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Home » Gluten free » Asian Cucumber Salad

Asian Cucumber Salad

August 5, 2014 by Tracy | Updated January 3, 2021 This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy.

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chopsticks holding thinly sliced cucumbers in a bowl with Pinterest pin text.
chopsticks holding thinly sliced cucumbers in a bowl with Pinterest pin text.
a bowl of thinly sliced cucumbers and onions with chopsticks with Pinterest pin text.
chopsticks holding thinly sliced cucumbers in a bowl with Pinterest pin text.

This easy Asian Cucumber Salad recipe is the perfect way to use those garden fresh cucumbers!  It comes together in minutes, is healthy, light, and requires only a few ingredients. It is a summer side salad that will complement almost any summer menu!

chopsticks holding thinly sliced cucumbers in a bowl.

Oh, cucumbers. I love you so. Even more now with this Asian Cucumber Salad recipe.  Our cucumber plants are doing so well this year that we are swimming in fresh cucumbers, which is perfect for this light, healthy, and fresh cucumber lovers salad!

Ingredients Needed:

sesame seeds, cucumbers, dill, onion and rice wine vinegar on counter.
  • Cucumbers - We prefer Japanese, English, or Kirby cucumbers for this cucumber salad recipe.
  • Onion - White is our preferred although a sweet yellow would also work!
  • Sesame Seeds - Toasted to really bring out their flavor!
  • Seasoned Rice Vinegar - You want to make sure it's labeled "seasoned" because this rice vinegar is flavored with a little salt and sugar vs. a regular rice vinegar.
  • Fresh Dill - You can use dried, too but fresh is definitely preferred. See recipe notes.

How to Make Asian Cucumber Salad

cucumber being sliced on a mandolin.

This cucumber salad comes together super fast, especially if you have handy dandy mandolin to do all of the supppperrr thin slicing for you!  Then it's easy as 1, 2, 3:

  1. Slice cucumbers and onions (the thinner the better!)
  2. Sweat cucumbers.
  3. Toast your sesame seeds (be careful they don't burn!)
  4. Combine the cucumbers and onions with the rest of the ingredients, chill, and serve!

Do I Really Need a Mandolin?

No, it's not 100% necessary, but it'll make everything a lot faster and it'll ensure super thin and even slices.  Plus, it's a really handy tool to have around, we use this one all of the time:


Plus, then you can use it to zoodle your zucchini!  Which means you can make these Garlic Parmesan Zoodles or Shrimp Zoodle Scampi.

It also means nice thin apple crisps for one of my favorite snacks, Homemade Potato Chips and you can get the signature crinkle-cut for some Bread and Butter Pickles!

Do I Have to Sweat the Cucumbers?

Sweating the cucumbers, even just for 30 minutes, will help them to release the excess water.

If you're short on time, don't sweat it - literally! I sometimes make this salad without sweating/draining the cucumbers and it is still delicious - although it will add water to your dish, which means the rice vinegar is diluted a little.

I would definitely suggest doing it if you're going to bring this Asian Cucumber Salad as a side dish for a get-together (removing the excess water does help the salad keep longer), but if you just want a super simple, flavorful quick lunch, then

large bowl with sliced cucumbers, onions, and sesame seeds.

SO fresh. SO simple. SO easy to make. This Asian Cucumber Salad recipe is perfect for your summer cucumbers or just some good clean, healthy eating. We make this all of the time as a side to some of our favorite Asian Inspired dishes and for a quick and easy lunch!

FAQs

What Cucumbers Should I Use?

I personally prefer to use English, Japanese, or Kirby because they are the crunchiest. The standard cucumbers that you get in the grocery store are typically American Slicing. They're a little less firm, have a slightly higher water content, and often a kind of waxy coating, which is why they're best for recipes that require peeled cucumbers.  I would avoid using a thicker cucumber with bigger seeds like Lemon or Burpless cucumbers for this recipe.

Should I peel them?

It depends on the cucumber you use, but I usually just give a good scrub with some water and then slice with the skin on.  Just make sure you get all those prickly little spines off of the skin first, especially if you're using a variety like Kirby.

Do I have to Toast the Sesame Seeds?

You don't have to, but it brings out their nutty flavor more and it makes them crunchier. Plus, it changes their nutritional value and actually brings out more calcium! But totally optional - it's still delicious without them toasted.

chopsticks holding thinly sliced cucumbers and onions.

Other Great Cucumber Recipes:

Bread and Butter Pickles 

Super Easy Dill Pickles 

Israeli Couscous Cucumber Salad

Black Bean Quinoa Salad

Chickpea Kale Greek Salad

Enjoy all of those fresh summer cucumbers, friends!

Have you made this Asian Cucumber Salad with some of your fresh or farmer's market cucumbers?  I'd love to hear about it!  Follow me on Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram to share your Served From Scratch creations!

cucumbers, onions and sesame seeds in a bowl.

Asian Cucumber Salad

Garden fresh cucumbers sliced incredibly thin with white onion make this Asian Cucumber Salad incredibly light and refreshing! 
5 from 13 votes
Print Pin Rate
Course: Appetizer
Diet: Gluten Free, Vegan
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 2 minutes
Sweating/Chilling Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 52 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Author: Tracy

Equipment

  • Mandoline

Ingredients

  • 2 large cucumbers English or Japanese
  • 2 teaspoons kosher salt
  • 1/4 white or vidalia onion sliced in very thin half rounds
  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds toasted, optional
  • 1/3 cup seasoned rice wine vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon fresh dill, minced

Instructions

  • Slice cucumbers as thin as possible (with mandoline or by hand). Place a colander either in a clean sink or over a bowl. Layer the cucumbers in a single(ish) layer in the colander and sprinkle with salt. Repeat until all cucumbers are salted. Let sweat for at least 30 minutes or up to 60 minutes to release excess liquid.
  • Once cucumbers have drained, heat a small saute pan over medium heat. Add sesame seeds and toast for 1 -2 minutes stirring constantly so they don't burn. This step is optional.
  • Shake off excess water. Add cucumbers and thinly sliced onions to a bowl. Add rice wine vinegar, dill, and sesame seeds. Mix well. Cover and refrigerate for at least 10-15 minutes.
  • Serve and enjoy!

Notes

Substitutions
Cucumbers: English and Japanese Cucumbers work best for this recipe but you can't find them, use a regular cucumber but peel because the skin is much tougher.
Onion:  Yellow onions work well, too.
Dill: Substitute 1 teaspoon of dried for the 1 tablespoon of fresh. 
Sweat the Cucumbers: This step is not required, but it will help reduce the amount of water released from the cucumbers into the salad, which can dilute the flavors. 
A mandoline is not required but it will help! 
 

Nutrition

Serving: 4g | Calories: 41kcal | Carbohydrates: 7g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 731mg | Potassium: 240mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 158IU | Vitamin C: 5mg | Calcium: 44mg | Iron: 1mg
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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Scarlet

    May 13, 2020 at 5:56 am

    I have had this lots of times out at restaurants. I never knew it was so easy to make. I must try this recipe at home. Thanks!

    Reply
  2. Pamela

    April 08, 2020 at 1:38 pm

    5 stars
    Excellent recipe. Did not have rice vinegar so substituted white balsamic . . . Delicious!!!

    Reply
    • Tracy

      April 09, 2020 at 7:21 am

      Oooh white balsamic, GREAT sub!!

      Reply
  3. Emma

    January 13, 2019 at 1:08 pm

    5 stars
    Why have I not made this before?! I love cucumbers and Asian flavours. Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
    • Tracy

      January 21, 2019 at 8:31 pm

      Enjoy!

      Reply
  4. Jill

    January 13, 2019 at 10:44 am

    5 stars
    This is such a great twist on the classic cucumber and onion salad that is so popular in the summer months. I definitely want to try your version. I love sesame seeds.

    Reply
    • Tracy

      January 21, 2019 at 8:31 pm

      Thanks, Jill!

      Reply
  5. Veena Azmanov

    January 13, 2019 at 10:19 am

    5 stars
    Salad is such a healthy option for any meal. Cucumber too is a great option for a salad filler. Will make this salad tonight for Dinner. This is so simple to make too.

