20-Min Spiral Cucumber Salad Recipe

Spiral Cucumber Salad is the ultimate refreshing side dish—crisp, juicy cucumber sliced into a fun spiral shape and drizzled with a bold, spicy soy garlic dressing. It’s tangy, garlicky, and just the right amount of heat. Perfect for hot summer days, dinner parties, or whenever you crave something light and flavorful, this salad is as beautiful as it is easy to make.

Spiral Cucumber Salad Recipe

Serves: 2
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 5 minutes

Ingredients:
1 large English cucumber
1/10 teaspoon salt
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 red pepper, sliced
3 tablespoons cooking oil (high smoke-point oil, like avocado, grapeseed, or peanut)
1 tablespoon soy sauce
2 tablespoons Chinkiang vinegar (or other vinegar of choice)
1 teaspoon sugar

Spiral Cucumber Salad Instructions

1. Prepare the cucumber:

• Cut off both ends of the cucumber. Place it between two chopsticks to prevent slicing all the way through.
• Slice straight down from end to end, then flip the cucumber over and slice at a diagonal angle from end to end to create a spiral effect.

2. Salt and rest:

• Transfer the spiral cucumber to a plate and sprinkle evenly with salt.
• Let it rest for 5 minutes to release excess moisture. This helps the cucumber stay crisp and absorb the dressing better.

3. Make the dressing:

• In a heatproof bowl, add the minced garlic and sliced red pepper. Set aside.
• In a small pan over high heat, heat the oil until smoking hot.
• Carefully pour the hot oil over the garlic and chili. You should hear a sizzle—this releases the aromatics.
• Add soy sauce, Chinkiang vinegar, and sugar. Whisk to combine.

4. Serve:

• Place the spiral cucumber on a serving plate.
• Drizzle the soy garlic dressing over the top. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips & notes

• Make it ahead: You can prep the cucumber and dressing separately, then combine right before serving.
• High-smoking-point oil: Use any oil with a high smoke point, such as avocado, grapeseed, or peanut oil.
• Spiral not required: No spiral? Just thinly slice or smash and follow the same dressing steps.
• Cooling benefits: According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, cucumbers help cool the body in hot weather—perfect for summer