Description
A crisp and spicy cucumber salad recipe that’s refreshing for summer, featuring a tangy marinade with a hint of heat. This easy dish is perfect as a side for barbecues or as a light lunch.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 medium English cucumbers, sliced
- 2 medium carrots, grated
- 1 medium sweet red pepper, chopped
- 1 medium red onion, diced
- 2 stalks green onions, sliced
- 1 medium serrano or jalapeno pepper, optional, chopped
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons water, optional
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 inch fresh gingerroot, minced
- Optional Toppings: 1 tablespoon cilantro, chopped; 2 tablespoons peanuts, chopped; 2 tablespoons green onion, sliced
Instructions
- In a large bowl, toss together sliced cucumbers, grated carrots, chopped sweet red pepper, diced red onion, green onions, and optional serrano or jalapeno peppers.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together sugar, rice vinegar, water, salt, garlic powder, pepper, sesame oil, soy sauce, minced garlic, and minced ginger.
- Pour the marinade over the vegetable mixture and gently toss to coat all veggies evenly.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or ideally overnight, to allow flavors to meld.
- Use a slotted spoon to serve, ensuring you’re not transferring excess liquid.
- Garnish with cilantro, peanuts, or more green onions as desired.
Notes
- Best served chilled.
- Allow to marinate overnight for enhanced flavor.
- For a gluten-free option, use tamari instead of soy sauce.
- Adjust spice level by adding or omitting chili peppers and cayenne.
- This crisp spicy cucumber salad is perfect for make-ahead.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 120 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 6 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg