Dessert

Spicy Cucumber Salad Recipe

Name: Spicy Cucumber Salad Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 6 mini cucumbers (sliced) or 3 large regular cucumbers; ½ teaspoon of salt; 1 garlic clove (minced); 1 teaspoon of fresh ginger (minced); 1 tablespoon of soy sauce; 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar; ½ teaspoon of sesame oil; ½ tablespoon of agave or maple syrup; ½ teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes; 1 teaspoon of sesame seeds; Green onions (thinly sliced); Crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Bylina Carter January 8, 2026January 8, 2026

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Introduction

Spicy Cucumber Salad is a refreshing, tangy dish with just the right amount of heat to awaken your taste buds. This simple salad combines crisp cucumbers with a flavorful dressing, making it a perfect side or light snack.

This image shows a bowl filled with many thinly sliced cucumber rounds, each a fresh bright green with a hint of light green in the middle. The cucumbers are coated in a shiny brown sauce that pools at the bottom of the bowl. Scattered on top are small black sesame seeds, bits of minced garlic, and red chili flakes, adding bursts of black and red color. Thin slices of green onions are spread across the dish, adding another layer of green with a smooth texture. A silver spoon with ornate patterns rests inside the bowl, partially covered by the cucumbers. The bowl is white and sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

6 mini cucumbers (sliced) or 3 large regular cucumbers
½ teaspoon salt

1 garlic clove (minced)
1 teaspoon fresh ginger (minced)

1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon rice vinegar

½ teaspoon sesame oil
½ tablespoon agave or maple syrup
½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

1 teaspoon sesame seeds (for garnish)
Green onions (thinly sliced, for garnish)
Crushed red pepper flakes (for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Wash and slice the cucumbers. Place them in a large bowl and set aside.
Step 2: In a small bowl, combine the salt, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, agave or maple syrup, and crushed red pepper flakes. Mix well and let it sit for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Step 3: Pour the dressing over the cucumbers and toss gently to coat.

Step 4: Serve the salad topped with green onions, sesame seeds, and additional crushed red pepper flakes for extra heat.

Tips & Variations

For a milder flavor, reduce the crushed red pepper flakes in both the dressing and garnish.
Add a splash of lime juice for a citrusy twist.

Use thinly sliced red onion or radishes for extra crunch and color.
Toast the sesame seeds lightly before garnishing to enhance their nutty aroma.

Storage

Store the salad covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The cucumbers will soften over time, so it’s best enjoyed fresh. If needed, give it a quick toss before serving again. Avoid reheating as this salad is best served cold or at room temperature.

How to Serve

A bowl filled with many thin, bright green cucumber slices, some showing a crinkled edge, tossed with small pieces of green onions, tiny black sesame seeds, and red pepper flakes. The cucumbers are coated in a light brown soy-like sauce pooling slightly at the bottom. A silver spoon rests inside the bowl on top of the cucumbers. The bowl is white and sits on a white marbled textured surface with a piece of light gray cloth nearby. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular cucumbers instead of mini cucumbers?

Yes, regular cucumbers work well. Simply slice about 3 large cucumbers to substitute for 6 mini cucumbers.

Is this salad very spicy?

The heat level comes from crushed red pepper flakes and can be adjusted according to your preference by adding less for a milder salad.