Soy Garlic Cucumber Salad

Featured in: Weeknight Dinners

Cool, crisp cucumbers and scallions are tossed in a savory blend of soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and garlic, with hints of maple syrup and ginger. This vibrant Asian-inspired salad is quick to prepare—ready in just ten minutes—and pairs well with grilled meats, tofu, or rice. It's naturally vegan, dairy-free, and easily made gluten-free with tamari. Sprinkled with toasted sesame seeds for extra flavor, this dish offers a refreshing bite, perfect as a side or light appetizer. Add radishes or carrots for crunch and customize to fit your dietary needs.

Updated on Fri, 17 Oct 2025 18:43:54 GMT
Crisp Soy Garlic Cucumber Salad with a glistening, flavorful dressing, ready to serve. Save to Pinterest
Crisp Soy Garlic Cucumber Salad with a glistening, flavorful dressing, ready to serve. | yummywithmia.com

This Soy Garlic Cucumber Salad is my go-to when I want something crisp and flavorful in only ten minutes. It is light and refreshing but brings so much punch with its savory soy-garlic dressing. I love that it pairs perfectly with heavier main dishes but can also stand alone as a healthy snack on a hot day.

I remember making this for a last minute picnic with friends. It vanished faster than anything else on the table now I keep the recipe handy for those spur of the moment gatherings everyone ends up loving it.

Ingredients

  • Cucumbers: sliced thin for a crisp refreshing bite Pick ones that feel firm for maximum crunch
  • Scallions: add a mild oniony lift Choose ones with bright green tops
  • Toasted sesame seeds: bring a nutty crunch Lightly toasted seeds give deeper flavor
  • Soy sauce: the star seasoning Select a good quality soy sauce for smooth salty savor
  • Rice vinegar: gives gentle tang I prefer unseasoned for better control over sweetness
  • Sesame oil: infuses the salad with rich depth Use toasted for maximum aroma
  • Maple syrup or honey: balances saltiness and acidity Pure maple syrup is my favorite here for its subtle caramel notes
  • Garlic: fresh and minced for robust kick Finer mince means more even flavor
  • Fresh ginger: adds fragrance and zest Optional but adds real warmth and brightness
  • Crushed red pepper flakes: sneak in little heat Use as much or as little as you like

Instructions

Prep the Vegetables:
Slice cucumbers thinly into rounds or half moons for even texture. Thinly slice the scallions using both the green and white parts for mild flavor and color contrast. Place both into a large mixing bowl ready for marinating.
Mix the Dressing:
In a small bowl combine soy sauce rice vinegar sesame oil maple syrup or honey minced garlic and ginger if using. Whisk vigorously until the mixture is fully blended and the syrup dissolves. This thorough mixing makes sure every bite is well flavored.
Dress the Salad:
Pour the completed dressing straight over the sliced vegetables. Use clean hands or two utensils to toss everything together gently but thoroughly so that the cucumbers are well coated in liquid.
Marinate Briefly:
Let the salad sit in the bowl for at least five minutes before serving. This quick rest allows the cucumbers to absorb the tangy dressing while staying crisp and bright.
Add Final Touches:
Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds right before serving for extra crunch. If you like bonus color and flavor scatter on a few extra scallion slices.
Simple Soy Garlic Cucumber Salad showcases thinly sliced cucumbers in a tangy Asian-inspired dressing. Save to Pinterest
Simple Soy Garlic Cucumber Salad showcases thinly sliced cucumbers in a tangy Asian-inspired dressing. | yummywithmia.com

Cucumbers are my favorite here since they soak up all the flavorful dressing and keep the crunch even after a few hours in the fridge. I always think of summer afternoons when my sister and I would sneak slices of this salad right out of the mixing bowl before it hit the table. The scent of the garlic and sesame oil always reminds me of those days.

