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    Home / Recipes / Vegan Salads

    Spicy Cucumber Salad

    Published: Sep 11, 2020 · Modified: Jun 10, 2022 by Kathy Carmichael · This post may contain affiliate links.

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    SPICY CUCUMBER SALAD

    When pairing a salad with one of my favorite Asian recipes, spicy cucumber salad is my go-to salad. Cucumbers, though simple, absorb flavors while maintaining their freshness. And, spicy cucumber salad is quick and easy with very few ingredients. 

    WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN DIFFERENT CUCUMBERS?

    According to The Spruce Eats, there are three different types of cucumbers which are similar, yet very different. 

    Slicing Cucumbers

    • The skin is waxy and the tough dark green color is more uniform.
    • The taste can be more bitter.
    • Generally less expensive to purchase.
    • For a less bitter flavor, the skin and seeds should be removed.
    • Well-known names like Kirby and Persian cucumbers are types of slicers.
    Pickling Cucumbers
    • Although any variety of cucumber can be pickled (in a solution or brine of sugar, vinegar, and spices), these cucumbers are specially grown to be uniform in width and length.
    • Picklers tend to be shorter and thicker than slicers. They may have bumpy or spotted skin.
    • Their color, prior to pickling, can vary from yellow to pale or dark green.
    • Gherkins, also known as cornichons or baby dills, are one of the best-known varieties of pickling cucumbers. They're typically much shorter than slicing cucumbers with very bumpy skins and are pickled whole, not sliced.

    English Cucumbers

    • These are longer and more narrow than Slicer cucumbers.
    • Most of the time they are not waxed and, instead, wrapped in plastic.
    • Their seeds are much smaller and easier to eat so they do not require de-seeding.
    • The taste is less bitter than slicers, milder, and almost sweet.
    • The skin is thinner and edible.
    • They're sometimes labeled for sale as “seedless” or “burpless”

    WHICH CUCUMBERS ARE BEST FOR SPICY CUCUMBER SALAD?

    Enlgish cucumber spicy cucumber salad

    For my spicy cucumber salad recipe, I an English cucumber because I want thinner skin, fewer seeds, and a sweeter taste. In order to get the most flavor from the cucumber and avoid sogginess, I deseed the English cucumber with a spoon.

    how to deseed a cucumber

    • Gently glide the sharp end of the spoon down the center of the cucumber, scraping as you remove the seeds.
    • Wipe away any extra seeds remaining. 
    • Set aside

    Then, I used my crinkle cutter tool to cut my cucumber with a fancy wave. Obviously, using a fancy cut is optional, but it does make it a little prettier. 

    Crinkle cutter

    Spicy cucumber dressing

    In addition, I add a bunch of green onions (scallions) and a simple dressing with the following ingredients:

    • Soy sauce or Tamari (gluten-free soy sauce)
    • Rice vinegar
    • Maple Syrup
    • Chili sauce
    • Sesame seeds(optional)

    Even though I prepped the ingredients and dressing beforehand, I don't dress the salad until right before serving.

    spicy cucumber salad in a tofu bowl

    CHECK OUT MY FAVORITE ASIAN RECIPES WITHOUT ANY OIL 

    • Cabbage Asian Salad
    • Asian Salad with Peanut Dressing
    • Asian Coleslaw
    • Grilled Asian Sesame Tofu with Vegetable Slaw
    • Kale Asian Pasta Salad
    • General Tso Cauliflower
    • Yaki Udon Noodles
    • Teriyaki Tofu
    • Tofu Banh Mi
    • Chinese Chicken Salad
    • Vegan Lo Mein
    • Lemongrass Tofu Recipe
    SPICY CUCUMBER SALAD

    Spicy Cucumber Salad

    Kathy Carmichael
    Spicy cucumber salad is a simple yet tasty salad to accompany any Asian meal. With two simple ingredients and a simple oil-free dressing, you will love this tangy slightly spicy salad.
    5 from 1 vote
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 5 mins
    Total Time 5 mins
    Course Salad
    Cuisine Asian
    Servings 4 servings
    Calories 32 kcal

    Equipment

    • 365 by Whole Foods Market, Organic Pure 100% Grade A Maple Syrup, Dark Color Robust Taste, 32 Fl Oz

    Ingredients
      

    • 1 English cucumber cut lengthwise, deseeded and cut into thin slices
    • 1 bunch green onions sliced thin

    Dressing

    • 1 Tablespoon soy sauce or Tamari
    • 2 Tablespoons rice vinegar
    • 1 Tablespoon maple syrup
    • 1 teaspoon chili sauce
    • Sesame seeds optional

    Instructions
     

    • Cut an English cucumber lengthwise and remove the seeds using a spoon down the length of the cucumber.
    • Slice thin.
    • Cut green onions thinly and add to cucumber.
    • Combine dressing ingredients.
    • Whisk together, but keep separate until right before serving.
    • Dress salad and sprinkle with sesame seeds.

    Notes

    English Cucumbers

    • These are longer and more narrow than Slicer cucumbers.
    • Most of the time they are not waxed and, instead, wrapped in plastic.
    • Their seeds are much smaller and easier to eat so they do not require de-seeding.
    • The taste is less bitter than slicers, milder, and almost sweet.
    • The skin is thinner and edible.
    • They're sometimes labeled for sale as “seedless” or “burpless”

    Nutrition

    Calories: 32kcalCarbohydrates: 7gProtein: 1gFat: 0.1gSaturated Fat: 0.03gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.04gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.01gSodium: 271mgPotassium: 152mgFiber: 1gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 147IUVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 23mgIron: 0.4mg
    Tried our recipe?Let us know how it was!
    Kathy Carmichael

    Hi! My name is Kathy, I am a retired high school English teacher & vegan enthusiast and blogger. My entire blog is fully plant-based vegan. I truly believe what we eat & how we live determines our health & the preservation of our planet! 🙂

    www.kathysvegankitchen.com/about-me/

    More Vegan Salads

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    Comments

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    1. Anonymous

      September 11, 2020 at 2:24 pm

      5 stars

      Reply

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    213 shares