Spiral Cucumber Salad Recipe

Spiral Cucumber Salad Recipe — If you’re looking for a simple yet incredibly satisfying side dish or snack, this one’s a winner! Fresh cucumber is sliced into a fun spiral shape and topped with a bold, spicy soy garlic dressing that hits all the right notes — salty, tangy, garlicky, and just a little bit spicy. Perfect for hot days, dinner parties, or when you just want something crisp and refreshing with a burst of flavor. Let’s get started with this beautiful and refreshing Spiral Cucumber Salad!

Spiral Cucumber Salad Recipe

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

Ingredients:
1 large English cucumber
1/10 teaspoon salt
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 finger hot pepper, sliced
3 tablespoons avocado oil, or other high-smoking point oil
1 tablespoon soy sauce
2 tablespoons Chinkiang vinegar, or replace with others
1 teaspoon sugar

Spiral Cucumber Salad Instructions

1. Prepare the cucumber:

1. 1. • Cut off both ends of the cucumber. Place it between a pair of chopsticks.
      • Thinly slice it from one end to the other, cutting straight down. Flip the cucumber over and slice at a diagonal angle from one end to the other to create the spiral effect.

2. Salt and rest:

1. 1. • Place the spiral cucumber on a plate and sprinkle with salt.
      • Let it rest for 5 minutes to draw out excess moisture.

3. Make the dressing:

1. 1. • In a heatproof bowl, add the minced garlic and sliced finger hot pepper. Set aside.
      • In a small pan over high heat, heat the avocado oil until it’s smoking hot.
      • Carefully pour the hot oil over the garlic and pepper. You should hear a sizzle.
      • Add soy sauce, Chinkiang vinegar, and sugar to the mixture. Whisk to combine.

4. Serve:

1. 1. • Transfer the spiral cucumber to a serving plate.
      • Drizzle the spicy soy garlic dressing over the top. Enjoy!

Tips & Notes

1. 1. • According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, seasonal foods help us stay in harmony with nature. Summer is cucumber’s peak season. With its cooling nature, it helps reduce internal heat from the summer months.
      • Like all things, moderation is key — even with cooling foods!