Name: Spicy Spiral Cucumber Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Asian-inspired, Gluten-free
Ingredients: Fresh Small Cucumber (3-8 cucumbers); Pink Salt (2 Tsp); White Vinegar (3 Tbs); Red Chili Flakes (1-3 Tsp); Crushed Garlic (3 Tbs); Minced Green Onion (¼ Cup); Sesame Oil OR Liquid Aminos (¼ Cup); Maple Syrup (2 Tbs); OPTIONAL Toasted Sesame Seeds (2 Tbs)

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Looking for a fresh and exciting way to jazz up your salad routine? Look no further than this vibrant and flavorful recipe for Spicy Spiral Cucumber Salad! With just a few simple ingredients - including fresh small cucumbers, pink salt, and a zesty sauce made with white vinegar, red chili flakes, minced green onion, and more - you can create a dish that is as delicious as it is visually stunning. And if you really want to take things up a notch, why not add a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds to the mix? So go ahead, slice, spiral, and mix your way to a tasty and cheerful salad that is sure to impress!

If you love this recipe, you may also like my Rainbow Salad with Creamy Pineapple Dressing and Vegan Taco Salad!

COURSE: Side dish, Salad

CUISINE: Asian-inspired, Gluten-free

NUTRITIONAL FACTS: (Per 1 Cup Serving)

Calories 80
Protein 2g
Dietary Fiber 2g

Why You Will Love This Spicy Spiral Cucumber Salad:

This Spicy Spiral Cucumber Salad is a winner! It's easy to make with simple ingredients and clear instructions. The accordion-like cucumber slices and the colorful sauce make it look stunning. But the best part is how it tastes! The mix of fresh small cucumbers, pink salt, and zesty sauce made with white vinegar, crushed garlic, and red chili flakes creates a spicy, tangy, and savory flavor that'll make your taste buds dance. Add toasted sesame seeds for crunch, and you've got a healthy and yummy salad. Try it and see why it'll become a mealtime favorite!

About the Ingredients:

The Spicy Spiral Cucumber Salad recipe has fresh and simple ingredients. Small cucumbers give a crispy base. Pink salt adds a light seasoning. The zesty sauce has white vinegar, crushed garlic, minced green onion, red chili flakes, sesame oil or liquid aminos, and maple syrup. The sauce is the star because it makes the salad spicy, tangy, and a little bit sweet. Optional toasted sesame seeds give texture and a unique nutty flavor as well. The result is a healthy and tasty salad, great for lunch or a refreshing side dish. Also, you can use the zesty sauce with your favorite vegetables like zucchini, carrots, tomatoes, lettuce, radish, and more!

Fresh Small Cucumber

Small fresh cucumbers are perfect for this Spicy Spiral Cucumber Salad. They're shorter and thinner than regular cucumbers and have a sweet, delicate flavor. Choose firm, smooth cucumbers with bright green skin and avoid soft, wrinkled or discolored ones.

Cucumbers are mostly water, making them great for hydration. They're also low in calories and high in fiber, so they're a healthy choice for anyone looking to manage a balanced meal.

Red Chili Flakes

Red chili flakes are made from dried and crushed red chili peppers and are known for their spicy and hot flavor.

Red chili flakes have capsaicin that is anti-inflammatory and an antioxidant. They also have vitamins A and C, iron, and potassium. But, eating too many can also make your recipe way too spicy. Always use them in moderation!

Minced Green Onion

Green onions, also known as scallions, are a type of onion with long green stalks and small white bulbs. When minced, green onions add a mild onion flavor and a pop of color to the dish.

They're a source of vitamins A and C, vital for healthy skin and immune function. Green onions also have antioxidants that can lower inflammation and protect against chronic diseases.

Sesame Oil Or Liquid Aminos

To add flavor to the Spicy Spiral Cucumber Salad, you can use sesame oil or liquid aminos. Sesame oil is made from toasted sesame seeds and has a nutty flavor that goes well with the other ingredients. Liquid aminos are a gluten-free, low-sodium alternative to soy sauce that add a savory, umami taste.

Both options are low in calories and can be good for heart health since they contain healthy fats and can help lower cholesterol. Use both or either one to really make this recipe sing!

Maple Syrup

Maple syrup is a natural sweetener that is made by boiling sap collected from maple trees. It is a popular ingredient in many of my savory dishes, including this Spicy Spiral Cucumber Salad recipe. It also adds a unique sweetness to dishes, making it a perfect addition to the zesty sauce in this salad.

Maple Syrup a good alternative to refined sugar because it has a lower glycemic index. This means it can help control blood sugar levels!

Questions and Tips:

What equipment can I make this recipe in?

No special equipment is needed for this Spicy Spiral Cucumber Salad. Just use a sharp knife to slice the cucumbers, garlic, and green onion. A cutting board and bowl are helpful for preparation and mixing. And I make sure to use chopsticks to create the spiral design and also a cup to mix the zesty sauce. This recipe is simple and requires only basic equipment, perfect for a quick and easy meal or snack.

Are the extra toppings necessary?

Extra toppings in this salad aren't needed, but they can add flavor and texture. Toasted sesame seeds are one option. If you don't have sesame seeds or want something different, there are alternatives. Chopped peanuts or cashews give a nutty crunch. Fresh herbs like cilantro or mint add freshness. Sliced jalapeño or bell peppers add spice and color. Diced avocado or mango add creaminess and sweetness. Experiment with different toppings to find your favorite.

What else can I serve with this Spicy Spiral Cucumber Salad ?

This salad is a tasty side dish that goes with many main courses, like vegan chicken, shrimp, or pizza. It also works well with Asian dishes such as stir-fries, sushi, or noodles. It’s also great to serve this salad with rice or quinoa and veggies. This cucumber salad is flexible and can go with various meals, so it's an excellent choice for any occasion!

How long does this recipe last?

This Spicy Spiral Cucumber Salad is best when served fresh. If you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. However, the longer it sits, the softer the cucumbers will become and the flavors may become more muted. It's best to consume the salad within a day or two to enjoy it at its freshest and most flavorful. Feel free to make the zesty sauce, save it for up to two weeks, and mix it into your favorite fresh veggies when you are ready to serve!

Will non-vegans like this?

Non-vegans can always enjoy this Spicy Spiral Cucumber Salad! The salad is so flavorful and satisfying, and pairs well with many main courses. The dressing has spicy, tangy, and sweet flavors, and the cucumbers add refreshing crunch Thats simply irresistible. If you like bold and flavorful food, you'll like this salad. It's a great addition to any meal, whether you're a vegan or a meat-eater.

Spicy Spiral Cucumber Salad