Chinese Cucumber Salad
A refreshing Chinese cucumber salad featuring crisp slices, tangy vinegar, and sesame oil—perfect as a light appetizer or side dish for warm days.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Peel the cucumber.
- Cut the cucumber into very thin slices.
- Sprinkle salt over the cucumber slices and let stand for at least 20 minutes.
- Drain the cucumber thoroughly.
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, use a Chinese cucumber, which is thinner and has fewer seeds than regular cucumbers. If you don't have monosodium glutamate, you can skip it or use a dash of vegetable broth for added umami. Adjust sugar and salt to your taste, especially if you prefer a sweeter salad. For a spicy kick, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes.
Serving Suggestions
This refreshing Chinese Cucumber Salad makes an excellent side dish for grilled meats or seafood and pairs beautifully with Ginger-Lime Chicken Stir-Fry. Serve it alongside fried rice or as part of a larger spread of Chinese recipes. Garnish with sesame seeds or chopped scallions for added flavor and presentation.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover cucumber salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The salad may become watery as it sits, so give it a good stir before serving. It's best enjoyed cold, so there's no need to reheat; simply serve it straight from the fridge.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chinese Cucumber Salad contains roughly 26 calories, with 1g protein, 6g carbohydrates, and 0g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (10% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 500mg per serving (22% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this salad in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the cucumber salad a few hours ahead of time. Just remember to drain the cucumber well before serving to avoid excess water. The flavors will meld beautifully if it sits in the refrigerator for a bit, enhancing the overall taste.
What can I substitute for white wine vinegar?
If you don't have white wine vinegar, rice vinegar is an excellent alternative that will maintain the salad's light and refreshing flavor. Apple cider vinegar can also work, though it may add a slightly different taste. Adjust the amount of sugar if needed to balance the acidity.
Is this recipe suitable for vegans?
Yes, this Chinese Cucumber Salad is entirely vegan, making it a perfect dish for those following vegan recipes. All the ingredients are plant-based, so you can enjoy this salad without any concerns. It's a great addition to a summer picnic or a light lunch.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).