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Fresh Cold Sesame Cucumber Noodle Salad Recipe with Spicy Chili Oil Dressing

cold sesame cucumber noodle salad - featured image

A light, refreshing, and spicy cucumber noodle salad tossed in a nutty sesame and chili oil dressing, perfect for warm weather or a quick snack.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 large English cucumbers
  • 2 tablespoons sesame oil
  • 1 to 2 tablespoons chili oil
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce (low-sodium preferred)
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
  • 2 stalks green onions, thinly sliced
  • Salt to taste

Instructions

  1. Wash and dry 2 large English cucumbers. Using a spiralizer, create thin noodles. If unavailable, slice cucumbers lengthwise with a peeler to create ribbons. Place noodles into a large mixing bowl.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons sesame oil, 1-2 tablespoons chili oil, 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, 1 teaspoon honey, and 1 minced garlic clove until well combined and slightly thickened.
  3. Pour the dressing over the cucumber noodles. Toss gently to coat every noodle. Taste and add salt if needed.
  4. Sprinkle 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds and 2 sliced green onions over the salad. Toss gently again.
  5. Chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld and noodles to soak up the dressing without becoming soggy.

Notes

If cucumbers release too much water, sprinkle salt on noodles and let sit for 10 minutes, then squeeze out excess moisture before dressing. Adjust chili oil to taste. For vegan version, substitute honey with maple or agave syrup. Store dressing separately if making ahead to keep noodles crisp.

Nutrition

Keywords: cucumber salad, sesame cucumber noodles, spicy chili oil salad, cold cucumber salad, quick salad, vegan salad, gluten-free salad