If you’re craving a fresh, flavorful, and slightly spicy side that’s ready in no time, this Spicy Cucumber Salad Recipe is about to become your new go-to. Imagine crunchy cucumbers soaked in a zingy, garlicky dressing that balances heat, sweet, and tang perfectly. It’s the kind of salad that perks up any meal and keeps your taste buds dancing. Whether you’re new to cucumber salads or looking to spice up your usual routine, this recipe is an absolute winner that’s as delightful to eat as it is easy to make.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Spicy Cucumber Salad Recipe calls for simple ingredients that work beautifully together to create incredible taste and texture. Each item plays a special role, from the crisp cucumbers to the flavorful sesame oil and chili flakes that bring just the right kick.
- 8 mini or Persian cucumbers: Their small size and crisp texture make them perfect for this salad.
- 1 green onion (ends trimmed and finely sliced): Adds a subtle oniony crunch and vibrant color.
- Sesame seeds: For a delicious nutty crunch and pretty garnish.
- 1 ½ tbsp low-sodium soy sauce (or tamari/coconut aminos for gluten-free): Brings umami depth without overpowering.
- 1 ½ tbsp rice vinegar or white wine vinegar: Gives the salad a light, tangy brightness.
- 1 tsp sesame oil: A little goes a long way in giving a toasty, aromatic flavor.
- 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup: Balances out the heat with a touch of natural sweetness.
- 2 large garlic cloves (minced): Infuses the salad with savory punch and aroma.
- 1 tsp crushed or full red chili flakes: Adds the perfect amount of heat to enliven every bite.
How to Make Spicy Cucumber Salad Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cucumbers
First, wash and dry those mini cucumbers. Cut off the ends and let’s create those beautiful spiral slices. Use chopsticks to make thin diagonal cuts, but don’t slice all the way through the cucumber.
Step 2: Complete the Spiral Cuts
Flip the cucumbers and cut at a 90-degree angle to finish the spiral pattern. Once done, slice the spirals in half and place them gently into your mixing bowl. This technique lets the dressing cling in all the right places.
Step 3: Mix the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey (or maple syrup), minced garlic, and chili flakes. This dressing is your flavor powerhouse, balancing salty, sweet, spicy, and tangy elements.
Step 4: Combine and Garnish
Pour that vibrant dressing over your cucumbers and toss gently to coat without breaking the spirals. Finally, sprinkle with the green onions and sesame seeds for a pop of freshness and crunch. Your Spicy Cucumber Salad Recipe is ready to enjoy!
How to Serve Spicy Cucumber Salad Recipe
Garnishes
Little touches go a long way with this salad. Sprinkle extra toasted sesame seeds or finely chopped fresh herbs like cilantro or mint to lift the flavor even higher. Thinly sliced red chilies also make for a stunning and spicy garnish if you want to dial up the heat.
Side Dishes
This Spicy Cucumber Salad Recipe pairs beautifully with grilled meats, especially chicken or salmon, where the cool crispness of the salad balances the smoky richness. It also complements spicy Asian dishes, rice bowls, or can be enjoyed solo as a refreshing snack on warm days.
Creative Ways to Present
Think outside the bowl: serve the salad atop a bed of shredded lettuce or inside lettuce cups for a fun and fresh handheld bite. You can also layer it in a glass jar for a stunning lunchbox treat or party appetizer that shows off those spiral cucumbers perfectly.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This salad is best eaten fresh to keep its crunch, but if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The cucumbers will soften over time, but the flavors will deepen, making it still quite tasty.
Freezing
Because cucumbers hold a lot of water, freezing is not recommended for this Spicy Cucumber Salad Recipe. The texture will become mushy upon thawing, and that fresh, crisp bite will be lost.
Reheating
No need to reheat! This salad shines best chilled or at room temperature, making it an effortless addition to your meal whether you’re serving immediately or having it ready for later.
FAQs
Can I use regular cucumbers instead of mini or Persian ones?
Absolutely! Regular cucumbers will work just fine. Just peel them if you’d like, and slice a bit thicker to keep some crunch since they tend to be larger and more watery.
How spicy is this salad? Can I adjust it?
The chili flakes provide a moderate heat that is easy to adjust. If you prefer mild, reduce or omit the chili flakes. For extra heat, add more or toss in fresh sliced chili peppers.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
As long as you use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce, this recipe is naturally gluten-free and safe for those who avoid gluten.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
You can prepare the dressing and cucumbers in advance, but it’s best to combine them shortly before serving to maintain that delightful crispness and fresh flavor.
What can I substitute for honey if I want a vegan option?
Maple syrup is a perfect vegan alternative to honey without changing the flavor much. It also blends beautifully in the dressing to keep that sweet balance.
Final Thoughts
This Spicy Cucumber Salad Recipe is a marvel of simplicity and flavor that’s sure to brighten up your meals anytime. Give it a try and watch it quickly become a favorite in your kitchen—fresh, vibrant, with just the right kick to keep every bite exciting.
Print
Spicy Cucumber Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This delicious Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Chicken is a creamy, flavorful skillet dish featuring tender chicken breasts cooked in a rich sauce made with sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, chicken broth, and heavy cream, finished with Italian seasoning and fresh basil for a delightful gourmet meal in under 40 minutes.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Sauce
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then add them to the skillet. Cook the chicken until browned and cooked through, about 6-7 minutes per side. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté garlic: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
- Add sun-dried tomatoes and seasoning: Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and Italian seasoning, cooking briefly to combine flavors evenly.
- Simmer with broth: Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it reduce by half over 3-5 minutes to concentrate the flavors.
- Add cream and return chicken: Stir in the heavy cream, then return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet. Allow everything to simmer together for about 5 minutes to thicken the sauce and finish cooking the chicken.
- Serve: Plate the chicken with the creamy sun-dried tomato sauce spooned over. Garnish with fresh basil if desired, and serve hot.
Notes
- You can use fresh or jarred sun-dried tomatoes; if using jarred, drain excess oil.
- If you prefer a lighter sauce, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream.
- Serve with pasta, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
- Adjust the Italian seasoning and salt to taste, considering the saltiness of sun-dried tomatoes and broth.
- Fresh basil adds a bright contrast, but parsley or oregano can be used as alternatives.
