Recipe Information
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Prep time: 15 minutes
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Cooking time: 0 minutes
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Total time: 15 minutes
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Servings: 4
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Difficulty: Easy
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Cuisine: Asian-inspired
Ingredients
For the Salad
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Fresh cucumbers | 2 medium |
| Ripe tomatoes | 3 medium |
| Red onion | ½ medium |
| Fresh parsley or cilantro | ½ cup |
| Green onions | 2 |
| Shredded carrots (optional) | ½ cup |
| Bean sprouts (optional) | ½ cup |
For the Spicy Dressing
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Chili oil | 2 tablespoons |
| Soy sauce | 2 tablespoons |
| Rice vinegar | 1½ tablespoons |
| Honey | 1 tablespoon |
| Fresh lemon juice | 1 tablespoon |
| Garlic, minced | 3 cloves |
| Sesame oil | 1 teaspoon |
| Red chili flakes | ½ teaspoon |
| Salt | To taste |
| Black pepper | ¼ teaspoon |
| Sesame seeds (optional) | 1 teaspoon |
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the vegetables
Wash the cucumbers and tomatoes thoroughly.
Slice the cucumbers into thin rounds or half-moons.
Cut the tomatoes into bite-sized pieces.
Thinly slice the red onion.
Chop the fresh parsley or cilantro and green onions.
Step 2: Prepare the dressing
In a small bowl, combine chili oil, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, lemon juice, minced garlic, sesame oil, and red chili flakes.
Add black pepper and a little salt if needed.
Whisk everything together until well combined.
Taste and adjust the sweetness, acidity, and spice according to your preference.
Step 3: Combine the salad ingredients
Place the sliced cucumbers, tomatoes, onions, shredded carrots, and bean sprouts into a large mixing bowl.
Add the chopped fresh herbs and green onions.
Gently toss the vegetables together.
Step 4: Add the spicy dressing
Pour the prepared chili-garlic dressing evenly over the vegetables.
Use salad spoons to gently toss everything until all the vegetables are coated.
Make sure the dressing reaches the cucumbers, tomatoes, and onions.
Step 5: Let the flavors develop
Allow the salad to rest for approximately 5–10 minutes.
This gives the vegetables time to absorb the delicious sweet, tangy, and spicy dressing.
Step 6: Garnish and serve
Sprinkle sesame seeds and additional chopped cilantro over the top.
Serve immediately while the cucumbers are fresh and crunchy.
Helpful Cooking Tips
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Use firm cucumbers for the best crunchy texture.
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Choose ripe but firm tomatoes to prevent excess liquid.
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Remove tomato seeds if you prefer a less watery salad.
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Add dressing shortly before serving to keep vegetables crisp.
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Adjust chili oil to control the spice level.
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Add a little extra honey if you prefer a sweeter dressing.
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Refrigerate for 10–15 minutes before serving for a refreshing taste.
Nutrition Information
Estimated nutrition per serving, based on 4 servings.
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 145 kcal |
| Protein | 3 g |
| Carbohydrates | 16 g |
| Total fat | 9 g |
| Saturated fat | 1.3 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugar | 9 g |
| Sodium | 550 mg |
Nut Information (Q/S)
Q/S = Quantity per Serving
This salad contains no tree nuts in the basic recipe.
| Nut type | Amount per serving |
|---|---|
| Almonds | 0 g |
| Walnuts | 0 g |
| Cashews | 0 g |
| Pecans | 0 g |
| Pistachios | 0 g |
| Hazelnuts | 0 g |
| Peanuts | 0 g |
Optional seeds: Sesame seeds provide approximately 0.3–0.5 g per serving when using 1 teaspoon for the whole salad.
Allergy note: Sesame and soy are present in the optional sesame garnish and soy sauce. Check chili oil labels for possible allergen cross-contact.
Serving Suggestions
Enjoy this delicious salad with:
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Grilled chicken breast
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Grilled fish
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Steamed rice
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Roasted vegetables
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Asian-style noodles
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Crispy spring rolls
Storage Instructions
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Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 1–2 days.
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Best texture: Enjoy freshly prepared.
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Dressing: Keep separately if preparing ahead.
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Freezing: Not recommended because cucumbers and tomatoes become watery after thawing.
Final Result
A beautiful, colorful cucumber and tomato salad with crunchy vegetables, fresh herbs, and a glossy spicy chili-garlic dressing.
Every bite delivers freshness, crunch, sweetness, tanginess, and a delicious spicy kick. Perfect for healthy lunches, family dinners, and summer gatherings!