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Super quick and super tasty to add to your favorites Asian mealsee this Chopped Cucumber Salad! A special technique and lively seasoning transform ordinary cucumbers into a crisp, tangy side dish that tastes delicious. I recently tried it at an Asian fusion restaurant and was immediately inspired to create my own version.
You may be used to slicing, dicing, or even spiraling cucumbers for salads (Cucumber Noodle Salad, Cucumber Tomato Avocado Salador Creamy Cucumber Radish Salad are some of my favorite methods! ). Mashing is another technique you’ll want to add to your cucumber salad, and it only takes a few minutes to make.
What is Chopped Cucumber Salad?
This salad uses a common technique in Asian cuisine to make cucumbers. Mashing them breaks down the fiber in their meat, allowing more flavor to seep through the dressing. Japanese, Thai, and Chinese shredded cucumber salad recipes use this preparation method for a delicious, refreshing result.
Why You’ll Love This Chopped Cucumber Salad Recipe
- Sweet and spicy
- Soft and crunchy texture
- Done in 20 minutes
- easy to find ingredients
- The perfect complement to any Asian entree!

Ingredients and Substitutes
This section explains how to choose the best toppings for shredded cucumber salad, what each ingredient does in the recipe, and substitution options. See recipe card below for measurements.
salad:
- cucumber -I use English cucumbers for this Asian Shredded Cucumber Salad recipe, but Persian cucumbers work well here too.
- toasted sesame seeds – Crunch and flavor.
- coriander – Use fresh coriander with bright green leaves without brown spots.
dressing:
- rice vinegar – Add a unique Asian flavor to condiments. You can substitute white vinegar or even apple cider vinegar if you like, but the taste will be different.
- olive oil – Use regular olive oil, extra virgin olive oil, or any neutral oil you like, such as avocado oil.
- Coconut Amino Acids – If you can tolerate soy, you can use soy sauce instead.
- Honey – Added sweetness.i used Wholesome Yum Unsweetened Honey Substitutesbut you can also use traditional honey, maple syrup, or agave.
- sesame oil – Toasted sesame oil for the best flavor.
- Sriracha – This is the chili paste available at most grocery stores. If you can’t find it, garlic chili sauce or any other hot sauce you have on hand will work.
- garlic powder – You can also use chopped fresh garlic instead.
- salt and pepper – I use sea salt, but kosher salt will work too. For extra heat, add red pepper flakes in addition to ground black pepper.

How to Make Chopped Cucumber Salad
This section shows how to make a shredded cucumber salad, with step-by-step photos and details on the technique. See the recipe card below for full instructions.
- smash. Cut the cucumber in half lengthwise and place on a cutting board skin side up. Hit the cucumber with the side of a rolling pin, knife, or the smooth side of a meat mallet to split and crack.
Tip: No need to smash too hard!
Over-mashing will make the cucumber mushy, so just apply pressure to break it up a little.
- piece. Cut the cucumber into bite-sized pieces. Add to a large bowl with sesame seeds and cilantro.


- Make dressings. In a small bowl, combine all seasonings and whisk together.
- fall. Pour dressing over salad and toss gently. Serve immediately, or let cool for 30 minutes to develop flavor. Garnish with more sesame seeds and cilantro if desired.


Storage Instructions
Keep covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Salads will take on excess liquid over time, so if desired, drain before serving.

What to Serve with Chopped Cucumber Salad
The rich flavor of this salad goes well with simple sides like noodles, spooned onto rice bowls bake Meat and veggies, or pair with any Asian entree! Try these recipes:
Healthier Asian Side Dish Recipes
It’s easy to make fresh, delicious side dishes for Asian cuisine. Try these favorites!
Readers’ Favorite Recipes
The recipe card is below! Readers who made this also checked out these recipes:
raw material
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instruct
Tap the time in the instructions below to start the kitchen timer while cooking.
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Place the cucumbers on a cutting board and cut in half lengthwise. Arrange the halved cucumbers with their skin side up.use flat objects or rolling pin, pound cucumbers. Don’t apply too much pressure, just let the cucumber crack slightly.
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Cut the mashed cucumber into 1-inch (2.54 cm) slices.
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Put the cucumbers in a large bowl. Add sesame seeds and coriander.
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In a small bowl, whisk together all the seasonings.
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Pour dressing over mashed cucumber salad and toss gently.
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If you have time, keep the salad in the fridge 30 minutes If desired, make the flavor more intense. Serve cold.
recipe notes
Serving Size: 1 cup
nutrient content
Amount per serving. Serving Sizes in Recipe Instructions Above.
Calories
70
fat
4.5 grams
protein
1.6 grams
total carbohydrates
7.3 grams
net carbs
5.8 grams
fiber
1.5g
sugar
3.1 grams
Nutrition Facts are provided as a courtesy. Have questions about the calculation or why you get different results?see our nutrition policy.
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