Pin A refreshing, vibrant cucumber salad tossed with Asian-inspired seasonings, sesame oil, and fish sauce for a savory, tangy kick—perfect as a side or light appetizer.
I love preparing this cucumber salad for family picnics because it comes together quickly and always disappears fast. The bold dressing makes it especially popular at spring gatherings.
What's for Dinner Tonight? 🤔
Stop stressing. Get 10 fast recipes that actually work on busy nights.
Free. No spam. Just easy meals.
Ingredients
- 2 large cucumbers: thinly sliced
- 1 small red onion: thinly sliced
- 1 medium carrot: julienned
- 2 scallions: finely sliced
- 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro: chopped
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar:
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil:
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce:
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce: use gluten-free if needed
- 1 teaspoon honey or sugar:
- 1 garlic clove: finely minced
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger:
- 1 small red chili: thinly sliced (optional)
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds: for garnish
Tired of Takeout? 🥡
Get 10 meals you can make faster than delivery arrives. Seriously.
One email. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Instructions
- Prepare Vegetables:
- In a large bowl, combine cucumbers, red onion, carrot, scallions, and cilantro.
- Make Dressing:
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together rice vinegar, sesame oil, fish sauce, soy sauce, honey (or sugar), garlic, ginger, and chili if using.
- Toss Salad:
- Pour the dressing over the vegetables and toss well to coat.
- Meld Flavors:
- Let the salad sit for at least 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Garnish & Serve:
- Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds just before serving.
Pin This salad is now a staple at our weekend barbecues. Even kids love picking out their favorite veggies!
Still Scrolling? You'll Love This 👇
Our best 20-minute dinners in one free pack — tried and tested by thousands.
Trusted by 10,000+ home cooks.
Serving Suggestions
Pair this cucumber salad with grilled meats, seafood, or crispy tofu for a light and balanced meal. Try it tucked into lettuce wraps for a crunchy snack.
Nutritional Information
Each serving delivers about 75 calories, 4 g fat, 8 g carbohydrates, and 2 g protein.
Recipe Variations
Swap carrots for thinly sliced radish or bell pepper, or use vegetarian fish sauce for a meatless version.
Pin 
Tangy, crisp, and packed with flavor, this cucumber salad adds freshness to any meal. Enjoy every bite!
Recipe FAQ
- → Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it a few hours ahead. Allowing the vegetables to marinate improves flavor, but add sesame seeds just before serving for crunch.
- → What can I substitute for fish sauce?
Use vegetarian fish sauce or extra soy sauce for a fully vegetarian option without sacrificing savory depth.
- → Is this suitable for gluten-free diets?
Yes, use gluten-free soy sauce and check all dressing ingredients to ensure compatibility with gluten-free requirements.
- → How do I control spice level?
Simply adjust or omit the red chili to tailor the heat to your taste, or swap in mild bell pepper for extra crunch.
- → Which proteins pair well with this salad?
This fresh side complements grilled meats, seafood, or tofu, making it versatile for many main courses.
- → Are there ingredient variations I can try?
Thinly sliced radish, bell pepper, or even snap peas add color and texture; cilantro can be swapped with mint for herbal brightness.
