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Fresh Asian Sesame Cucumber Salad Recipe Easy Homemade Chili Crisp Dressing

fresh asian sesame cucumber salad - featured image

A quick and easy Asian sesame cucumber salad with a spicy-sweet homemade chili crisp dressing, perfect as a refreshing side or snack.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 large English cucumbers, thinly sliced
  • 3 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce (low-sodium preferred)
  • 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
  • 1 small clove garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons chili crisp (homemade or store-bought)
  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
  • 2 stalks green onions, thinly sliced
  • Pinch of salt
  • Optional: fresh lime juice, chopped fresh cilantro

Instructions

  1. Wash and dry the cucumbers thoroughly. Slice them thinly about 1/8-inch thick. Place slices in a large mixing bowl.
  2. Sprinkle about ½ teaspoon salt over the cucumbers and toss gently. Let sit for 10 minutes to draw out excess moisture. Drain and pat dry with paper towels.
  3. Toast 1 tablespoon sesame seeds in a dry skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently until golden and fragrant, about 3 minutes. Set aside.
  4. In a small bowl or jar, combine rice vinegar, toasted sesame oil, soy sauce, honey (or maple syrup), minced garlic, and chili crisp. Whisk or shake until well blended.
  5. Add drained cucumbers to the bowl with the dressing. Toss gently but thoroughly to coat. Add toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions. Toss again to combine.
  6. Refrigerate the salad for at least 15 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Serve chilled or at room temperature with optional lime juice or cilantro.

Notes

Salt cucumbers and let them sit to draw out excess water to keep salad crisp. Toast sesame seeds until golden for best flavor. Adjust chili crisp amount to control heat. Refrigerate salad for at least 15 minutes before serving for best flavor. Drain excess liquid before serving if cucumbers release too much water.

Nutrition

Keywords: Asian cucumber salad, sesame cucumber salad, chili crisp dressing, easy cucumber salad, quick salad recipe, healthy side dish, gluten-free salad, vegan salad