Crisp & Tangy Asian Cucumber Salad
This Crisp & Tangy Asian Cucumber Salad features vibrant, fresh cucumbers that are thinly sliced and marinated in a zesty dressing made with rice wine vinegar and a hint of sweetness. Perfect for hot summer days, this salad is not only refreshing but also simple to prepare, making it an ideal side dish for barbecues, picnics, or family dinners. The addition of cayenne pepper gives it a subtle kick, while the balance of flavors makes it a delightful companion to any meal. Enjoy this light and healthy dish that's packed with crunch and flavor!
4
Servings
8
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
Cucumbers
2 (peeled, seeded and cut crosswise into 1/4-inch slices)
Rice wine vinegar
1 tablespoon (or use distilled white vinegar)
Sugar
1/4 teaspoon
Cayenne pepper
to taste
Salt
to taste
Freshly ground black pepper
to taste
Instructions
1
In a medium bowl, whisk together the rice wine vinegar, sugar, and a pinch of cayenne pepper until the sugar is dissolved.
2
Season the mixture with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
3
Add the sliced cucumbers to the bowl and gently toss to ensure they are evenly coated with the dressing.
4
Cover the salad and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the cucumbers to chill.
5
Before serving, give the salad a quick toss again and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
Nutrition Information
0g
Fat
1.5g
Carbs
0.25g
Protein
0.25g
Fiber
0.5g
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Crisp & Tangy Asian Cucumber Salad?
It is a refreshing side dish featuring thinly sliced cucumbers marinated in a zesty dressing made with rice wine vinegar and a hint of sweetness.
How many calories are in this salad?
Each serving of this cucumber salad contains approximately 8 calories.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian and vegan-friendly as it contains no animal products.
What are the key ingredients for the dressing?
The dressing is made from rice wine vinegar, sugar, cayenne pepper, salt, and freshly ground black pepper.
How should I prepare the cucumbers for this recipe?
Cucumbers should be peeled, seeded, and cut crosswise into 1/4-inch slices.
How long does the salad need to chill?
The salad should be refrigerated for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the cucumbers to chill.
Can I substitute the rice wine vinegar?
Yes, if you do not have rice wine vinegar, you can use distilled white vinegar as a substitute.
Does this salad have a spicy flavor?
It has a subtle kick due to the addition of cayenne pepper, which can be adjusted to your personal taste.
How many people does this recipe serve?
This recipe is designed to provide 4 servings.
Is there any fat in this dish?
No, this cucumber salad contains 0g of fat per serving.
What is the protein content per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 0.25g of protein.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 1.5g of carbohydrates in each serving of this salad.
What is the sugar content of this salad?
There is a small amount of sugar, totaling 0.5g per serving.
Does the salad provide any dietary fiber?
Yes, each serving provides about 0.25g of dietary fiber.
Why is this salad good for summer?
It is light, refreshing, and served chilled, making it ideal for hot summer days, picnics, and barbecues.
Is this an Asian-inspired recipe?
Yes, the use of rice wine vinegar and the specific flavor balance make it an Asian-inspired dish.
Is this cucumber salad considered low-calorie?
Yes, with only 8 calories per serving, it is an excellent low-calorie side dish option.
Should the cucumbers be peeled?
The recipe recommends peeling the cucumbers before slicing them.
Is it necessary to seed the cucumbers?
Yes, the instructions specify that the cucumbers should be seeded for the best texture.
What is the recommended thickness for the cucumber slices?
The cucumbers should be sliced into 1/4-inch thick crosswise pieces.
How do I prepare the dressing?
Whisk together the vinegar, sugar, and cayenne pepper in a medium bowl until the sugar is completely dissolved.
When should I add salt and pepper?
Add salt and freshly ground black pepper to the vinegar mixture after the sugar has dissolved, seasoning to taste.
How do I ensure the cucumbers are properly seasoned?
Add the sliced cucumbers to the dressing and gently toss them until they are evenly coated.
What should I do right before serving the salad?
Before serving, give the salad a quick toss and adjust the seasonings if necessary.
What is the overall flavor profile?
The salad is crisp, tangy, and refreshing with a light sweetness and a subtle spicy finish.
What kind of texture can I expect from this salad?
The salad is packed with crunch from the fresh cucumber slices.
Is this a difficult recipe to make?
No, it is very simple to prepare and involves only a few basic steps and ingredients.
Why must the salad be refrigerated for 30 minutes?
Chilling allows the cucumbers to absorb the flavors of the dressing while ensuring the dish is served refreshingly cold.
Is there any cholesterol in this recipe?
No cholesterol is listed for this recipe, making it a heart-healthy choice.
What makes this an ideal side dish for barbecues?
Its light and tangy nature provides a perfect balance to heavier grilled meats and savory barbecue flavors.