Name: Spiral Asian Cucumber Salad Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 5 pcs cucumbers; 3 tsp salt; 3 tsp granulated white sugar; 2 tsp sesame seeds; 1 tsp garlic, crushed; 2 to 3 tbsp green onion, chopped; 1 ½ tbsp soy sauce; 3 tsp rice vinegar; 3 tsp Chinese chili oil; 1 tsp sesame oil

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If you’re craving a fresh, vibrant dish that’s as fun to look at as it is to eat, then you’ve found your new favorite with this Spiral Asian Cucumber Salad Recipe. It’s a crisp, tangy delight packed with layers of savory, sweet, and spicy flavors. The clever spiral cut creates a stunning presentation that also lets the marinade seep into every twist and turn, giving each bite a perfect burst of flavor. Whether you’re adding a cooling contrast to a spicy main or just need a refreshing snack, this salad is simple, satisfying, and absolutely irresistible.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a whole cucumber lying on a light wooden cutting board with several round cucumber slices placed in front of it. The cucumber has a dark green skin with a glossy texture, while the slices reveal a pale green inside with seeds clearly visible in the center. The cucumber slices are stacked loosely, slightly overlapping each other in a neat line. The surface beneath the cutting board is replaced with a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

With just a handful of ingredients, this salad comes together quickly while delivering incredible flavor complexity. Each component plays a vital role— from the crunchy cucumbers to the punch of chili oil—making this dish a beautiful balance of textures and tastes.

Cucumbers (5 pcs): Fresh and firm cucumbers provide the crisp base and hold the spiral shape beautifully.
Granulated white sugar (3 tsp): Adds a touch of sweetness to balance the acidity and heat.
Sesame seeds (2 tsp): Toasty and nutty, they add a delightful crunch and earthy flavor.
Garlic, crushed (1 tsp): Gives a sharp, aromatic punch that wakes up the palate.
Green onion, chopped (2 to 3 tbsp): Adds freshness and a mild onion flavor that complements the salad.
Soy sauce (1 ½ tbsp): Brings umami depth and saltiness that season the cucumbers perfectly.
Rice vinegar (3 tsp): Provides crisp acidity that brightens the entire dish.
Chinese chili oil (3 tsp): Infuses a spicy, fragrant heat that makes this salad exciting.
Sesame oil (1 tsp): Adds a rich, toasted aroma for extra complexity.
Salt (3 tsp): Essential for drawing moisture out of the cucumbers and seasoning evenly.

How to Make Spiral Asian Cucumber Salad Recipe

Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients

Before diving in, make sure all your ingredients are ready to go. This helps keep the process smooth and prevents any last-minute scrambling. Fresh cucumbers and good-quality oils will elevate your salad to the next level.

Step 2: Prepare the Marinade

In a medium bowl, mix together the sugar, sesame seeds, crushed garlic, and chopped green onions. These fresh ingredients build the base of flavor. Then, stir in the soy sauce, rice vinegar, Chinese chili oil, and sesame oil to create a harmonious blend of sweet, sour, spicy, and nutty notes. Set this marinade aside while you prep the cucumbers.

Step 3: Create the Spiral Cucumbers

Start by trimming both ends off each cucumber. To create the iconic spiral shape, place a cucumber between two chopsticks—this simple trick keeps the knife from cutting all the way through, so you keep the cucumber intact but flexible. Make diagonal cuts down one side, then flip the cucumber over and make diagonal cuts perpendicular to the first set. This lattice pattern is what gives the salad its striking appearance and allows the marinade to penetrate deeply.

Step 4: Salt and Rest the Cucumbers

Place the spiral-cut cucumbers in a large bowl and sprinkle them evenly with salt. Gently massage the salt into the cucumbers, helping to draw out excess moisture. This step is key to keeping your salad crisp and preventing it from getting soggy. Let the salted cucumbers sit for 8 to 10 minutes before rinsing with cold water to remove excess salt.

