakes)
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt (or to taste)
1/2 lemon
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STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS:
1. Prep the Cucumbers:
Rinse the fresh cucumbers under cold water, trim off the ends, and slice them cleanly on your wooden cutting board into neat, uniform rounds. Transfer them straight into a wide glass mixing bowl.
2. Add Aromatics:
Finely mince fresh garlic cloves on your board until wonderfully aromatic, and chop your fresh green cilantro. Scatter the minced garlic and cilantro right over the crunchy cucumber slices.
3. Season and Dress:
• Sprinkle sugar over the cucumbers as the secret crunch booster.
• Drizzle golden extra virgin olive oil and fragrant sesame oil for a rich umami sheen.
• Add a dash of chili powder, freshly cracked black pepper, and sea salt.
4. Toss Thoroughly:
Using a wooden spoon and salad fork, toss everything thoroughly from the bottom up until every single cucumber round is coated in the savory garlic dressing.
5. Chill in the Fridge:
Pop the bowl into the refrigerator to chill for 15 minutes. The cold air combined with the sugar will lock in maximum crunch and refreshing flavor.
6. Plate and Serve:
Spoon this vibrant Asian cucumber salad high onto your favorite ceramic serving plate, garnish with a little extra cilantro, and enjoy the ultimate refreshing bite!