Spicy Cucumber Salad

Spicy cucumber salad is a refreshing and vibrant dish that brings a delightful mix of flavors and textures to your table. It’s simple to make and perfect as a side dish or a light snack. The combination of crunchy cucumbers, zesty seasonings, and a hint of heat will make your taste buds dance. With its vibrant colors and appealing presentation, this salad can brighten up any meal.

WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE

You will love this spicy cucumber salad for many reasons. First, it’s very easy to prepare. You only need a few ingredients, many of which you might already have in your kitchen. Second, it’s not only delicious but also healthy. Cucumbers are low in calories and packed with nutrients. The spicy dressing adds a kick without overpowering the fresh taste of the cucumbers. Lastly, this salad is versatile. You can serve it at a barbecue, a picnic, or a fancy dinner, and it will always impress your guests.

HOW TO MAKE Spicy Cucumber Salad

Making spicy cucumber salad is quick and straightforward. Follow these simple steps to create a dish that everyone will love.

EQUIPMENT NEEDED

To make spicy cucumber salad, you will need the following equipment:

• A cutting board
• A sharp knife
• A mixing bowl
• A whisk or fork
• Measuring spoons

 

 

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 8 mini or Persian cucumbers
• 1 green onion (ends trimmed and finely sliced)
• Sesame seeds
• 1 ½ tbsp low-sodium soy sauce (tamari or coconut aminos if gluten-free)
• 1 ½ tbsp rice vinegar or white wine vinegar
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
• 2 large garlic cloves (minced)
• 1 tsp crushed or full red chili flakes

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS

Prepare the Accordion Cucumbers

1. Wash the cucumbers under cold running water to clean them.
2. Dry the cucumbers with a towel.
3. Cut the ends off the cucumbers.
4. Now, take one cucumber at a time and place it between two chopsticks. This prevents you from cutting all the way through.
5. Cut the cucumber at a 45° angle, making thin diagonal slices on the top.
6. Flip the cucumber over and make cuts at a 90° angle.
7. Make sure you don’t cut straight across or at 45° again. This helps achieve the spiral effect.
8. After cutting, slice the spiraled cucumbers in half and add them to a large mixing bowl.
9. If you prefer, you can also use a mandolin to thinly slice the cucumbers.

Make the Dressing

1. In a small bowl, combine the following ingredients: low-sodium soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey or maple syrup, minced garlic, and red chili flakes.
2. Whisk these ingredients together until they form a smooth dressing.
3. Taste the dressing and adjust the seasonings to fit your preference.

Assemble the Salad

1. Pour the prepared dressing over the cucumbers in the mixing bowl.
2. Mix gently, ensuring the cucumbers do not break.
3. Garnish with sliced green onion and a sprinkle of sesame seeds.
4. Enjoy your spicy cucumber salad!

HOW TO SERVE Spicy Cucumber Salad

You can serve spicy cucumber salad in various ways. It is best enjoyed fresh, right after you make it. You can serve it as a side dish with grilled meat, fish, or tofu. It also pairs well with rice or noodles. For a light meal, you can enjoy it on its own. Garnishing with extra sesame seeds and sliced green onions makes it look even more appealing.

STORAGE & FREEZING : Spicy Cucumber Salad

Spicy cucumber salad is best when fresh, but you can store leftovers in the refrigerator. Keep the salad in an airtight container. It will stay fresh for up to 2 days, but the cucumbers may lose some crunchiness over time. It is not recommended to freeze this salad since the texture of the cucumbers won’t hold up well after thawing.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS

Spicy cucumber salad can be served in many creative ways:

• Serve it as a refreshing side with tacos or burritos.
• Add it to a sandwich or wrap for extra crunch.
• Pair it with rice or quinoa for a light lunch.
• Enjoy it alongside a charcuterie board.
• Serve it in small cups as a starter at parties.

VARIATIONS

You can easily customize spicy cucumber salad to fit your tastes. Here are some variations you can try:

• Add More Veggies: Mix in other vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or radishes for added color and texture.
• Make It Creamy: Stir in a tablespoon of Greek yogurt or sour cream for a creamy texture.
• Change the Heat Level: Adjust the amount of red chili flakes based on your spice preference. You can also add fresh chili peppers for more heat.
• Use Different Herbs: Add fresh herbs like cilantro or mint for a different flavor profile.
• Switch up the Sweetener: Use agave nectar or brown sugar instead of honey or maple syrup.

FAQs

1. Can I use regular cucumbers instead of mini or Persian cucumbers?

Yes, you can use regular cucumbers. Just slice them thinly. However, mini or Persian cucumbers have a sweeter taste and a crispier texture.

2. Is this salad vegan?

Yes, this salad is vegan if you use maple syrup as the sweetener instead of honey.

3. Can I prepare this salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare it a few hours ahead. Just keep it in the fridge until you are ready to serve.

4. What can I do if the salad is too spicy?

If it’s too spicy, you can add more cucumbers or a bit more honey or maple syrup to balance the heat.

MAKE-AHEAD TIPS FOR Spicy Cucumber Salad

If you want to make spicy cucumber salad ahead of time, follow these tips:

• Prep Ingredients: You can wash and slice the cucumbers a few hours before serving. Keep them in a container in the fridge.
• Make the Dressing: Prepare the dressing ahead and store it in the fridge. Just mix it with the cucumbers right before serving.
• Combine Just Before Serving: For the best texture, mix the cucumbers with the dressing right before you enjoy the salad.

With these steps, you will easily create a spicy cucumber salad that is full of flavor and sure to please everyone at your table!

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