Spiral Cucumber Salad

This Spiral Cucumber Salad is a refreshing, crunchy, and spicy Korean-inspired side dish that takes just 10 minutes to make! Thinly sliced cucumbers are coated in a delicious mix of soy sauce, garlic, sesame oil, and chili flakes, creating the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and spicy. Serve it as a side with BBQ, rice dishes, or enjoy it as a light snack!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✔ Super Quick & Easy – Ready in 10 minutes!
✔ Korean-Inspired Flavors – A perfect mix of spice, sweetness, and umami.
✔ Healthy & Refreshing – Crisp cucumbers with a bold kick!
✔ Customizable – Adjust spice levels to your liking.

Ingredients (Serves 2-3)

1 large cucumber (or 2 smaller ones)
1 tsp salt (for drawing out moisture)
1 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
½ tbsp sesame oil
1 tsp honey or sugar
1 garlic clove (minced)
½ tsp Korean red pepper flakes (gochugaru) (adjust for spice level)
½ tsp sesame seeds
1 green onion (chopped, for garnish)

???? Optional Add-Ins:

Julienned carrots – for color & crunch
Crushed peanuts – for a nutty touch
Sriracha or gochujang – for extra spice

How to Make Spiral Cucumber Salad

Step 1: Spiralize the Cucumbers

Wash the cucumber and cut off both ends.
Using a spiralizer or sharp knife, slice the cucumber into thin spirals or ribbons.
Sprinkle 1 tsp salt over the cucumber, toss, and let sit for 5 minutes to remove excess water.
After 5 minutes, rinse and gently squeeze out excess water with a paper towel.

Step 2: Make the Dressing

In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey, minced garlic, and gochugaru until well combined.

Step 3: Toss & Serve

Pour the dressing over the cucumber spirals and toss gently to coat.
Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions.
Serve immediately or chill for 10 minutes for deeper flavor.

Tips for the Best Spiral Cucumber Salad

???? Use Firm Cucumbers – English or Persian cucumbers work best for crunch.
❄️ Chill Before Serving – For a refreshing, crisp texture.
???? Adjust Spice Level – Add more or less gochugaru based on your preference.
???? Pair with Korean Dishes – Perfect with bibimbap, BBQ, or kimchi fried rice!

Storage & Make-Ahead

???? Storage: Best enjoyed fresh, but can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 day.