Sweet and sour cucumber salad
This Sweet and Sour Cucumber Salad combines crisp cucumber and scallions with a tangy dressing of vinegar, sesame oil, and soy sauce. It’s a quick and easy dish that adds a refreshing touch to any meal.
Cook time 0 min
Prep time 10 min
Ingredients:
1 cucumber1 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 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:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Serve the Sweet and Sour Cucumber Salad chilled as a refreshing side dish to complement your meal.
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.
Sweet and sour cucumber salad FAQ:
Store leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can last for up to 2 days, but the cucumbers may become softer over time due to the dressing.
Yes, you can substitute fish sauce with additional soy sauce for a vegetarian option, or use a vegan fish sauce alternative if desired.
For optimal flavor, let the salad marinate for at least 10-15 minutes. For a more intense flavor, refrigerate it for up to 1 hour.
English cucumbers or Persian cucumbers are ideal for this salad as they are less bitter and have fewer seeds. Regular cucumbers can also be used but may need peeling.
A large mixing bowl is recommended for combining the ingredients to ensure there is enough space for tossing the salad without spilling.
Cooking 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.
Nutrition Facts
8 ServingsCalories 50kcal
Protein 0.51g
Carbohydrates 4.34g
Fiber 0.38g
Sugar 3.11g
Fat 3.82g
More recipes
Warm pumpkin and brown lentil salad
A warm salad with roasted pumpkin, lentils, and arugula.
15 Jan 2026Spinach & tomato salad
A fresh and vibrant spinach and tomato salad, perfect for lunch or a side.
05 Dec 2025Honey-lime chicken, avocado and tomato salad
A zesty Honey-Lime Chicken Salad with avocado and tomato.
30 Nov 2025Shrimp and quinoa stir-fry
A quick and healthy shrimp and quinoa stir-fry enriched with soy sauce.
14 Jan 2026Cucumber and tomato salad with olive oil and vinegar
A refreshing cucumber and tomato salad with a tangy dressing.
28 Dec 2025Vietnamese noodle & smoked chicken salad
A refreshing Vietnamese noodle salad with smoked chicken and herbs.
14 Dec 2025Warm roasted pumpkin and potato salad
Delicious warm salad with roasted pumpkin, potatoes and hazelnuts.
18 Nov 2025