Looking for a light, refreshing dish that’s packed with bold flavors? This Spicy Cucumber Salad is exactly what you need! Spiralized cucumbers are tossed in an irresistible sweet, salty, spicy, and tangy dressing, then topped with fresh scallions and toasted sesame seeds for extra crunch. It’s the perfect side dish for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a dinner or just need something quick and healthy. Best of all, it’s easy to make and bursting with flavor in every bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Takes just 15 minutes to prepare.
- Healthy and Light: Made with fresh, simple ingredients.
- Packed with Flavor: A perfect balance of sweet, spicy, tangy, and salty.
- Versatile: Works great as a side dish, appetizer, or snack.
What Makes This Spicy Cucumber Salad Special?
This cucumber salad is not your average side dish. By spiralizing the cucumbers, you get a beautiful, noodle-like texture that makes the dish stand out visually and adds a bit of fun to every bite. The dressing, with its blend of chili oil, gochujang, soy sauce, and rice vinegar, delivers a vibrant kick that elevates the crisp freshness of the cucumbers. It’s the perfect contrast of cool and spicy, making it a hit with anyone who tries it.
Visual Guide for Preparing Your Spicy Cucumber Salad
Step 1: Start by spiralizing or julienning your cucumbers to create thin, noodle-like strands. This gives the salad its fun texture and helps it soak up the dressing.
Step 2: Prepare your spicy dressing. Mix the chili oil, gochujang, rice vinegar, sugar, soy sauce, and sesame oil in a bowl until well combined.
Step 3: Toss the cucumbers with the dressing, making sure every strand is well coated. This ensures that the cucumbers absorb all the sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors.
Step 4: Garnish with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds for added crunch and freshness. Serve immediately, or let it marinate for 10-15 minutes for an even bolder taste.
Tips for Perfect Spicy Cucumber Salad
- Cucumber Texture: Use firm cucumbers to keep the salad crunchy and avoid sogginess.
- Adjust the Heat: If you like more spice, add extra chili oil or gochujang. For a milder version, reduce the chili oil.
- Make it a Meal: Add grilled tofu, shrimp, or chicken to turn this salad into a light main dish.
- Enhance the Flavor: Let the cucumbers marinate in the dressing for 10-15 minutes before serving for maximum flavor absorption.
Health Benefits
Cucumbers are naturally hydrating and low in calories, making this salad a perfect addition to any healthy diet. The dressing, made with gochujang and chili oil, provides a metabolism-boosting kick, while the sesame seeds add healthy fats for a well-rounded dish.
FAQ
Can I Make This Salad Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare it a few hours in advance. For best results, add the dressing and garnishes just before serving to keep the cucumbers crisp.
What Can I Use Instead of Gochujang?
You can substitute gochujang with a mix of red pepper flakes and a bit of miso paste to get a similar spicy, umami flavor.
Is This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Yes, simply use gluten-free soy sauce to make this salad gluten-free.
Spicy Cucumber Noodle Salad
Equipment
- Spiralizer or julienne peeler
- Mixing bowls
- Knife and Cutting Board
Ingredients
- 3 large cucumbers spiralized or julienned
- 2-3 cloves garlic minced
- 2 green onions thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp chili oil
- 1 tbsp gochujang Korean red chili paste
- 3 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 2 tbsp soy sauce low-sodium preferred
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- Toasted sesame seeds for garnish optional
Instructions
- Spiralize or julienne the cucumbers and place them in a bowl.
- Mix garlic, green onions, chili oil, gochujang, rice vinegar, sugar, soy sauce, and sesame oil together in a small bowl.
- Pour the dressing over the cucumbers and toss to coat evenly.
- Garnish with toasted sesame seeds and extra green onions, if desired. Serve immediately or chill for 10-15 minutes for enhanced flavor.
Notes
• Let the cucumbers marinate for 10-15 minutes before serving for enhanced flavor.
• Add proteins like tofu or shrimp to make it a full meal.
• Garnish with sesame seeds or crushed peanuts for extra texture and flavor.