Spicy Spiral Cucumber Salad Recipe

Ever find yourself craving something fresh but with a kick? That’s exactly what the Spicy Spiral Cucumber Salad Recipe delivers. It’s crisp, refreshing, and packs just enough heat to keep your taste buds on their toes. Plus, it’s super easy to whip up on a whim, making it perfect for those days when you want a quick, flavorful snack or side dish.

Variation I’ve Tried

I’ve played around with this salad more times than I can count. Sometimes I swap the traditional chili flakes for fresh jalapeños when I want a sharper heat. Other times, I toss in some toasted sesame seeds or crushed peanuts for a fun crunch. And if you’re not into spicy, you can dial down the heat or add a bit more lime juice to balance things out. Ever tried adding a splash of rice vinegar? It adds a tangy twist that’s surprisingly addictive.

Adaly Kandice

Spicy Spiral Cucumber Salad

A refreshing and spicy spiral cucumber salad that combines crisp cucumbers with a tangy and spicy dressing, perfect as a light appetizer or side dish.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 15 minutes mins

Servings: 4

Course: Salad

Cuisine: American

Calories: 90

Ingredients

  

• 2 medium cucumbers
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon soy sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon red chili flakes
• 1 teaspoon honey
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 green onion, chopped
• 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds

Instructions

 

1. Use a spiralizer to create cucumber spirals and place them in a bowl.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together olive oil, rice vinegar, soy sauce, red chili flakes, honey, and minced garlic.
3. Pour the dressing over the cucumber spirals and toss gently to coat.
4. Garnish with chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds if desired.
5. Chill for 10 minutes before serving to let flavors meld.

Notes

For less spice, reduce the red chili flakes. Use fresh cucumbers for the best crunch. This salad pairs well as a starter or side to Asian-inspired meals.

Serving

This salad shines as a side dish for grilled meats or fish. It also pairs wonderfully with Asian-inspired meals, like teriyaki chicken or sushi. If you want to keep things light, serve it alongside a bowl of steamed rice and tofu. It’s also a fantastic snack when you need something crunchy and refreshing that won’t weigh you down.

Tips for Spicy Spiral Cucumber Salad

• Don’t skip the salting step; it keeps the salad from getting soggy.
• Use fresh lime juice instead of bottled for a brighter, fresher flavor.
• If you want a milder version, toast the chili flakes lightly before adding them to the dressing to mellow out the heat.
• Spiralizing cucumbers makes the salad look fancy but slicing thinly works just as well.
• Letting the salad chill for 15 minutes before serving helps the flavors meld beautifully.

Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers (which is rare because this salad disappears fast), store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It’s best eaten within a day since cucumbers tend to release water and get soggy over time. If it looks watery, just drain the excess liquid before serving again.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Skipping the salting step, your salad will be watery and less crisp.
• Using too much soy sauce, it can overpower the fresh flavors.
• Forgetting to adjust the spice level, not everyone likes it super hot, so taste as you go.
• Using regular cucumbers with lots of seeds, they tend to add unwanted bitterness and extra water.
• Adding dressing too early, cucumbers release water quickly, so toss right before serving to keep it crisp.

Nutrition Information

• Calories: 90 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 8 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Fat: 4 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Sugar: 3 g