    Reply
  6. Jacqueline Debono

    January 13, 2019 at 10:05 am

    5 stars
    Cucumber is really one of the best salad ingredients! This Asian cucumber salad looks so refreshing. Def one to try! Going to pin for later!

    Reply
  7. Amanda Wren-Grimwood

    January 13, 2019 at 8:45 am

    5 stars
    Cucumber salad is a big favourite of mine and I love the Asian flavours in this recipe. So delicious!

    Reply
  8. Jacqueline Meldrum

    January 12, 2019 at 9:23 am

    5 stars
    That looks really good and I bet it's a refreshing salad. Thanks for the recipe.

    Reply
  9. Natalie

    January 12, 2019 at 9:05 am

    5 stars
    I love Asian cucumber salad but never tried making it at home! Looks and sounds so delicious and I love how easy it is to make!

    Reply
  10. Eden | Sweet Tea and Thyme

    January 12, 2019 at 9:02 am

    5 stars
    So fresh and tasty! Can't wait to put this into my meal plan!

    Reply
  11. Andrea Metlika

    January 12, 2019 at 8:24 am

    5 stars
    I am a huge cucumber fan and this salad is Awesome!

    Reply
  12. Caroline

    January 12, 2019 at 7:55 am

    5 stars
    This reminds me of many meals I have had out, but somehow I haven't made it at home. So easy, so really should give it a try!

    Reply
  13. Meghan | Fox and Briar

    April 14, 2016 at 1:23 pm

    This looks so light and healthy, perfect for summer!

    Reply
  14. jane @ littlesugarsnaps

    April 13, 2016 at 2:14 am

    Tracy, you certainly sound as if you look back on your childhood snacking with fond memories and you've taken me right back to my childhood self spending my time snapping off fresh rhubarb stalks that got dipped straight into sugar. Heaven. I love the salad - I think cucumber is under-rated severely. It lends itself so well to be a well dressed side salad. Can't wait to try your Asian flavoured recipe

    Reply
  15. Michelle @ Giraffes Can Bake

    April 13, 2016 at 12:59 am

    This looks so yummy! I love cucumber, so simply but so yummy and refreshing!
    I'm very jealous of all your access to home grown veggies!

    Reply
  16. Shadi

    April 12, 2016 at 3:19 pm

    I really would like to have my own garden and grow veggies! The quality, the taste, everything about home grown veggies is just better than store bought! How come I never tried dill with cucumber? i should really try this!

    Reply
  17. Amanda | The Chunky Chef

    April 11, 2016 at 6:47 pm

    Can't wait to try this recipe this summer! It looks so fresh and flavorful!

    Reply
  18. Julie at Hostess At Heart

    April 11, 2016 at 11:00 am

    I love how pretty this salad is and it sounds delicious! Perfect for warmer days too!

    Reply
  19. Barely Vegan

    February 01, 2016 at 10:38 pm

    I will definitely be trying this recipe. I've never liked cucumbers unless they're marinated in something with vinegar! This looks awesome 🙂

    Reply
    • Tracy

      February 04, 2016 at 11:54 am

      Awesome! Thanks!!

      Reply
  20. Anita

    August 10, 2015 at 5:08 pm

    Thanks for the recipe. I have tons of Asian cucumbers. I grew some of my own Asian cucumbers this year - got the seeds from an Asian store. You should try it. Here are some pictures from my blog.. http://earthlychow.com/asian-cucumber-tien-chin-long

    Reply
  21. Dixya @ Food, Pleasure, and Health

    July 23, 2015 at 4:53 pm

    this is such a refreshing idea for a salad!!!

