Spicy Cucumber Salad
A bold, refreshing fusion of crunch, heat, and umami.
This Spicy Cucumber Salad is not your average side dish — it’s a flavor-packed, palate-awakening experience that perfectly balances cool freshness with bold, spicy heat. At its core are crisp, hydrating cucumbers, sliced and tossed in a fiery yet tangy Korean-inspired dressing made with gochujang, chili flakes, sesame oil, and tamari. Thinly sliced shallots and green onions bring aromatic depth, while sesame seeds add a delicate nuttiness and crunch.
The salad is deeply satisfying yet light, ideal as a standalone snack, a vibrant appetizer, or the perfect contrast to richer dishes like grilled meats or stir fries. The blend of spicy, sweet, salty, and sour hits all the right notes, delivering that addictive flavor profile Korean cuisine is loved for.
This dish is not only crave-worthy — it’s also full of nutrient-dense ingredients that support overall health and energy, making it a smart, flavorful choice for any time of year.
Ingredient Benefits
Cucumbers
Incredibly hydrating — made of over 95% water
Rich in antioxidants, including flavonoids and tannins
Support healthy digestion thanks to fiber and water content
Refresh and cool the body, making them great for spicy dishes
Shallot
Milder than regular onions but rich in flavor and nutrients
Packed with antioxidants and quercetin, which may support heart health
Contains antibacterial compounds that help support the immune system
Green Onions (Spring Onions)
Excellent source of vitamin K and C
Support healthy skin, bones, and immune function
Contain sulfur compounds that may benefit heart health
White Sesame Seeds
Rich in healthy fats and plant-based protein
Great source of calcium, iron, magnesium, and zinc
Contain lignans and phytosterols, which can support balanced cholesterol
Gochujang (Korean Red Chili Paste)
Fermented, adding gut-friendly probiotics
Offers deep, complex umami flavor
Capsaicin from chilies may boost metabolism and support pain relief
Red Chili Flakes
Also rich in capsaicin for metabolism support and anti-inflammatory properties
Adds intense heat to balance the cool cucumber
Toasted Sesame Oil
Contains sesamol and sesamin, potent antioxidants
Heart-healthy fats that support cholesterol balance
Adds rich, nutty flavor and depth
Tamari
A gluten-free alternative to soy sauce, rich in umami
Provides minerals like manganese and niacin
Enhances flavor with less sodium when using the low-sodium version
Rice Vinegar
Offers mild acidity to balance the richness of sesame oil and the heat of chili
Can support digestion and blood sugar balance in small amounts
Agave Nectar
Natural sweetener to round out the heat and acid
Lower glycemic index than sugar (though best used in moderation)
Garlic
Rich in allicin, a powerful compound known for its antiviral, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory effects
Supports heart health, immune strength, and healthy blood pressure