Spicy Cucumber Salad
A refreshing and spicy cucumber salad with bold flavors from soy, vinegar, sesame oil, and Tabasco, perfect for light meals or as a side dish for summer gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Peel cucumbers and cut lengthwise in two.
- With a small spoon, scrape out seeds leaving hollow like shell boats.
- Cut cucumbers crosswise into 1/4-inch slices.
- In a small glass bowl, combine soy sauce, vinegar, sugar, sesame seed oil, Tabasco, and salt, and mix well.
- Add cucumbers to the dressing.
- With a large spoon, toss to coat each slice.
- Chill before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For added crunch, consider using Persian cucumbers, which are smaller and have fewer seeds. If soy sauce needs to be avoided, coconut aminos can be a great substitute. You can also adjust the heat level by modifying the amount of Tabasco or using a different hot sauce. To enhance the flavor, add a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or even chopped fresh herbs like cilantro.
Serving Suggestions
This spicy cucumber salad is a refreshing side dish that pairs beautifully with grilled meats or Asian-inspired meals. Serve it alongside Mullet Baked In Clay for a delightful contrast of flavors. You can also enjoy it as a light lunch or topped with protein like grilled chicken or tofu for a more substantial dish.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The salad will continue to release moisture, so it's best consumed fresh. If you plan to serve it later, consider keeping the cucumbers and dressing separate until just before serving to maintain their crispness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spicy Cucumber Salad contains roughly 16 calories, with 2g protein, 1g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1131mg per serving (49% 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
Is this salad suitable for vegans?
Absolutely! This spicy cucumber salad is naturally vegan, as it contains no animal products. Feel free to explore more vegan recipes that incorporate fresh vegetables and bold flavors to create a vibrant meal.
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).