Sweet and sour cucumber salad

Discover the delightful blend of tangy and sweet with our Sweet and Sour Cucumber Salad! Fresh cucumbers, crisp scallions, and a zesty dressing of vinegar, sugar, sesame oil, soy sauce, and fish sauce make this refreshing salad a perfect side dish for any meal. Ready in minutes, it's a quick and easy way to add a burst of flavor to your table.

22 Mar 2025
Cook time 0 min
Prep time 10 min

Ingredients:

1 cucumber
1 cup scallions
2 tbsp vinegar
1 tbsp sugar
2 tbsp sesame oil
2 tsp soy sauce
1 tsp fish sauce
Sweet and sour cucumber salad

Sweet and sour cucumber salad is a refreshing and tantalizing dish that perfectly strikes a balance between tangy and sweet flavors. This simple yet delicious salad complements a variety of meals and is effortless to prepare.

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Cucumber:
- Wash the cucumber thoroughly under cold water.
- Slice the cucumber into thin rounds. You can use a mandoline slicer for uniform slices or a sharp knife.
- Place the cucumber slices in a large bowl.
2. Slice the Scallions:
- Wash the scallions thoroughly.
- Trim the roots and any discolored tops.
- Thinly slice the scallions, both the white and green parts.
- Add the sliced scallions to the bowl with the cucumber.
3. Prepare the Dressing:
- In a small mixing bowl, add 2 tablespoons of vinegar.
- Add 1 tablespoon of sugar to the vinegar and stir until the sugar is completely dissolved.
- Pour in 2 tablespoons of sesame oil.
- Add 2 teaspoons of soy sauce and 1 teaspoon of fish sauce.
- Mix the dressing ingredients well until fully combined.
4. Combine and Toss:
- Pour the dressing over the cucumber and scallions in the large bowl.
- Toss the salad thoroughly to ensure all the cucumber slices are evenly coated with the dressing.

5. Marinate:
- Let the salad sit for at least 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. For a more intense flavor, you can let it marinate in the refrigerator for up to 1 hour.
6. Serve:
- Give the salad one final toss before serving.
- Transfer the salad to a serving bowl or plate.
- Optionally, you can garnish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds or chopped fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley.
7. Enjoy:
- Serve the Sweet and Sour Cucumber Salad chilled as a refreshing side dish to complement your meal.

Tips:

- Use an English cucumber for a less bitter taste and fewer seeds.

- For a more intense flavor, let the cucumber marinate in the dressing for at least 30 minutes before serving.

- Add a bit of chili flakes if you prefer a spicy kick to your salad.

- Ensure the cucumber is evenly sliced for consistent texture and flavor absorption.

- Sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds on top for an added crunch and enhanced nutty flavor.

In just a few easy steps, you have created a vibrant and flavorful sweet and sour cucumber salad that is perfect as a side dish or a light appetizer. Enjoy the crispness of the cucumber combined with the tangy, sweet, and savory dressing.

Nutrition per serving

8 Servings
Calories 50kcal
Protein 0.51g
Carbohydrates 4.34g
Fiber 0.38g
Sugar 3.11g
Fat 3.82g

More recipes

Roast pumpkin, green bean and avocado salad

Easy to make and bursting with wholesome ingredients, it's a perfect addition to any meal.

24 Nov 2025

Balsamic chicken salad with parmesan

Perfect for a quick lunch or dinner, it's a nutritious meal that doesn't skimp on flavor.

01 Mar 2025

Carrot cabbage slaw with cumin vinaigrette

Perfect for a healthy side dish or light lunch.

06 Mar 2025

Chicken, lemon and asparagus stir-fry

Perfect for a quick and healthy dinner! #StirFry #HealthyEating #QuickMeals.

18 Apr 2025

Brown lentil salad

Enhanced with a tangy splash of lime juice, a hint of fish sauce, and fresh coriander leaves, this quick and easy salad is perfect for a healthy lunch or a savory side dish.

29 Jan 2026

Cold peanut noodle salad

Perfect for a quick lunch or a light dinner.

29 Mar 2025

Kale avocado salad with lemon and pepper

Perfect for a light lunch or a healthy side dish.

17 Mar 2025

Spicy honey garlic shrimp with brown rice and broccoli

Ideal for busy weeknights.

04 Apr 2025

Posts