Zesty Wasabi-Infused Cucumber and Red Onion Salad
Elevate your side dish game with this refreshing Zesty Wasabi-Infused Cucumber and Red Onion Salad. Crisp, English cucumbers and vibrant red onions soak in a tangy sweet-and-sour dressing highlighted by a touch of wasabi. The combination of fresh lemon juice, seasoned rice vinegar, and a hint of ginger creates a vibrant flavor explosion. Perfect for summer barbecues, picnics, or as a unique accompaniment to your favorite Asian dishes, this salad is not only delicious but also easy to prepare. Allow the cucumbers and onions to marinate for a couple of hours or overnight for maximum flavor absorption. Enjoy a bite of refreshment with every serving!
8-10
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Cucumbers
2 (Thinly sliced (English variety recommended))
Red Onion
1 (Thinly sliced)
Lemon Juice
1/4 cup (Freshly squeezed, if possible)
Seasoned Rice Vinegar
1/2 cup (No preparation needed)
Salt
1 teaspoon (No preparation needed)
Ginger
1 teaspoon (Grated or finely minced)
Sugar
3 tablespoons (No preparation needed)
Wasabi Powder
1/2 teaspoon (No preparation needed)
Instructions
1
Begin by thinly slicing the cucumbers and red onion, using a mandoline for uniform thickness if available.
2
Place the sliced cucumbers into a bowl of salted ice water and let them soak for about one hour to enhance their crispness.
3
After an hour, thoroughly rinse the cucumbers under cold running water to remove excess salt, then drain well.
4
In a separate bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, seasoned rice vinegar, salt, ginger, sugar, and wasabi powder. Stir well until the sugar is completely dissolved; for added sweetness, you may double the sugar if preferred.
5
Combine the rinsed cucumbers and sliced red onion in a large mixing bowl. Pour the dressing over the vegetables and toss gently to coat everything evenly.
6
Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
7
Serve chilled and enjoy this unique salad as a spicy, refreshing side!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Zesty Wasabi-Infused Cucumber and Red Onion Salad?
It is a refreshing, crisp side dish featuring English cucumbers and red onions marinated in a tangy sweet-and-sour dressing with a hint of wasabi.
What kind of cucumbers are recommended for this recipe?
English cucumbers are recommended because they have thin skins and fewer seeds, making them ideal for thin slicing.
Why should I soak the cucumbers in ice water?
Soaking sliced cucumbers in salted ice water for one hour helps to enhance their crispness for a better texture.
Is it necessary to rinse the cucumbers after soaking?
Yes, you should thoroughly rinse them under cold water and drain well to remove the excess salt from the soaking process.
What ingredients are used in the salad dressing?
The dressing is made from lemon juice, seasoned rice vinegar, salt, grated ginger, sugar, and wasabi powder.
How much wasabi powder is needed for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1/2 teaspoon of wasabi powder to provide a subtle, zesty infusion.
Can I make this salad sweeter?
Yes, the instructions suggest you can double the sugar from 3 tablespoons to 6 if you prefer a sweeter taste.
How long does the salad need to marinate?
The salad should refrigerate for at least 4 hours, though letting it sit overnight is preferred for maximum flavor absorption.
Is a mandoline necessary for this recipe?
While not strictly necessary, using a mandoline helps achieve uniform thickness for the cucumber and onion slices.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe is designed to provide approximately 8 to 10 servings.
What type of ginger should I use?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of ginger that is either grated or finely minced.
Is this salad suitable for summer events?
Yes, it is described as perfect for summer barbecues and picnics due to its refreshing nature.
Can I use regular white vinegar instead of rice vinegar?
The recipe specifically calls for seasoned rice vinegar for its specific flavor profile, though white vinegar could be a substitute if adjusted for acidity.
What is the total number of ingredients in this dish?
There are 8 primary ingredients: cucumbers, red onion, lemon juice, seasoned rice vinegar, salt, ginger, sugar, and wasabi powder.
Does this salad pair well with Asian cuisine?
Yes, it is a unique accompaniment that complements many different Asian dishes.
Should the salad be served warm or cold?
The salad should be served chilled for the best refreshing experience.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it is tagged as a healthy recipe featuring fresh vegetables and no added fats.
Can I use wasabi paste instead of powder?
The recipe specifies powder, but paste can be used if you whisk it thoroughly into the liquid ingredients.
How should I prepare the red onion?
The red onion should be thinly sliced to blend well with the cucumbers.
Is fresh lemon juice required?
Freshly squeezed lemon juice is recommended for the most vibrant and zesty flavor.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Yes, preparing it the night before is actually recommended to allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
Is this salad spicy?
It has a slight 'kick' from the wasabi and ginger, but it is generally balanced by the sugar and vinegar.
What is the role of salt in the first step?
The salt in the ice water helps draw out moisture and seasons the cucumbers while keeping them crisp.
Can I use a different type of onion?
Red onion is chosen for its color and sharp flavor, but a mild yellow onion or shallots could be used as a substitute.
Is this recipe vegan-friendly?
Yes, all ingredients listed are plant-based, making it suitable for vegans.
What is the preparation time for the cucumbers?
The cucumbers require about an hour of soaking time plus additional time for slicing and rinsing.
How do I ensure the dressing is well-mixed?
Whisk the dressing ingredients in a separate bowl until the sugar is completely dissolved before adding to the vegetables.
Should I peel the English cucumbers?
English cucumbers usually have thin, edible skins, so peeling is optional but generally not required for this salad.
Can I store leftovers of this salad?
Yes, it can be stored in the refrigerator in a covered container, where it will continue to marinate.
What tags define this recipe?
The recipe is tagged as cucumber salad, wasabi, refreshing, side dish, summer salad, asian flavors, and healthy recipe.