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Refreshing Chinese Garlic Cucumber Salad with Optional Chili Oil — Easy Summer Side Dish

This refreshing Chinese garlic cucumber salad brings crunchy cucumber pieces, aromatic garlic, and a tangy vinegar-sesame dressing that’s perfect for summer. Light, no-cook, and customizable with optional chili oil or ginger, it’s a cooling side dish that’s easy to make and loved by kids and adults alike.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 0 minutes
Chill Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 1
Course: Appetizer, Salad
Cuisine: Asian-fusion, Chinese
Calories: 50
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 large cucumbers
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tsp sesame oil
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp chili oil optional

Equipment

  • 1 knife
  • 1 cutting board
  • 1 mixing bowl
  • 1 Spoon

Method
 

  1. Wash and pat dry the cucumbers. Cut into bite-sized chunks or smash slightly with the side of a knife.
  2. In a bowl, mix soy sauce, rice vinegar, garlic, sesame oil, sugar, salt, and optional chili oil.
  3. Add cucumbers and toss well.
  4. Let chill for 10 minutes before serving if desired.

Notes

Cooking Tips: Smash cucumbers for extra texture and flavor absorption.
Storage: Best eaten fresh, but can be stored for up to 1 day in the fridge.
Diet Swaps:
  • Gluten-Free (if using GF soy sauce)
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