Shanghai Cucumber Salad

Crisp, refreshing, and packed with bold, savory flavors, Shanghai Cucumber Salad is a vibrant side dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Made with lightly smashed English cucumbers, this quick 15-minute recipe highlights the crunchy texture and natural juiciness of the cucumbers, enhanced with a tangy, umami-rich dressing featuring soy sauce, rice vinegar, garlic, and a touch of sesame oil. A hint of red chili flakes adds gentle heat, while toasted sesame seeds and optional fresh cilantro bring depth and fragrance to each bite. Ideal as a chilled appetizer or a complement to your favorite Asian-inspired meal, this easy-to-make salad is a delightful combination of simplicity and flavor that will keep you coming back for more. Perfect for summer gatherings or as a light, healthy snack, it’s a must-try for fans of vibrant, Asian-style dishes.

Nutriscore Rating: 72/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:0 mins

Total Time:15 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 pieces English cucumber
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 3 cloves Garlic
• 2 tablespoons Soy sauce
• 1.5 tablespoons Rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon Sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon Sugar
• 0.5 teaspoon Red chili flakes
• 1 teaspoon Toasted sesame seeds
• 2 tablespoons Fresh cilantro (optional)

Directions

Step 1

Wash the cucumbers thoroughly and pat them dry. Using a rolling pin or the flat side of a large knife, lightly smash the cucumbers to break them open and create rough edges.

Step 2

Cut the smashed cucumbers into bite-sized pieces. Place in a large mixing bowl.

Step 3

Sprinkle the cucumbers with 1 teaspoon of salt, toss, and let them sit for 10 minutes to release excess water.

Step 4

While the cucumbers are resting, finely mince the garlic cloves and set them aside.

Step 5

In a small bowl, combine soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, sugar, and red chili flakes. Stir until the sugar is dissolved.

Step 6

After 10 minutes, drain the water released from the cucumbers and gently pat them dry with a paper towel. Return the cucumbers to the bowl.

Step 7

Add the minced garlic and the dressing to the cucumbers. Toss well to ensure the cucumbers are evenly coated.

Step 8

Transfer the salad to a serving dish. Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and freshly chopped cilantro, if using.

Step 9

Serve immediately or chill in the refrigerator for 15 minutes for a more refreshing taste.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(691.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	276.4

Total Fat 15.4g	0%
Saturated Fat 2.2g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 5.9g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 3526.3mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 31.3g	0%
Dietary Fiber 5.0g	0%
Total Sugars 14.4g
Protein 8.0g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 145.1mg	0%
Iron 2.4mg	0%
Potassium 1048.8mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 46.9%

Protein: 10.8%

Carbs: 42.3%