June 6, 2024

Refreshing Cucumber Noodle Salad: Ready in Just 10 Minutes

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Looking for a refreshing and light dish that’s perfect for those hot summer days? This 10-minute cucumber noodle salad is just what you need! It’s a delightful mix of flavors with a hint of nuttiness from black sesame seeds, a savory kick from soy sauce, and a touch of tangy rice vinegar. This salad is not only healthy and delicious but also incredibly quick and easy to make. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch or a tasty side for your summer BBQ, this cucumber noodle salad is sure to be a hit. Enjoy the freshness and simplicity of this perfect summer dish!

 Close-up of a cucumber noodle salad topped with black sesame seeds and a slice of red chili pepper, held by a fork.
A vibrant cucumber noodle salad garnished with black sesame seeds and a spicy red chili pepper slice, perfect for a refreshing and healthy meal.

Cucumber Noodle Salad Notes About the Ingredients

 Ingredients for cucumber noodle salad, including a cucumber, red chili pepper, garlic clove, black sesame seeds, and a small dish of sauce, displayed on a wooden surface.
The essential ingredients for a refreshing cucumber noodle salad: fresh cucumber, red chili pepper, garlic clove, black sesame seeds, and a savory sauce.

Tips for Making the Best Cucumber Noodle Salad

Cucumber Noodle Salad Serving Suggestions

This cucumber noodle salad is a fantastic vegan-friendly dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Here are some vegan serving suggestions to make the most of this refreshing salad:

No matter how you choose to enjoy it, this cucumber noodle salad is sure to add a burst of freshness and flavor to your vegan meals.

A bowl of cucumber noodle salad being topped with a savory dressing, with black sesame seeds and garlic in the background.
A delicious cucumber noodle salad being enhanced with a savory dressing, ready to be enjoyed as a fresh and healthy meal.

Cucumber Noodle Salad Storing

Long-Term Storage

Tips for Keeping the Cucumber Noodle Salad Fresh

A bowl of cucumber noodle salad garnished with black sesame seeds and red chili slices, surrounded by fresh ingredients including tomatoes, garlic, a chili pepper, and a small bowl of black sesame seeds on a wooden cutting board.
A refreshing and vibrant cucumber noodle salad topped with black sesame seeds and red chili slices, perfect for a healthy and flavorful meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the cucumber noodle salad ahead of time, but for the best texture and flavor, it’s recommended to store the components separately and combine them just before serving. Spiralize the cucumber and store it in an airtight container with a paper towel to absorb excess moisture. The dressing can be made in advance and stored in a sealed jar in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, mix the cucumber noodles with the dressing for a fresh and crisp salad.

2. How can I prevent the cucumber noodles from getting soggy?

Cucumbers have a high water content, which can make the salad soggy if not handled properly. To prevent this, lightly salt the cucumber noodles after spiralizing and let them sit for a few minutes. This process, known as “sweating,” helps draw out excess moisture. Afterward, gently squeeze the noodles with a paper towel to remove the water before mixing them with the dressing.

3. Is this salad suitable for meal prep?

While cucumber noodle salad is best enjoyed fresh, it can still be suitable for short-term meal prep. Prepare the cucumber noodles and store them separately from the dressing to maintain their crispness. When ready to eat, combine the noodles with the dressing. This method helps ensure the salad remains fresh and flavorful even if prepared a few hours in advance.

4. Can I customize the ingredients?

Absolutely! This salad is highly customizable. You can add other fresh vegetables like thinly sliced bell peppers, carrots, or radishes for extra color and crunch. For added protein, include edamame, chickpeas, or tofu. Feel free to adjust the seasoning to your taste, adding more soy sauce for saltiness, rice vinegar for tanginess, or sesame oil for a richer flavor.

5. What can I use as a substitute for rice vinegar?

If you don’t have rice vinegar, you can substitute it with apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar. Both alternatives provide a similar tangy flavor. Start with a smaller amount and adjust to taste, as these substitutes can be slightly stronger than rice vinegar.

 Close-up view of a cucumber noodle salad garnished with black sesame seeds and red chili slices.
A detailed close-up of a cucumber noodle salad, showcasing the fresh cucumber noodles, black sesame seeds, and vibrant red chili slices.

Equipment

This 10-minute cucumber noodle salad is a quick, healthy, and delicious option for any meal. With a few simple ingredients and easy preparation steps, you can enjoy a refreshing dish that will delight your taste buds. Perfect for hot days or as a light side, this salad is sure to become a favorite. Enjoy!

More Delicious Salad Recipes:

A bowl of cucumber noodle salad garnished with black sesame seeds and red chili slices, surrounded by fresh ingredients including tomatoes, garlic, a chili pepper, and a small bowl of black sesame seeds on a wooden cutting board.

10-Minute Cucumber Noodle Salad Recipe

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes

This light and refreshing cucumber noodle salad is perfect for a quick lunch, side dish, or a healthy snack. Enjoy!

Ingredients

  • 1 large cucumber
  • 1 tbsp black sesame seeds
  • 1 tsp soy sauce
  • 2 tbsp sesame oil
  • 1 tsp rice vinegar
  • 1 clove of garlic, minced
  • 1/2 red chili, thinly sliced (optional for garnish)
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Wash the cucumber. Using a spiralizer, julienne peeler, or mandoline slicer, create long, thin noodles from the cucumber.
  1. Lightly salt the cucumber noodles and let them sit for a few minutes to draw out excess moisture. Then, gently squeeze the noodles with a paper towel to remove the water.
  2. In a small bowl, combine 1 tsp soy sauce, 2 tbsp sesame oil, 1 tsp rice vinegar, and 1 minced clove of garlic. Mix well until the ingredients are fully incorporated.
  3. (Optional) In a dry pan over medium heat, toast the black sesame seeds for a few minutes until they are fragrant. Be careful not to burn them. This step is optional but enhances the nutty flavor of the seeds.
  4. Place the cucumber noodles in a large mixing bowl.
  5. Pour the dressing over the cucumber noodles and toss gently to coat the noodles evenly.
  6. Sprinkle the toasted black sesame seeds over the salad.
  7. If you enjoy a bit of heat, garnish the salad with thinly sliced red chili.
  8. Transfer the salad to a serving dish and enjoy immediately for the best texture and flavor.

Notes

  • For the best texture and flavor, serve the cucumber noodle salad immediately after preparing it. Cucumbers have a high water content and can become soggy if left to sit for too long. If you need to prepare the salad in advance, keep the cucumber noodles and dressing separate, and combine them just before serving. This will help maintain the crispness of the noodles and ensure a fresh, vibrant salad.

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