By Dr. Leah Alexander | Published on December 31, 2023 | Last Updated on December 31, 2023
Are you looking for a light and refreshing summer salad?
If so, you’ve come to the right place! Spiral cucumber salad is a delicious and nutritious dish perfect for any summer gathering.
It’s a great way to show off your culinary skills and impress your guests. This salad is light, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make, so it’s the perfect dish for a summer barbecue or potluck.
What is Spiral Cucumber Salad?
Spiral cucumber salad is a light and refreshing summer salad made with spiralized cucumbers, fresh herbs, and a tangy dressing. It’s a great way to show off your culinary skills and impress your guests.
The cucumbers are spiralized into “noodles”, which gives the salad a unique texture and flavor. This salad is light, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make, so it’s the perfect dish for a summer barbecue or potluck.
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What Does It Taste Like?
Spiral cucumber salad has a light and refreshing flavor. The cucumbers are spiralized into “noodles”, which gives the salad a unique texture.
The herbs add a fresh and flavorful touch, while the dressing adds a tangy kick. This salad is light and flavorful, making it a great option for a summer dish.
Ingredients
- 8 mini cucumbers, spiral-cut: The main ingredient of the salad, spiral-cut cucumbers add a unique texture and aesthetic appeal. The spiral-cut allows for better absorption of flavors and dressing.
- 2 tsp minced garlic: Garlic adds a pungent and savory flavor to the salad. It enhances the overall taste profile and complements the freshness of the cucumbers.
- 2 tsp red chili peppers: Red chili peppers provide heat and a subtle spiciness to the salad, creating a well-balanced flavor profile. The heat can be adjusted to personal preference.
- 2 tsp sesame seeds: Sesame seeds contribute a nutty and crunchy element to the salad. They also add visual appeal and texture, enhancing the overall eating experience.
- 2 tsp soy sauce: Soy sauce adds umami and a salty depth of flavor to the salad. It serves as a key component in the dressing, tying together all the other flavors.
- 2 tsp rice wine vinegar: Rice wine vinegar provides a tangy and slightly sweet taste, balancing the richness of other ingredients. It also helps to tenderize the cucumbers slightly.
- 2 tsp brown sugar: Brown sugar adds sweetness to the dressing, counteracting the saltiness of the soy sauce and the tanginess of the rice wine vinegar. It contributes to a harmonious blend of flavors.
- 2 tsp sesame oil: Sesame oil imparts a distinct toasted sesame flavor to the salad, enhancing its overall Asian-inspired profile. It also adds a silky texture to the dressing.
- 2 cups white rice, cooked and kept warm for serving: The cooked white rice serves as a base for the salad, providing a neutral and comforting element. It complements the fresh, bold flavors of the cucumber salad and makes the dish more substantial.
Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Spiral-cut Mini Cucumbers:
Carefully cut the cucumbers into thin, spiraled strips. Ensure even and consistent cuts for a visually appealing dish.
Step 2: Make the Sauce:
In a small bowl, combine the following ingredients:
- Minced garlic
- Red chili peppers (adjust according to spice preference)
- Sesame seeds
- Soy sauce
- Rice wine vinegar
- Brown sugar
- Sesame oil
Mix the ingredients thoroughly until the brown sugar is dissolved, and the sauce has a well-balanced flavor profile. Adjust the quantities to suit your taste preferences.
Step 3: Combine Cucumbers and Sauce:
In a large bowl, toss the spiral-cut cucumbers with the prepared sauce. Ensure that the cucumbers are evenly coated with the flavorful sauce. This step allows the cucumbers to absorb the delicious flavors of the sauce, creating a tasty and well-seasoned dish.
Step 4: Serve Over Warm White Rice:
Divide the warm, cooked white rice among serving plates. The rice serves as a base for the dish, complementing the freshness of the spiral-cut cucumbers and absorbing the savory flavors of the sauce.
Step 5: Top the Rice with the Spiral-cut Cucumbers:
Place the spiral-cut cucumbers on top of the warm white rice. Arrange them in an aesthetically pleasing manner to enhance the visual appeal of the dish. Ensure that the cucumbers are evenly distributed over the rice.
Step 6: Drizzle Any Remaining Sauce Over the Dish:
Pour any remaining sauce over the spiral-cut cucumbers and rice. This not only adds extra flavor but also ensures that every bite is infused with the delicious sauce. Drizzling the sauce evenly enhances the overall taste of the dish.
