1. Home
  2. Recipes
  3. Cucumber Salad Asian Fusion

Cucumber Salad Asian Fusion

Enjoy a vibrant cucumber salad featuring crisp cucumbers, red onion, carrot, scallions, and cilantro, all tossed in a zesty blend of sesame oil, rice vinegar, fish sauce, soy sauce, ginger, and honey. A hint of chili gives this side a gentle kick, while toasted sesame seeds finish it off for added crunch. Let the vegetables marinate for at least 10 minutes to deepen the flavors before serving. This gluten-free and dairy-free dish pairs beautifully with grilled meats, seafood, or tofu, making it a versatile option for light meals or appetizers. Easily adjust spice and vegetable choices to suit your palate.

Pin it Share Link Share via Print Recipe Skip to Recipe
Updated on Thu, 06 Nov 2025 11:38:00 GMT
Vibrant cucumber salad remix with sesame seeds and colorful veggies, a refreshing side. Pin it
Vibrant cucumber salad remix with sesame seeds and colorful veggies, a refreshing side. | weeknightwhisk.com

A refreshing, vibrant cucumber salad tossed with Asian-inspired seasonings, sesame oil, and fish sauce for a savory, tangy kick—perfect as a side or light appetizer.

This salad took center stage at our last family gathering. The crisp veggies and zesty dressing drew rave reviews even from salad skeptics in the group.

Ingredients

  • 2 large cucumbers: thinly sliced
  • 1 small red onion: thinly sliced
  • 1 medium carrot: julienned
  • 2 scallions: finely sliced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro: chopped
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar: for tangy flavor
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil: toasty aroma
  • 1 tablespoon fish sauce: umami depth
  • 1 teaspoon soy sauce: use gluten-free if needed
  • 1 teaspoon honey or sugar: for a touch of sweetness
  • 1 garlic clove: finely minced
  • 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger: slight spicy note
  • 1 small red chili: thinly sliced (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds: garnish

Instructions

Combine Vegetables:
Add cucumbers, red onion, carrot, scallions, and cilantro to a large bowl and toss gently.
Make Dressing:
In a separate small bowl, whisk together rice vinegar, sesame oil, fish sauce, soy sauce, honey (or sugar), garlic, ginger, and chili if using.
Toss Salad:
Pour the dressing over prepared vegetables and mix well until everything is evenly coated.
Marinate:
Allow salad to rest for at least 10 minutes for flavors to meld.
Garnish and Serve:
Just before serving, sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds.
Refreshing cucumber salad remix tossed in tangy dressing, perfect for summer picnics. Pin it
Refreshing cucumber salad remix tossed in tangy dressing, perfect for summer picnics. | weeknightwhisk.com

Even picky eaters in our family go back for seconds of this tangy salad. It's become a staple at our summer picnics.

Required Tools

Sharp knife, cutting board, mixing bowls, and a whisk or fork are all you need to prepare this salad quickly and efficiently.

Allergen Information

Contains fish (fish sauce) and soy (soy sauce). Sesame seeds and sesame oil are potential allergens. Always check sauce labels for gluten.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

Calories: 75, Total Fat: 4 g, Carbohydrates: 8 g, Protein: 2 g

Crunchy cucumber salad remix with scallions and a savory sesame dressing for flavor. Pin it
Crunchy cucumber salad remix with scallions and a savory sesame dressing for flavor. | weeknightwhisk.com

This salad is best enjoyed chilled and pairs beautifully with grilled meats or tofu. Enjoy the burst of flavor in every bite!

Common Questions

→ What makes this salad crunchy?

Thinly sliced cucumbers, carrot, red onion, and optional additions like radish or bell pepper offer plenty of crunch.

→ Is this salad gluten-free and dairy-free?

Yes, use gluten-free soy sauce to keep it gluten-free. All other ingredients are naturally dairy-free.

→ Can I make it vegetarian?

Replace fish sauce with a vegetarian fish sauce or extra soy sauce to create a plant-based version.

→ How spicy is this salad?

The spice level depends on the amount of red chili added. Adjust to your preferred heat.

→ What can I serve this salad with?

This salad pairs well with grilled meats, seafood, tofu, or as a light appetizer alongside Asian-inspired mains.

→ Are there allergens present?

Contains fish (fish sauce), soy, and sesame. Check sauce ingredients for gluten if required.

Cucumber Salad Asian Fusion

Fresh cucumbers, carrot, onion, and scallions tossed in a tangy Asian dressing for a crisp, flavorful side.

Prep Time
15 min
0
Time Needed
15 min
Created by Ella Thompson


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Asian Fusion

Makes 4 Portions

Dietary Info No Dairy, No Gluten

What You'll Need

Vegetables

01 2 large cucumbers, thinly sliced
02 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
03 1 medium carrot, julienned
04 2 scallions, finely sliced
05 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped

Dressing

01 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
02 1 tablespoon sesame oil
03 1 tablespoon fish sauce
04 1 teaspoon soy sauce (gluten-free if preferred)
05 1 teaspoon honey or sugar
06 1 garlic clove, finely minced
07 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
08 1 small red chili, thinly sliced (optional)

Garnish

01 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds

Step-by-Step

Step 01

Combine Vegetables: Place sliced cucumbers, red onion, carrot, scallions, and cilantro in a large mixing bowl.

Step 02

Prepare Dressing: In a separate bowl, whisk together rice vinegar, sesame oil, fish sauce, soy sauce, honey or sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and red chili if desired.

Step 03

Dress Salad: Pour the prepared dressing over the vegetables, tossing thoroughly to distribute the seasoning.

Step 04

Marinate: Allow the salad to rest for at least 10 minutes so the flavors fully develop.

Step 05

Finish and Serve: Garnish with toasted sesame seeds immediately prior to serving.

Tools Required

  • Sharp knife
  • Cutting board
  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk or fork

Allergy Notice

Go through every ingredient to identify allergens and talk to your healthcare provider if you have concerns.
  • Contains fish (fish sauce), soy (soy sauce), and sesame (seeds and oil).
  • Verify sauces for gluten content if gluten-free is required.

Nutrition Information (per portion)

Nutrition details are for general reference and shouldn't replace advice from your doctor.
  • Caloric Content: 75
  • Fats: 4 g
  • Carbohydrates: 8 g
  • Proteins: 2 g