- June 14, 2025
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you need to bring this salad to life:
3–4 small cucumbers (such as Persian or English), thinly sliced
1 teaspoon coarse salt (to draw out excess moisture)
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 green onions, finely sliced
2 tablespoons rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar as an alternative)
1 tablespoon soy sauce or coconut aminos (for gluten-free option)
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1 teaspoon chili oil or a pinch of red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
1 teaspoon low-carb sweetener (such as erythritol or monk fruit)
1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds, for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Cucumbers
Slice cucumbers thinly using a knife or mandolin. Place them in a bowl and sprinkle with coarse salt. Toss well and let sit for 10–15 minutes. This will help pull out excess water, which prevents the salad from becoming watery later.
2. Drain and Rinse
After resting, rinse the cucumbers under cold water and pat them dry using paper towels. This step helps remove extra salt and ensures the cucumbers stay crisp.
3. Mix the Dressing
In a separate bowl, combine rice vinegar, soy sauce or coconut aminos, sesame oil, chili oil, sweetener, garlic, and green onions. Whisk everything together until well combined.
4. Toss and Chill
Add the cucumbers to the dressing and toss gently to coat each slice. Let the salad sit in the fridge for at least 10 minutes so the flavors can develop.
5. Garnish and Serve
Just before serving, sprinkle toasted sesame seeds on top for a nutty crunch and extra visual appeal.
Pro Tips and Variations
More crunch: Add thin slices of red bell pepper or shredded carrots.
Boost the protein: Add cooked shrimp, grilled chicken, or tofu to turn this into a light meal.
Switch up the herbs: Try chopped cilantro, Thai basil, or mint for a fresh twist.
Tangier flavor: Add a squeeze of fresh lime juice.
Sweeter version: Use a touch more sweetener or a drop of honey (if not strictly low-carb).
What to Serve It With
This salad pairs wonderfully with a variety of dishes, including:
Grilled meats such as chicken skewers or pork chops
Asian-inspired main courses like teriyaki salmon or sesame tofu
Stir-fried vegetables or noodle bowls
As a refreshing side for barbecue, picnic, or potluck meals
Storage and Meal Prep
One of the best parts about this salad is that it stores well in the fridge:
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Tip: If you're meal prepping, store the cucumbers and dressing separately and combine them just before eating to maintain maximum crunch.
Nutrition Information (approx. per 1-cup serving)
Calories: 50–70
Net Carbs: 3–4g
Protein: 1g
Fat: 3g
Fiber: 1g
These values can vary slightly depending on the ingredients and portion size, but it's an excellent low-carb option no matter how you prepare it.
Final Thoughts
Low-Carb Asian Cucumber Salad is the perfect example of how simple ingredients can deliver big results. It’s crisp, flavorful, and totally refreshing, making it ideal for warm days or when you're craving something light and vibrant. With no need for cooking and endless ways to customize it, this salad is bound to become a staple in your kitchen.
If you’re living the keto life, looking to eat clean, or just want to add more vegetables to your diet without compromising on taste, this salad is for you.
