This Easy Asian Cucumber Salad is a refreshing and flavorful dish that combines crisp cucumbers with a tangy, spicy, and savory dressing. It's a perfect side dish for summer meals, barbecues, or as a light appetizer. The salad is quick to prepare, requiring only a few simple ingredients, and can be made in just 5 minutes. The combination of flavors makes it a delightful addition to any meal, offering a balance of heat, acidity, and umami.

Ingredients

• 3 medium-sized cucumbers, thinly sliced
  
  

• 1 teaspoon sesame seeds, toasted
  
  

• 2 tablespoons roasted peanuts, crushed
  
  

• 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro (coriander), finely chopped
  
  

For the Dressing:

• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  
  

• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  
  

• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  
  

• 2 garlic cloves, minced
  
  

• 1 teaspoon cane sugar or granulated sugar
  
  

• ⅓ teaspoon red chili flakes (or to taste)
  
  

• ¼ teaspoon sea salt (or to taste)
  
  

Directions

1. Prepare the Cucumbers: Slice the cucumbers into slightly thick rounds. You can peel the cucumbers if you prefer.
   
   

2. Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, combine minced garlic, rice vinegar, sesame oil, soy sauce, cane sugar, salt, and red chili flakes. Whisk until the sugar dissolves.
   
   

3. Toss the Salad: Pour the dressing over the sliced cucumbers and toss to coat evenly.
   
   

4. Add Garnishes: Finish by adding chopped cilantro, crushed peanuts, and toasted sesame seeds.
   
   

5. Serve: Enjoy immediately or refrigerate for 15 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
   
   

Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: 175
  
  

• Carbohydrates: 23g
  
  

• Protein: 8g
  
  

• Fat: 8g
  
  

• Saturated Fat: 1g
  
  

• Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g
  
  

• Monounsaturated Fat: 3g
  
  

• Sodium: 1355mg
  
  

• Potassium: 804mg
  
  

• Fiber: 4g
  
  

• Sugar: 10g
  
  

• Vitamin A: 599 IU
  
  

• Vitamin C: 14mg
  
  

• Calcium: 103mg
  
  

• Iron: 2mg