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Crunchy Asian Sesame Cucumber Noodle Salad

Asian sesame cucumber noodle salad - featured image

A quick, refreshing, and crunchy Asian sesame cucumber noodle salad topped with fiery chili crisp, perfect as a light side or standalone meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 large English cucumbers, spiralized or thinly sliced
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger (optional)
  • 2 teaspoons toasted sesame seeds
  • 2 green onions, thinly sliced
  • 2 tablespoons chili crisp

Instructions

  1. Rinse and dry the cucumbers thoroughly. Using a spiralizer or mandoline, create cucumber noodles. Place noodles in a colander and sprinkle with 1 teaspoon salt. Let sit for 15 minutes to draw out excess water.
  2. While cucumbers rest, toast sesame seeds in a small pan over medium heat until golden and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together toasted sesame oil, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, minced garlic, and grated ginger until well combined.
  4. After 15 minutes, lightly press the cucumber noodles with clean hands or a paper towel to remove extra moisture.
  5. Transfer cucumber noodles to a mixing bowl. Pour sesame dressing over and toss gently but thoroughly to coat all noodles.
  6. Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions over the salad. Drizzle chili crisp evenly on top, starting with 1 tablespoon and adding more to taste.
  7. Chill the salad in the fridge for 10-15 minutes before serving to let flavors meld and enhance crunch.

Notes

Salt cucumbers to draw out moisture and prevent sogginess. Use toasted sesame oil for richer flavor. Adjust chili crisp amount to control spice level. Prepare dressing and toast seeds ahead to save time. Serve chilled or at room temperature. Store in airtight container up to 2 days; best eaten fresh.

Nutrition

Keywords: cucumber salad, Asian salad, sesame cucumber noodles, chili crisp salad, healthy salad, quick salad, crunchy salad