Looking for a dish that combines bold flavors with incredible health benefits? Spicy Cucumber Salad is the perfect choice! This vibrant, crunchy salad is a feast for the senses, blending the freshness of cucumbers with a fiery, umami-packed dressing that will leave your taste buds dancing. It’s the kind of dish that brings both comfort and excitement to the table, all while offering a wealth of nutritional perks.
At the heart of this salad is the humble cucumber, a vegetable known for its hydrating properties and rich content of vitamins and minerals. Cucumbers are not only packed with water, making them great for hydration, but they also offer a good dose of fiber, which promotes healthy digestion. Plus, their low-calorie content makes them an excellent choice for anyone looking to maintain a balanced diet.
But the real magic happens when the cucumbers are paired with the spicy, flavorful dressing. Gochujang, a Korean red chili paste, adds a smoky heat that brings depth to the dish, while red chili flakes add an extra layer of spiciness to kick things up a notch. These chili ingredients are not just for flavor; they come with their own health benefits. Chili peppers contain capsaicin, which has been linked to boosting metabolism, reducing inflammation, and even promoting heart health.
The addition of sesame oil and coconut aminos rounds out the dressing with rich, savory umami flavors, enhancing the dish’s overall taste profile. Sesame oil is rich in antioxidants, and coconut aminos provide a soy-free, lower-sodium alternative to traditional soy sauce, making this dish a more health-conscious choice without sacrificing taste.
To finish off the salad, toasted sesame seeds add a delightful crunch and a dose of healthy fats, which are essential for brain function and overall well-being. The green onions and shallots not only bring extra layers of flavor but also pack in additional nutrients, from vitamins to antioxidants.
Whether you’re enjoying it as a light snack, a side dish, or a topping for your favorite protein, Spicy Cucumber Salad is a perfect blend of deliciousness and nutrition. It’s an exciting way to incorporate fresh, bold flavors into your meals while reaping the benefits of the ingredients that make it shine. Give your body a nourishing boost while treating your taste buds to a zesty, satisfying experience—this salad has it all!
Recipe
24 oz. (680g) cucumbers
1 large shallot, thinly sliced
2 green onions (spring onions), sliced (dark green pieces left for garnish)
1 tbsp. white sesame seeds, toasted
Dressing:
2 tbsp. gochujang (Korean red chili paste)
½ tbsp. red chili flakes
1½ tbsp. toasted sesame oil
1 tbsp. coconut aminos
1 tbsp. rice vinegar
3 cloves garlic, minced or crushed
How to Prepare
Slice off the ends of the cucumbers, then cut them in half lengthwise. Smash each piece with the flat side of a knife until it cracks, then tear it into bite-sized chunks.
Place the cucumbers in a colander over a bowl. Sprinkle with 1 tsp. salt and toss. Let it rest in the fridge for 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours).
To make the dressing, whisk together gochujang, red chili flakes, sesame oil, coconut aminos, rice vinegar, and garlic in a large bowl.
After resting, discard excess water from the cucumbers. Squeeze a handful at a time to remove extra moisture.
Add cucumbers, shallots, and green onions (whites) to the dressing. Massage with your hands for 1 minute to coat.
Before serving, sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onions (dark green).