Step 7: Garnish (Optional):
Optionally, garnish the dish with additional sesame seeds or sliced green onions. This step adds a pop of color, texture, and extra flavor to the dish. It also contributes to the overall presentation, making the meal more visually appealing.
Tips
• Use freshly spiralized cucumbers for the best flavor.
• You can make the dressing ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• If you don’t have a spiralizer, you can use a julienne peeler or a vegetable peeler to make the cucumber noodles.
• For extra flavor, add thinly sliced red onion or diced bell peppers.
• To make the salad heartier, add cooked quinoa or farro.
• If you don’t have fresh herbs on hand, you can use dried herbs instead.
Nutrition Information
What to Serve With Spiral Cucumber Salad?
• Grilled fish or shrimp
• Baked chicken
• Roasted vegetables
• Quinoa
• Farro
• Rice
• Salad
How to Store Leftover Spiral Cucumber Salad?
Leftover spiral cucumber salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
What Other Substitutes Can I Use in Spiral Cucumber Salad?
• Zucchini: You can replace the cucumbers with zucchini for a different flavor and texture.
• Avocado: Avocado adds a creamy texture and rich flavor.
• Red onion: Red onion adds a pop of color and flavor.
• Bell peppers: Bell peppers add a crunchy texture and sweet flavor.
• Tomatoes: Tomatoes add a juicy sweetness.
• Olives: Olives add a salty and briny flavor.
• Feta cheese: Feta cheese adds a salty and creamy texture.
Spiral Cucumber Salad
Equipment
- Large Bowl
Ingredients
- 8 mini cucumbers spiral-cut
- 2 tsp minced garlic
- 2 tsp rice wine vinegar
- 2 tsp sesame oil
- 2 tsp sesame seeds
- 2 tsp red chili peppers
- 2 tsp soy sauce
- 2 tsp brown sugar
- 2 cups white rice cooked and kept warm for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the Spiral-cut Mini Cucumbers: Spiral-cut the mini cucumbers.
- Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix together minced garlic, red chili peppers, sesame seeds, soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, brown sugar, and sesame oil.
- Combine Cucumbers and Sauce: In a large bowl, toss the spiral-cut cucumbers with the prepared sauce until the cucumbers are well-coated.
- Serve Over Warm White Rice: Divide the warm, cooked white rice among serving plates. Top the rice with the spiral-cut cucumbers and drizzle any remaining sauce over the dish.
- Garnish (Optional): Garnish with additional sesame seeds or sliced green onions for added flavor and presentation.
Notes
- Use freshly spiralized cucumbers for the best flavor.
- You can make the dressing ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- If you don’t have a spiralizer, you can use a julienne peeler or a vegetable peeler to make the cucumber noodles.
- For extra flavor, add thinly sliced red onion or diced bell peppers.
- To make the salad heartier, add cooked quinoa or farro.
- If you don’t have fresh herbs on hand, you can use dried herbs instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is spiral cucumber salad healthy?
Yes, spiral cucumber salad is a healthy dish. It is low in calories and fat, and high in fiber and vitamins.
Can I make spiral cucumber salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the dressing ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
What is the best way to store leftover spiral cucumber salad?
Leftover spiral cucumber salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Can I use other vegetables in this salad?
Yes, you can use other vegetables such as zucchini, avocado, red onion, bell peppers, tomatoes, olives, or feta cheese for a delicious twist.
What is the best way to spiralize the cucumbers?
The best way to spiralize the cucumbers is by using a spiralizer or a julienne peeler. Start by washing and drying the cucumbers. Then, cut off the ends of the cucumbers and insert them into the spiralizer. Turn the handle of the spiralizer to make long, thin “noodles”.
Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh herbs?
Yes, you can use dried herbs instead of fresh herbs.
Conclusion
Spiral cucumber salad is a light and refreshing summer salad made with spiralized cucumbers, fresh herbs, and a tangy dressing. It’s a great way to show off your culinary skills and impress your guests.
This salad is light, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make, so it’s the perfect dish for a summer barbecue or potluck.
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Dr. Leah Alexander, M.D., is a board-certified Pediatrician in New Jersey and has been working at Elizabeth Pediatric Group of New Jersey since 2000.
She also has a passion for culinary arts that extends beyond the medical realm. After completing culinary school at the French Culinary Institute, she started Global Palate, LLC, a catering firm, in 2007. She ran her own six-year-old catering company and served small group parties as an owner and executive chef.
