This is an addictive little salad, you have been warned! Chilli cucumber salad is so easy and makes a lovely side dish with just about every meal. And lets not forget the delicious punch it offers a sandwich or taco, YUM! Crunchy, hot, tart and little sweet, it has been on repeat in my kitchen and it stores so well in the fridge, I love having bits and pieces in the fridge that add something extra to my dishes.
Cucumbers are in season most of the year, so go ahead and keep this one going all year round!
This was inspired by my cucumber and chive salad on this site.
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Ingredients
A handful of ingredients make a awesome and punchy side dish or quick snack! And any fresh crunchy cucumber variety will do, although I always prefer continental cucumbers.
- cucumber
- chilli
- sesame seeds
- rice wine vinegar
- olive oil
- salt
See recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
- Step 1: Toast the sesame seeds and set aside.
- Step 2: Slice the cucumbers, and finely chop the chilli.
- Step 3: Combine all ingredients into a bowl.
- Step 4: Allow to sit for 15 minutes before eating.
Hint: toast sesame seeds and keep them in an air tight container for up to 3 months in the pantry. You'll have yummy, nutty sesame seeds to use on all your salads and dishes, fast!
Substitutions and Variations
- Carrot - add some thinly shaved carrot to the mix for a sweeter and crunchier salad
- Spicey - replace fresh chillies with chilli flakes and up the heat with a couple of dashes of ground cayenne pepper
- White vinegar - replace rice wine vinegar with white wine vinegar 1:1 if you need
- Crunch - for add crunch, chop and toast some cashews or peanuts and add them with the sesame seeds, so good!
- Sesame oil - replace olive oil with sesame oil with a nuttier sesame taste if you prefer
Storage
Store in the fridge for up to 2 days in an airtight container. Give it a good stir before using.
Not suitable to freeze.
Top Tip
For a uniform thin slice, use a mandolin. Its much quicker than a knife and chopping board, and easier if you're making a large batch to feed a crowd.
Related
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
Pairing
These are my favourite dishes to serve with chilli cucumber salad:
Chilli Cucumber Salad
Ingredients
- 1-2 large cucumbers
- 2 large chillies
- 3 tablespoon sesame seeds
- 2 tablespoon rice wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Toast the sesame seeds and set aside to cool.
- Finely slice the cucumber and place in a mixing bowl. De seed and finely chop the chillies.
- Combine ingredients into a bowl and mix well. Allow to sit and flavours to mix for at least 20 minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Let me know if you have tried this recipe