This is one of my favorite recipes — a cucumber salad with an Asian twist that always surprises people. The best part? You can whip it up in just minutes.
It has the perfect balance of texture, freshness, and that unexpected wow factor few salads achieve. The dressing — made with peanut butter, lime, soy sauce, and maple syrup — is creamy, sweet, salty, and full of bold character.
Here’s What You’ll Need
For the dressing:
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2 tablespoons peanut butter
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1 tablespoon rice vinegar
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1 tablespoon soy sauce (adjust to taste)
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1 teaspoon sesame oil
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½ teaspoon Dijon mustard
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A pinch of salt (optional)
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1 teaspoon honey or Canadian maple syrup
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1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
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½ teaspoon lemon zest
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1–2 tablespoons water (to adjust consistency)
For the salad:
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2 medium cucumbers
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2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
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1 tablespoon chopped fresh mint
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1 teaspoon sesame seeds (for garnish)
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½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
Step-by-Step: The Best Salad You’ll Ever Try
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Wash and slice the cucumbers into strips or rustic chunks — aim for a nice texture.
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In a bowl, mix all the dressing ingredients. If it’s too thick, add a little water until it reaches your desired consistency.
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Add the cucumbers to the bowl and toss until they’re fully coated in the dressing.
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Add the fresh herbs — chopped cilantro and mint — and mix well.
- Finish with sesame seeds and, if you like a spicy touch, some red pepper flakes.
Final Touch
This salad is creamy, flavorful, and brings an unexpected Asian flair. It’s perfect as a side, appetizer, or even a light main dish packed with bold flavor.
Want to see how I make it step by step? Head over to my YouTube channel, where I show you this and many other recipes to help you break out of your routine — always full of flavor!