Storage Tips

Keep any leftovers covered in the fridge and they stay fresh for up to two days. For best crunch pour off excess liquid if you are storing for a while. The flavors intensify overnight but the cucumbers may soften slightly after day two.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you need gluten free swap standard soy sauce for tamari. You can use Persian cucumbers or English cucumbers which have fewer seeds and thinner skins perfect if you want to skip peeling. If you prefer less sweetness use agave or just a pinch of sugar instead of maple syrup.

Serving Suggestions

This salad is ideal alongside grilled chicken beef tofu or crispy fried rice. It adds brightness to spicy noodle bowls and provides the perfect contrast to rich barbecue flavors. At parties I serve it as a cool crunchy appetizer and it gets devoured fast.

Cultural and Seasonal Touches

Soy garlic cucumbers are a staple in Asian dining from Korean banchan to Japanese izakaya snacks. For summertime add a handful of fresh mint or cilantro. In winter toss in julienned carrots or radishes for color and crunch. Even a sprinkle of roasted peanuts gives a whole new spin.

Homemade Soy Garlic Cucumber Salad: refreshingly cool, crunchy, and ideal alongside grilled dishes. Save to Pinterest
Homemade Soy Garlic Cucumber Salad: refreshingly cool, crunchy, and ideal alongside grilled dishes. | yummywithmia.com

Fresh cucumbers are not freezer friendly since they tend to get watery after thawing. For longer storage chop cucumbers and freeze undressed then add the dressing just before serving. Note that texture will be much softer after freezing but the flavors stand up well.

Common Recipe Questions

What cucumbers work best for this salad?

English or Persian cucumbers are ideal for their crisp texture and mild flavor. Slice them thinly for best results.

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

The salad is best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare the dressing in advance and toss just before serving.

Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?

Yes, use tamari or certified gluten-free soy sauce to keep it suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.

What can I add for extra crunch?

Thinly sliced radishes or carrots add extra crunch and color to the salad.

How should I serve this salad?

Serve chilled as a light appetizer or alongside grilled meats, tofu, or rice bowls.

Are there any allergens to be aware of?

The salad contains soy from soy sauce and optional sesame seeds, so check ingredient labels for allergies.

Soy Garlic Cucumber Salad

Cool cucumbers tossed in tangy soy-garlic dressing, perfect for plant-based and dairy-free lifestyles.

Prep Time
10 minutes
0
Overall Time
10 minutes
Created by Mia

Recipe Type Weeknight Dinners

Skill Level Easy

Culinary Origin Asian-inspired

Total Output 4 Portion Size

Dietary Preferences Plant-Based, Dairy-Free

What You'll Need

Vegetables

01 2 large cucumbers, thinly sliced
02 2 scallions, thinly sliced
03 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds (optional)

Dressing

01 2 tablespoons soy sauce
02 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
03 1 tablespoon sesame oil
04 2 teaspoons maple syrup or honey
05 2 cloves garlic, minced
06 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated (optional)
07 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Steps to Follow

Step 01

Combine Vegetables: Place thinly sliced cucumbers and scallions into a large mixing bowl.

Step 02

Prepare Dressing: In a separate small mixing bowl, vigorously whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, maple syrup or honey, minced garlic, ginger if desired, and red pepper flakes.

Step 03

Dress and Toss: Pour the dressing over cucumbers and scallions. Toss gently using a whisk or spoon until vegetables are evenly coated.

Step 04

Flavor Development: Allow salad to sit for 5 minutes to let flavors meld.

Step 05

Garnish and Serve: Finish with a scattering of toasted sesame seeds immediately before serving.

Tools Required

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Small mixing bowl
  • Whisk
  • Knife
  • Cutting board

Allergy Warnings

Please review individual ingredients for potential allergens and reach out to a healthcare professional if unsure.
  • Contains soy from soy sauce.
  • Sesame seeds may trigger allergies for sensitive individuals.
  • Use certified gluten-free soy sauce or tamari if gluten intolerant.
  • Verify labels for hidden allergens in prepared ingredients.

Nutritional Info (per serving)

These details are for reference only and shouldn't replace professional medical consultation.
  • Calories Count: 65
  • Fats: 3.5 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 7 grams
  • Proteins: 2 grams