    Reply
    • Tracy

      July 24, 2015 at 9:50 am

      Thank you, Dixya 😀

      Reply
  22. Tina Jui | The Worktop

    June 07, 2015 at 4:20 am

    Looks so delicious! My husband hates cucumber, so I usually never make anything with it. I might just have to make this for myself though 🙂

    Reply
    • Tracy

      June 08, 2015 at 8:10 am

      Thanks, Tina! Ooh that's too bad your husband hates cucumbers... I guess that means just more for you! 😉

      Reply
  23. Lorelai @ Life With Lorelai

    June 01, 2015 at 6:24 am

    YUM'd! This looks delicious. Please come share your blog posts over at the Home Matters Linky Party! We'd love to have you for a visit. The Door is OPEN. http://lifewithlorelai.com/2015/05/28/home-matters-linky-party-39/ 🙂

    ~Lorelai
    Life With Lorelai

    Reply
    • Tracy

      June 01, 2015 at 11:53 am

      Thanks so much, Lorelai! I'm headed there now to check it out! 😀

      Reply
  24. Brian Jones

    June 01, 2015 at 12:04 am

    I love the way how some recipes are very similar in relatively unrelated places around the world... This is very similar to a Hungarian Cucumber salad that is lightly pickled, superb 🙂

    Reply
    • Tracy

      June 01, 2015 at 11:52 am

      Thanks, Brian! Yes I agree- there are so many dishes that cross cultures which is so fun! Thanks so much for stopping by! 🙂

      Reply
  25. toko tommee tippee

    December 06, 2014 at 6:40 pm

    how wonderful

    Reply
  26. But That's For Another Blog

    August 12, 2014 at 2:57 pm

    I want to make like a million gallons of this!!!!

    Reply
    • Tracy

      August 13, 2014 at 7:03 am

      I support this!

      Reply
  27. spiceinthecity

    August 09, 2014 at 12:58 am

    A gorgeous way to use cucumber! Looks really refreshing 🙂

    Reply
  28. huntfortheverybest

    August 07, 2014 at 9:33 am

    great salad! i love cucumbers.

    Reply
  29. Stephanie @ The Cozy Cook

    August 06, 2014 at 9:25 am

    "Aren't mandolins awesome?"..... okay, dorkiest comment EVERRRR. (But I love them)

    Reply
    • Tracy

      August 06, 2014 at 10:23 am

      HAHA oh I bet I've had dorkier comments- and it's so true; they ARE awesome! 😉

      Reply
  30. Stephanie @ The Cozy Cook

    August 06, 2014 at 9:25 am

    OH I love it! I will hopefully have a garden next year, my neighbor just brought me cucumbers from his garden and I DIED! You can't beat it- I'm so glad yours is doing so well, this salad looks AWESOME. (PS- Aren't Mandolins awesome?!)

    Reply
    • Tracy

      August 06, 2014 at 10:22 am

      Aren't home grown cucumbers the BEST? I bet you guys will have an amazing garden with all of that land! NH gardens are the best!!! 🙂

      Reply
  31. Traditionally Modern Food

    August 06, 2014 at 8:48 am

    Salad looks refreshing

    Reply
  32. MamaD1xx4xy

    August 06, 2014 at 7:57 am

    This looks great. I love all kinds of cucumber salads, unfortunately our cucumbers are done. I miss them so much!

    Reply
    • Tracy

      August 06, 2014 at 8:10 am

      Thank you, me too! Oh it's so sad when a vegetable is over for the season, but hopefully you were able to get the most out of them while you had them 🙂

      Reply
  33. Shari

    August 05, 2014 at 4:41 pm

    I'm so happy for you that you get to have a garden this year. We love our garden, too! I have never had much success with cucumbers, though. A lot of times they have come out very bitter, and I'm not sure why. Arizona may not be a good place to grow them, or I just have no idea what I'm doing which could be the case!:) Your salad looks so good!

    Reply
    • Tracy

      August 06, 2014 at 8:08 am

      Thank you, Shari! Having your own garden is so rewarding, isn't it? Bitter? hmmm... I'd better it the former reason and not the latter 😉

      Reply
  34. justaboutvegan

    August 05, 2014 at 4:34 pm

    Looks like a great way to use up the piles of cucumbers I've been getting from my CSA. Thanks!

    Reply
    • Tracy

      August 06, 2014 at 8:07 am

      Glad to have helped! Thank you for stopping by 🙂

      Reply
    • Pati .com

      February 08, 2018 at 5:59 pm

      I like your recipes and hope to try again

      Reply

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I'm here to help take the fear out of from scratch, whole foods cooking & share easy to make, approachable recipes that you can get excited about making! Read More…

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