Asian Cucumber Salad

I grew up eating many versions of Asian Cucumber Salad. I’ve since tested and re-tested this recipe until it reached perfection. My family devours this crisp, fresh, and abundantly flavorful cucumber salad. Bonus: it’s ready in minutes.

This recipe is my favorite way to use up a bunch of cucumbers. It’s quick, super tasty, and adds a pop of flavor!

Amy’s Notes

My teens can be finicky when it comes to vegetables, but they’ll always go back for seconds when this Asian Cucumber Salad is on the table. I personally love refreshing side dish recipes, and this one is super crisp with bright flavors. When my 15-year-old son pulls this recipe up and makes it on his own, it’s an undisputed winner.

Healthy and Flavor-Packed: Thinly sliced cucumbers, red onion, and Thai basil soak up the most irresistible sweet, salty, tangy dressing.
Just the Right Kick: A touch of garlic and red pepper flakes gives this salad a just a tiny hint of heat, similar to Asian Chopped Salad.
Pairs with So Many Dishes: It’s the ideal sidekick for recipes like Korean Beef Bowl or Air Fryer Tilapia.
Make-Ahead Friendly: The dressing can chill for a couple days and the salad holds up well if tossed just before serving.

Key Recipe Ingredients

Asian cucumber salad ingredients such as fish sauce, honey, garlic, lime juice, red onion, garlic, tamari sauce, thai basil, and vinegar.

Mini Cucumbers – Thinly sliced mini cucumbers or English cucumbers are best, as they have less pronounced seeds in them and are much more tender than regular cucumbers.
Seasoned Rice Vinegar – You can find Asian style seasoned rice vinegar at most major grocery stores in the ethnic aisles these days. It lends flavorful and bright tang and acidity.
Tamari Sauce – This gluten-free soy sauce alternative brings savory depth and umami to the dressing. You can also opt for low sodium soy sauce.

Substitutions And Variations

Here are some of our favorite substitutions and variations:

Cucumber Options: Mini cucumbers are crisp and tender, but English cucumbers or Persian cucumbers work great too. Just avoid standard waxy cucumbers, which have tougher seeds and skin.
Tamari Alternatives: Tamari adds rich umami flavor, but low-sodium soy sauce or coconut aminos are easy substitutes.
Add Some Crunch: Toss in toasted sesame seeds, chopped peanuts, or crispy wonton strips right before serving for added texture and flavor.

Step-By-Step Recipe Instructions

Dressing for Asian cucumber salad being whisked in a bowl.

Asian cucumber salad tossed with dressing and ready to serve.

Whisk together dressing ingredients. This can be done up to 2 days ahead. Dressing can be covered and chilled until ready to use.
Toss with cucumber and remaining salad ingredients – enjoy!

For full list of ingredients and instructions, see recipe card below.

How To Prep Ahead

Take a look at our best prep-ahead strategies for this recipe:

Make the Dressing Ahead: Whisk together the dressing ingredients up to 2 days in advance. Store it in a covered container in the fridge. Give it a quick stir before using, as ingredients may settle.
Slice and Store: You can slice the cucumbers, onions, and green onions a few hours ahead and keep them in separate containers in the fridge. Wait to chop the Thai basil until closer to serving for best flavor.

Closeup shot of Asian cucumber salad with crisp sliced cucumbers and tangy dressing. — If I’m grilling or making rice bowls, this Asian Cucumber Salad is almost always on the table. It’s that good.

What To Serve With Asian Cucumber Salad

Mains

We love serving Asian Cucumber Salad with 10-Minute Garlic Shrimp. The cool, crisp cucumbers are the perfect contrast to the warm, savory shrimp.
It also goes great with 30-Minute Beef Teriyaki, especially when we want a hearty, flavorful protein to round out the plate.

Rice and Noodles

BBQ and Grilled Pairings

Did you make this?

Please give us a rating and comment below. We love hearing from you!

This Asian Cucumber Salad is my go-to when I need something crisp, fresh, and full of flavor. It’s sweet, tangy, and ready in minutes.

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 10 minutes

For the Cucumber Salad:

4 cups cucumbers, mini, thinly sliced
4 stalks green onions, thinly sliced
¼ cup Thai basil, chopped
¼ cup red onions, chopped

Make the dressing by combining lime juice, seasoned rice vinegar, honey, tamari, garlic, fish sauce, red pepper flakes and kosher salt together in a bowl and gently whisk to combine well. Set aside.
In a serving bowl, combine sliced mini cucumbers, green onions, chopped Thai basil, and red onions.
Drizzle dressing over salad and gently toss to combine well.
Let sit 10 minutes before serving, and toss again right before serving.

Mini cucumbers work well for this salad because they are extra crisp and have fewer seeds. English cucumbers are also a great option with tender seeds and a mild flavor.
Slice the cucumbers thinly and evenly to help them absorb the dressing and maintain a balanced texture. A mandoline can make this step quicker and more consistent.
You can make the dressing up to 2 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Let it come to room temperature and whisk it again before using.
If you prefer more umami flavor, you can add up to 2 teaspoons of fish sauce. It enhances the depth of flavor without overpowering the salad.
Toss the salad just before serving for the best texture. If the cucumbers sit too long in the dressing, they may soften and lose their crunch.
This recipe is part of our Asian Recipes Collection.
This Asian Cucumber Salad goes well with just about any grilled dish. Try it with Grilled Lemon Chicken, Grilled Steak Tacos, or Grilled Red Snapper.

If you enjoyed this recipe, please come back and give it a rating. We ❤️ hearing from you!
Join our Free Recipe Club and get our newest, best recipes each week!

Course: Salad

Cuisine: Asian American

Diet: Gluten Free, Low Calorie, Low Lactose, Vegan, Vegetarian

Method: Combining

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of cucumber?

Yes. While mini cucumbers are ideal for their crunch and small seeds, English cucumbers are a great substitute. They have tender seeds and a mild flavor, making them perfect for this salad.

What can I use instead of tamari?

You can substitute tamari with soy sauce if you’re not avoiding gluten. Coconut aminos is another alternative for a soy-free option.

Can I make it spicier?

Yes. Add more red pepper flakes to taste, or thinly slice a fresh chili pepper into the salad for an extra kick.

How long does the Asian cucumber salad recipe keep?

Leftovers can be covered and refrigerated for up to 2 days. The cucumbers will soften slightly over time but still taste great.

More to Cook And Eat

Watermelon Salad – This Watermelon Salad Recipe is supremely refreshing all summer long! It’s a crazy-easy and fun spin on summer fruit salad – perfect for all those picnics and cookouts.
Crunchy Thai Salad – This Crunchy Thai Salad holds up to its name; it’s full of crunchy goodies and tossed with the most amazing dressing…you’ll keep coming back for more.
Doritos Taco Salad – This Doritos Taco Salad brings big flavor with zero fuss. It’s bold, crunchy, and made to feed a crowd – perfect for weeknights, parties, or potlucks.
Asian Rice Salad – This Asian Rice Salad is an exciting blend of flavors, color, and texture. The blend of grains and greens with sesame ginger dressing is jaw-dropping delicious!