Step 5: Combine and Toss

Pat the cucumbers lightly to remove extra water, then pour the prepared Asian marinade over them. Toss everything together until the cucumbers are evenly coated in the flavorful dressing. The spiral cuts ensure every bite bursts with that delicious mix of tastes. Now your Spiral Asian Cucumber Salad Recipe is ready to enjoy!

How to Serve Spiral Asian Cucumber Salad Recipe

A close-up view of a dish featuring two layers of thin, round, green cucumber slices with light seeds in the middle, garnished generously with chopped bright green scallions scattered on top. Small bits of dark red, dried chili flakes are spread over the cucumbers, along with a few white sesame seeds adding texture. The cucumbers have a slightly shiny, light coating of oil or sauce, giving them a fresh, glossy look. The dish is served in a white bowl with subtle ridged lines visible inside, placed on a white marbled surface. Chicksticks rest on the bowl edge, visible at the top right corner of the image. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To really take this salad up a notch, try adding a sprinkle of extra toasted sesame seeds or finely chopped cilantro leaves on top. A few thin slices of fresh red chili can also add a vibrant color contrast and an extra kick if you love heat. These simple garnishes make the salad sing on the plate and delight the senses.

Side Dishes

This salad pairs wonderfully with a wide range of dishes. Think grilled chicken skewers, crispy spring rolls, or steamed dumplings. It’s especially fantastic alongside rich and savory mains, as the bright acidity and crunch provide refreshing balance. It also pairs brilliantly with barbecue for a light, cooling contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve this salad in individual bowls to showcase the beautiful spirals or pile it high on a rustic wooden board for a casual gathering. For a party, consider using small mason jars or colorful ceramic dishes to add a festive touch. The impressive spiral shape also makes it a natural conversation starter at any meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

You can store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the cucumbers chilled to maintain their crispness. Before serving again, give the salad a quick toss to redistribute the dressing evenly.

Freezing

Due to the high water content in cucumbers, freezing this salad is not recommended as it will cause the texture to become mushy and unpleasant once thawed. It’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated for a short period.

Reheating

This salad is designed to be served cold or at room temperature, so reheating is unnecessary. In fact, heating will diminish the crisp texture and fresh flavors that make this Spiral Asian Cucumber Salad Recipe so special.

FAQs

Can I use regular vinegar instead of rice vinegar?

While rice vinegar offers a mild, slightly sweet flavor that complements this salad perfectly, you can substitute with apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar in a pinch. Just use a little less initially and adjust to taste since these can be more acidic.

What if I don’t have Chinese chili oil?

If Chinese chili oil is unavailable, you can create a quick substitute by mixing chili flakes with sesame oil and a splash of garlic oil. Alternatively, a small amount of Sriracha or any other chili sauce can work to add the desired heat and flavor.

Can this salad be made without sugar?

The sugar balances the vinegar’s acidity and the chili’s heat, but if you’re avoiding sugar, you can try a natural sweetener like honey or omit it altogether. Just be aware that the flavor profile might shift slightly toward more tartness.

How do I keep the cucumbers from getting soggy?

Salting the cucumbers and letting them sit before rinsing is key to drawing out excess water that would otherwise make the salad soggy. Be sure to rinse well and pat dry to retain that signature crispness.

Is this salad gluten-free?

Traditional soy sauce contains gluten, so to make this salad gluten-free, substitute regular soy sauce with tamari or a certified gluten-free soy sauce. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making this an easy swap.

Final Thoughts

This Spiral Asian Cucumber Salad Recipe is one of those dishes that instantly brightens any table with its beautiful presentation and irresistible flavors. It’s easy to make, refreshingly crisp, and bursting with the perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and tangy notes. I can’t recommend it enough—once you try it, this salad will definitely become your go-to for quick, healthy, and delicious meals. Give it a whirl and watch everyone ask for seconds!