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Easy Zesty Sweet Chili Cucumber Salad Recipe

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A quick and refreshing cucumber salad with a sweet, spicy, and tangy dressing made from sweet chili sauce, lime, and ginger. Ready in 10 minutes with no cooking required, perfect for hot days or as a versatile side dish.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 large English cucumbers (or 3 medium Persian cucumbers)
  • 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce (preferably Mae Ploy or Thai Kitchen)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice (about 1 lime)
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (unseasoned preferred)
  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
  • 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 2 green onions, sliced thin
  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (toasted, for garnish)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. Prep the cucumbers: Wash cucumbers thoroughly, trim ends, and slice into thin rounds about 1/4-inch thick. Place slices in a large bowl, sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon salt, toss to coat, and let sit for 10 minutes to draw out excess water.
  2. Drain and dry: After 10 minutes, transfer cucumber slices to a colander and rinse briefly with cold water to remove excess salt. Spread on a clean kitchen towel or paper towels and pat dry thoroughly.
  3. Make the dressing: In a small bowl or jar, combine sweet chili sauce, fresh lime juice, rice vinegar, toasted sesame oil, grated ginger, and minced garlic. Whisk or shake until well combined. Taste and adjust with red pepper flakes for more heat or extra lime juice for tanginess.
  4. Combine everything: Place dried cucumber slices in a clean large mixing bowl. Pour dressing over top and toss gently with hands or a spatula until every slice is coated. Add chopped cilantro, sliced green onions, and toasted sesame seeds. Toss again to distribute evenly.
  5. Let it rest (optional but recommended): For best flavor, let salad sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow cucumbers to absorb dressing without getting soggy.
  6. Serve and garnish: Transfer to a serving bowl and sprinkle extra sesame seeds and a pinch of red pepper flakes on top for presentation. Serve cold or at room temperature.

Notes

Don’t skip salting and drying the cucumbers to prevent a watery salad. Slice cucumbers about 1/4-inch thick for best texture. Taste dressing before tossing and adjust sweetness or heat as needed. Best served within an hour, but components can be prepped ahead. For a nut-free version, skip sesame seeds and use avocado oil instead of sesame oil.

Nutrition

Keywords: cucumber salad, sweet chili, zesty, quick, easy, no-cook, summer, refreshing, vegan, gluten-free

Find it online: https://larameals.com/easy-zesty-sweet-chili-cucumber-salad-recipe/