Spicy Cucumber Salad: A Refreshing and Zesty Recipe
Summer just got spicier! This spicy cucumber salad recipe is the perfect side dish for barbecues, picnics, or a light lunch. It's incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal ingredients and prep time, yet delivers a vibrant flavor explosion that will leave you wanting more. This recipe is easily adaptable to your spice preference, making it a versatile addition to your culinary repertoire.
Ingredients for the Spicy Cucumber Salad
This recipe serves 4-6 people. Adjust quantities as needed.
- Cucumbers: 2 large English cucumbers, thinly sliced (or 3-4 regular cucumbers, peeled, seeded, and thinly sliced) Tip: English cucumbers have fewer seeds and a milder flavor, resulting in a less watery salad.
- Red Onion: ½ medium red onion, thinly sliced Tip: Soaking the sliced red onion in ice water for 10-15 minutes reduces its sharpness.
- Fresh Cilantro: ½ cup, chopped
- Fresh Mint: ¼ cup, chopped Tip: A combination of cilantro and mint provides a beautiful, fresh flavor profile.
- Serrano or Jalapeño Peppers: 1-2, finely minced (adjust to your spice preference) Tip: Remove the seeds and membranes for less heat.
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Lime Juice: ¼ cup, freshly squeezed
- Rice Vinegar: 2 tablespoons
- Sesame Oil: 1 tablespoon
- Soy Sauce (or Tamari for gluten-free): 1 tablespoon
- Honey or Maple Syrup: 1 tablespoon (optional, for balancing the acidity)
- Salt: To taste
- Black Pepper: To taste
Step-by-Step Instructions: Making the Spicy Cucumber Salad
- Prepare the Vegetables: Thinly slice the cucumbers and red onion. If using regular cucumbers, peel, seed, and slice them. Mince the garlic and chili peppers. Chop the cilantro and mint.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the sliced cucumbers, red onion, cilantro, mint, garlic, and chili peppers.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, rice vinegar, sesame oil, soy sauce (or tamari), honey/maple syrup (if using), salt, and pepper.
- Dress the Salad: Pour the dressing over the cucumber mixture and toss gently to coat evenly.
- Chill and Serve: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. This also helps the cucumbers release some of their moisture. Serve chilled and enjoy!
Tips and Variations for Your Spicy Cucumber Salad
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of chili peppers to control the spiciness. For a milder salad, use only half a jalapeño or omit the chili peppers altogether. For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the dressing.
- Add-ins: Feel free to experiment with other additions like shredded carrots, bell peppers, or toasted sesame seeds for added texture and flavor. Chopped peanuts or sunflower seeds also work well.
- Protein: Grilled chicken or shrimp adds a delicious protein boost to this salad, making it a complete meal.
- Make it Ahead: This salad is best made a few hours ahead of time to allow the flavors to develop fully. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
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