Description
This Best Viral Cucumber Salad is a fresh, crunchy, and flavor-packed dish that has taken the internet by storm! Made with thinly sliced cucumbers, red onion, and a tangy-sweet dressing, this salad is both refreshing and addictively delicious. It’s perfect as a light side dish, a healthy snack, or a quick meal prep option. Whether you’re serving it at a summer BBQ, a family dinner, or just craving something crisp and flavorful, this salad is guaranteed to be a hit!
Ingredients
Scale
For the Salad:
- 2 large cucumbers, thinly sliced (English or Persian cucumbers work best)
- ½ red onion, thinly sliced
- ¼ cup fresh dill, chopped (optional but recommended)
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds or crushed peanuts (optional for crunch)
For the Dressing:
- ¼ cup rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tablespoon honey (or maple syrup for a vegan option)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional for extra depth)
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
Prepare the Vegetables:
- Wash the cucumbers and slice them thinly using a knife or mandoline slicer.
- Thinly slice the red onion and chop the fresh dill.
Make the Dressing:
- In a small bowl, whisk together rice vinegar, soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, red pepper flakes, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper.
Combine Everything:
- In a large mixing bowl, add the sliced cucumbers, red onion, and fresh dill.
- Pour the dressing over the vegetables and toss gently to coat everything evenly.
Chill & Serve:
- Let the salad sit for at least 10 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
- Garnish with sesame seeds or crushed peanuts for added crunch.
- Serve chilled and enjoy!
Notes
- Make it Spicier: Add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha for a kick.
- Add More Protein: Toss in grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu to make it a full meal.
- Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The cucumbers may release water over time, so drain before serving again.
- Swap the Vinegar: Use white vinegar or lemon juice if you don’t have rice vinegar.
- Crunch Factor: Try adding crushed peanuts, cashews, or crispy fried onions.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes (no cooking required)
- Category: Salad, Side Dish
- Method: No-cook
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: ~60 kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 2g
- Saturated Fat: 0.3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1.7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 1.5g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg