National Dish Taiwan: Cucumber Salad (Recipe)
In this article
Discover Cucumber Salad, one of Taiwan’s most refreshing everyday dishes! Crisp cucumber is tossed with garlic, chilli and nutty sesame oil for a bright, cooling bite that lands somewhere between a starter and a side. It comes together in minutes, needs no cooking, and captures the clean, balanced flavours at the heart of Taiwanese home cooking. Perfect for a warm afternoon or as a lively partner to a heartier main.
About Cucumber Salad
Taiwanese cucumber salad is a delicious dish that holds a special place in Taiwanese cuisine. Refreshing and satisfyingly crunchy, it works beautifully as a side but is just as enjoyable on its own. The use of fresh ingredients and the harmonious balance of flavours make this salad a real treat. With garlic, chilli and sesame oil, it offers a range of tastes that perfectly captures the essence of Taiwanese cooking.
Ingredients (serves 1–2)
- 1 large cucumber
- 2 garlic cloves
- 1 small chilli (to taste)
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds
- Fresh coriander (optional)
Shopping for the ingredients
To make this cucumber salad, it is worth choosing fresh, good-quality ingredients. The cucumbers should be firm and green, while the garlic and chilli should look fresh too. An Asian grocery is usually the best place to find speciality items such as sesame oil and rice vinegar, which are essential for the salad’s authentic aroma. Buy these in small quantities, as a typical portion needs only a little of each.
Preparing the dish
Before you start putting the cucumber salad together, prepare all of your ingredients. Wash the cucumber thoroughly and cut it into thin slices or batons, according to preference. Peel and finely chop the garlic, and deseed the chilli if you like before cutting it into small pieces. Decide on the texture you are after — whether you prefer the salad fresh and crunchy or a little softer.
Step-by-step instructions
- Slice the cucumber into thin rounds or batons and place them in a bowl.
- Add the chopped garlic and chilli.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the sesame oil, soy sauce, rice vinegar and sugar.
- Pour the dressing over the cucumber and toss everything together well.
- Leave the salad to stand for 10–15 minutes so the flavours can develop.
- Just before serving, scatter over the toasted sesame seeds and, if you like, some fresh coriander.
Gluten-free / lactose-free version
This cucumber salad is easy to prepare without any gluten- or lactose-containing ingredients. Simply use a gluten-free soy sauce or tamari to make the dish suitable for anyone with a gluten intolerance. The salad is naturally lactose-free, so no further adjustments are needed. Enjoy this light dish as part of a gluten-free or lactose-free diet.
Tips for vegans and vegetarians
This cucumber salad is naturally vegan and vegetarian, as long as no animal products are added during preparation. It is worth checking that the soy sauce you use is vegan. This version of the salad is full of nutrients and makes a perfect addition to plant-based meals. On warm days in particular, it is an excellent choice for a refreshing, plant-based bite — much like a bowl of Golden Kimchi.
More tips and tricks
To make this cucumber salad even more interesting, you can add various herbs or spices. Fresh dill or mint bring extra aroma, while a pinch of smoked paprika adds an intriguing note. Experiment with different textures too — a handful of nuts or seeds gives the dish an appealing extra crunch.
Adapting the recipe to your taste
This cucumber salad is easy to tailor to your own preferences. If you like it hotter, add more chilli or even a drizzle of chilli oil. For a sweeter version, increase the sugar or use honey, bearing in mind this is no longer vegan. You could also try different types of cucumber, such as mini cucumbers or salad cucumbers, to discover new textures and flavours.
Ingredient substitutions
If you do not have every ingredient for the cucumber salad to hand, there are plenty of alternatives. Tamari or coconut aminos work well in place of soy sauce and still give the dish plenty of savoury depth. Rice vinegar can be swapped for apple cider vinegar if nothing else is available. Be creative and adapt the recipe to whatever you have in the fridge — the same easy-going spirit that shapes dishes like Cabbage With Garlic.
Drink pairing ideas
A range of drinks pairs beautifully with a refreshing cucumber salad. A cool, lightly sparkling mineral water or a homemade lemonade make ideal companions. A glass of Taiwanese tea, such as a fragrant Tieguanyin Tea, or a fresh fruit cocktail can also complement the salad’s flavour. Cold herbal teas are another good choice, adding a refreshing note of their own.
Serving and presentation ideas
To present the cucumber salad attractively, arrange it in a pretty bowl and garnish with fresh herbs. Use appealing plates and decorative serving pieces to make the salad look even more appetising. You could also serve it in small glasses, which is a creative way to present the dish. Remember to highlight the colours of the ingredients to create a real visual treat.
A bit of history
Cucumber salad has a long history in Taiwan and is a familiar sight in homes and restaurants alike. Its reliance on fresh, local ingredients reflects the Taiwanese philosophy of drawing out natural flavours. This salad is a classic example of the balance of sweet, salty and spicy that runs through Taiwanese cuisine, and it speaks to the country’s warm, welcoming food culture. Culinary traditions and recipes here are passed down from generation to generation, shaping the way people eat.
More recipe ideas
- Eggplant With Garlic Sauce
- Cold Noodles With Sesame Sauce
- Braised Tofu With Mushrooms
- Simmered Bamboo Shoots
- Sesame Noodles
Summary: Cucumber Salad
Taiwanese cucumber salad is a refreshing, simple dish that brings you closer to the true heart of Taiwanese cooking. With its crisp ingredients and the harmonious interplay of flavours, this salad is a perfect partner to any meal — or a pleasure all on its own. Easy preparation, endless room for adaptation and the use of fresh ingredients make it a must in every kitchen. Let the freshness of Taiwan inspire you and enjoy this delicious salad at home!
