If you’re searching for a refreshing, crunchy, and deliciously smooth side dish, this Easy Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a wonderful blend of crisp cucumbers enveloped in a luscious, slightly tangy, and subtly spicy creamy dressing that’s bursting with Asian-inspired flavors. Whether you’re looking for a quick snack or a vibrant accompaniment for your lunch or dinner, this salad brings effortless freshness and a perfect balance of textures and tastes to the table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
These simple yet thoughtfully chosen ingredients come together to create a salad that shines with every bite. Each element plays a crucial role in delivering brightness, creaminess, and just the right hint of spice and nuttiness, making the dish stand out.
- English or Persian cucumbers: Crisp and juicy, they provide the cool, crunchy base that’s essential for a fresh salad experience.
- Green onion: Adds a gentle sharpness and pop of color that livens up the dish.
- Salt: Helps draw out excess water for a crispier texture and enhances the natural cucumber flavors.
- Kewpie mayo: Brings a creamy, slightly tangy richness that wraps the salad in velvety smoothness.
- Sesame oil: Imparts a deep, toasty aroma that perfectly complements the other ingredients.
- Roasted sesame seeds: Add delightful crunch and a nutty undertone for extra texture.
- Rice vinegar: Offers mild acidity to brighten and balance the creaminess.
- Sriracha chili sauce (optional): A subtle kick of heat for those who love a little spice.
You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.
How to Make Easy Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Cucumbers
Start by slicing your cucumbers into thin, uniform discs to ensure every bite delivers that satisfying crisp texture. For the best results, use a mandolin slicer set to about #3 thickness—it’s such a game-changer for speed and consistency!
Step 2: Salt the Cucumbers
Sprinkle the salt over the cucumber slices and toss well to coat evenly. This step is critical because salting draws out excess water, preventing your salad from getting watery. Let the cucumbers sit for around 20 minutes, then pour off the liquid. Gently squeeze by the handful to remove any remaining moisture without rinsing—it preserves the flavor intensity perfectly.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Dressing
Into the bowl with your cucumbers, add Kewpie mayo, toasted sesame oil, roasted sesame seeds, rice vinegar, and if you want a little heat, a dash of Sriracha chili sauce. Toss everything gently but thoroughly until each slice is luxuriously coated in this creamy, flavorful dressing.
Step 4: Taste and Adjust
Your Easy Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe is almost ready! Take a moment to taste and tweak any seasoning to your liking—add a touch more vinegar if you crave brightness or a pinch more Sriracha if you like it spicy. Then it’s all set to serve!
How to Serve Easy Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of extra roasted sesame seeds or thinly sliced green onions on top adds a lovely crunch and burst of color that make every serving look inviting and fresh.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs spectacularly with grilled meats like chicken or beef, steamed rice, or even as a crisp contrast alongside rich dishes such as fried tofu or creamy noodles. It brings a cooling relief that balances bold flavors beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving in individual clear glasses or small bowls for a charming appetizer presentation that highlights the vibrant colors and textures. Or layer it in a jar for an on-the-go snack that keeps everything fresh and tasty.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your Easy Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe keeps well when stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. The cucumbers stay crisp due to the salting step, and the flavors actually meld even more nicely over time.
Freezing
Freezing is not recommended for this salad since cucumbers have high water content, which can result in an unappetizing texture after thawing. It’s best enjoyed fresh for that perfect crunch.
Reheating
Reheating is not necessary or advised, as this dish is best served cold or at room temperature to showcase its refreshing qualities.
FAQs
Can I use regular mayonnaise instead of Kewpie mayo?
Absolutely! Regular mayonnaise will work just fine, though Kewpie mayo adds a slightly sweeter, richer flavor that complements the Asian twist beautifully. Feel free to use what you have handy.
What if I don’t have sesame oil or roasted sesame seeds?
While both add a wonderful nuttiness, you can substitute with a mild olive oil and toast some seeds yourself if needed. The salad will still be delicious but a touch less nutty in flavor.
Is this recipe spicy?
The heat comes solely from optional Sriracha chili sauce. You can adjust the amount or leave it out altogether if you prefer a milder salad that lets the cucumber’s natural freshness shine.
Can I use regular cucumbers instead of English or Persian ones?
Yes, you can use regular cucumbers, but be aware that they often have more seeds and thicker skin, which might affect the texture. Peeling and deseeding can help achieve a similar light crunch.
How long does it take to prepare this salad?
The entire process takes about 25 minutes, including the 20 minutes needed for the cucumbers to rest and release their water. It’s quick and perfect for an easy, no-cook dish whenever you want a fresh bite.
Final Thoughts
I wholeheartedly encourage you to whip up this Easy Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe the next time you crave something fresh, flavorful, and fuss-free. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that brings bright joy and a delightful creaminess to your mealtime, proving simple ingredients truly create remarkable dishes.
PrintEasy Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe
A simple and refreshing Asian creamy cucumber salad featuring thinly sliced cucumbers tossed in a savory dressing of Kewpie mayo, sesame oil, roasted sesame seeds, rice vinegar, and optional Sriracha. Perfect as a light snack or side dish, this salad balances cool, creamy, and crunchy textures with a savory and mildly spicy flavor.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 3 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 1 English cucumber or 3 Persian cucumbers (about 11 oz)
- 1 green onion (thinly sliced)
Seasonings & Dressings
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon Kewpie mayo
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon roasted sesame seeds
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Sriracha chili sauce (optional)
Instructions
- Prep the cucumbers: Slice cucumbers into thin discs using a mandolin slicer set to #3 for even, uniform slices to ensure consistent texture and flavor absorption.
- Salt the cucumbers: Add 1 teaspoon of salt to the sliced cucumbers and toss well to coat evenly. Let them sit for about 20 minutes to draw out excess water. After sitting, pour out the liquid that collects at the bottom of the bowl. Gently squeeze cucumbers by the handful to remove any remaining moisture without rinsing to preserve flavor.
- Make the dressing and toss: Add Kewpie mayo, sesame oil, roasted sesame seeds, rice vinegar, green onion slices, and Sriracha (if using) directly into the bowl with cucumbers. Toss everything thoroughly until well coated. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Serve immediately or chilled for best flavor.
Notes
- If not salting the cucumbers, substitute with 3 teaspoons light soy sauce for seasoning.
- Using a mandolin ensures uniform cucumber slices, but a sharp knife works as well.
- Allowing the cucumbers to release excess water keeps the salad crisp and prevents it from becoming watery.
- Adjust the amount of Sriracha according to desired spice level.
