Spicy Cucumber Salad with Chili Oil

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The cucumbers retain their crunch in this spicy cucumber salad with chili oil. Here we use chili crisp, an oil-based condiment with crispy bits of chili; it adds crunch, heat and flavor to the cooling cucumbers. Smashing the cucumbers helps them absorb the complex flavors of the dressing.

By
Liv Dansky
Liv Dansky
Liv Dansky
Liv Dansky has worked with Dotdash Meredith since 2019 as a recipe tester and developer and, more recently, as a writer for the commerce team. Her work can be found across brands like Food & Wine, Southern Living, Real Simple, Eating Well, and Serious Eats.
EatingWell's Editorial Guidelines
Updated on June 8, 2024
Reviewed by Dietitian
Emily Lachtrupp, M.S., RD
Emily Lachtrupp Headshot
Reviewed by Dietitian Emily Lachtrupp, M.S., RD

Emily Lachtrupp is a registered dietitian experienced in nutritional counseling, recipe analysis and meal plans. She's worked with clients who struggle with diabetes, weight loss, digestive issues and more. In her spare time, you can find her enjoying all that Vermont has to offer with her family and her dog, Winston.

EatingWell's Editorial Guidelines
Tested by
EatingWell Test Kitchen
Eating Well Bio Page
Tested by EatingWell Test Kitchen

The EatingWell Test Kitchen is comprised of a group of culinary professionals who develop and test our recipes. Our recipes go through a rigorous process, which includes testing by trained recipe testers, using different equipment (e.g., gas and electric stoves) and a variety of tools and techniques to make sure that it will really work when you make it at home. Testers shop major supermarkets to research availability of ingredients. Finally, a Registered Dietitian reviews each recipe to ensure that we deliver food that's not only delicious, but adheres to our nutrition guidelines as well. Learn more about our food philosophy and nutrition parameters.

Meet the EatingWell Test Kitchen
Active Time:
10 mins
Total Time:
10 mins
Servings:
4
Nutrition Profile:
Low-Carb Diabetes-Friendly Nut-Free Dairy-Free Low-Sodium High-Fiber Heart-Healthy Vegan Vegetarian Egg-Free
Jump to Nutrition Facts
overhead view of all ingredients in various bowls and on a cutting board

EatingWell photography: Caitlin bensel, Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall
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Ingredients

  • 6 Persian cucumbers

  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro

  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar

  • 1 tablespoon chili crisp (see Tip)

  • 2 teaspoons finely minced fresh ginger

  • 2 teaspoons reduced-sodium soy sauce

  • 2 teaspoons sesame oil

  • 1 teaspoon granulated sugar

Directions

  1. Place cucumbers on a cutting board and smash with the flat side of a chef's knife or a rolling pin until cracked. Cut the cucumbers into bite-size pieces; transfer to a medium bowl.

    overhead view of cucumbers and knife on a cutting board

    EatingWell photography: Caitlin bensel, Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall

  2. Combine cilantro, vinegar, chili crisp, ginger, soy sauce, sesame oil and sugar in a small bowl. Add to the cucumbers and toss to combine.

    Spicy Cucumber Salad with Chili Oil

    EatingWell photography: Caitlin bensel, Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall

Tip

Chili crisp is a Chinese oil-based condiment with mild to moderate heat containing crispy bits of chopped chiles mixed with garlic, onion and/or other alliums. Laoganma brand is popular and widely available, but there are many on the market. Look for chili crisp in an Asian market, with other Asian condiments at the supermarket or online.

Originally appeared: EatingWell.com, May 2022

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

69 Calories
5g Fat
6g Carbs
1g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 4
Serving Size about 3/4 cup
Calories 69
% Daily Value *
Total Carbohydrate 6g 2%
Dietary Fiber 3g 11%
Total Sugars 3g
Added Sugars 1g 2%
Protein 1g 2%
Total Fat 5g 6%
Saturated Fat 1g 5%
Vitamin A 153IU 3%
Vitamin C 3mg 3%
Vitamin K 20mcg 17%
Sodium 133mg 6%
Calcium 15mg 1%
Magnesium 15mg 4%
Potassium 171mg 4%

Nutrition information is calculated by a registered dietitian using an ingredient database but should be considered an estimate.

* Daily Values (DVs) are the recommended amounts of nutrients to consume each day. Percent Daily Value (%DV) found on nutrition labels tells you how much a serving of a particular food or recipe contributes to each of those total recommended amounts. Per the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the daily value is based on a standard 2,000 calorie diet. Depending on your calorie needs or if you have a health condition, you may need more or less of particular nutrients. (For example, it’s recommended that people following a heart-healthy diet eat less sodium on a daily basis compared to those following a standard diet.)

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a special diet for medical reasons, be sure to consult with your primary care provider or a registered dietitian to better understand your personal nutrition needs.

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