Healthy Logan’s TikTok Cucumber Salad

Disclaimer: Our editors have used AI to create or enhance parts of this article and some images. All content has been fact-checked by our team to ensure accuracy.

Here’s my take on the popular TikTok cucumber salad that’s been making waves on social media lately. It’s a simple combination of crisp cucumbers, savory seasonings, and a tangy dressing that comes together in just minutes.

This cucumber salad has become a regular at our weeknight dinners, and I usually make a double batch because it disappears so quickly. Perfect for hot summer days or anytime you want something light and refreshing, right?

What Kind of Cucumber Should I Use?

While the recipe calls for English cucumber, you’ve actually got a few good options here. English cucumbers (also called hothouse or seedless cucumbers) are the long, thin ones wrapped in plastic at the store – they’re a great choice because they have thinner skin, fewer seeds, and aren’t bitter like regular cucumbers can be. Regular slicing cucumbers from the grocery store will work too, but you might want to peel them and scoop out the seeds first. Persian cucumbers are another excellent option – they’re like mini versions of English cucumbers and have the same crisp, sweet qualities. Just avoid using pickling cucumbers, as they tend to be too thick-skinned and seedy for this kind of fresh salad.

Options for Substitutions

This refreshing cucumber salad can be adapted with several easy swaps:

• English cucumber: Persian cucumbers or regular garden cucumbers work well too. If using regular cucumbers, you might want to peel and seed them first since their skin is thicker and seeds are larger.
• Fish sauce: If you’re vegetarian or don’t have fish sauce, try using extra soy sauce with a tiny splash of rice vinegar. The taste won’t be exactly the same, but it’ll still be good!
• MSG: No MSG? Don’t worry! You can skip it or add a pinch of salt instead. Some people like to add a splash of mushroom sauce for that extra umami kick.
• Green onion: Chives or finely chopped regular onion can work in place of green onion. If using regular onion, use about half the amount since it’s stronger.
• Sesame oil: This ingredient gives a special flavor, but if you’re out, you can use a neutral oil like vegetable oil – just add extra sesame seeds to maintain that sesame taste.
• Sugar: Feel free to use honey or any other sweetener you prefer. Start with a little less than the recipe calls for and adjust to taste.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

The biggest mistake when making this viral cucumber salad is not properly draining the cucumbers – after slicing them, be sure to salt them and let them sit for at least 15 minutes, then pat them dry to prevent a watery salad at the bottom of your bowl. Another common error is adding all the sauce ingredients at once; instead, start by mixing the soy sauce, fish sauce, and sugar in a separate bowl until the sugar dissolves completely, then add the remaining ingredients for better flavor distribution. To keep your cucumber slices crispy and fresh, avoid cutting them too thin (aim for about 1/4 inch thickness) and don’t prepare the salad too far in advance – it’s best enjoyed within a few hours of making it. For extra crunch and flavor, try chilling your cucumber slices in ice water for 10 minutes before assembling the salad.

What to Serve With Cucumber Salad?

This Asian-inspired cucumber salad makes a perfect side dish for grilled meats or rice bowls. The cool, crunchy cucumbers with their savory dressing go really well with spicy dishes like Korean BBQ, teriyaki chicken, or even a simple bowl of steamed rice and protein. I love serving it alongside some pan-fried dumplings or as part of a bigger spread of small plates for a casual dinner. For a complete meal, try pairing it with some grilled salmon and steamed rice, letting the cucumber salad add a fresh crunch and tang to balance out the richer elements.

Storage Instructions

Keep Fresh: This cucumber salad is best enjoyed right after making it, but if you have leftovers, pop them in an airtight container in the fridge. The cucumbers will stay crisp for about 24 hours, though they’ll start releasing more water as time goes by.

Prep Ahead: If you want to get ahead, you can slice the cucumbers and mix the dressing separately up to 8 hours before serving. Just keep both components in separate containers in the fridge, then combine them when you’re ready to eat. This way, your cucumbers stay nice and crunchy!

Drain: After storing, you might notice some liquid at the bottom of your container – that’s totally normal! Just drain off the excess liquid before serving, or give it a quick stir to redistribute the dressing. The flavors actually get better as they mingle together.

Preparation Time	10-15 minutes
Cooking Time	0 minutes
Total Time	10-15 minutes
Level of Difficulty	Easy

Estimated Nutrition

Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):

• Calories: 80-100
• Protein: 2-4 g
• Fat: 3-5 g
• Carbohydrates: 10-12 g

Ingredients

• 1 english cucumber
• 1 chopped green onion
• 1 minced garlic clove
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon fish sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1/2 teaspoon sugar
• A pinch of msg
• A dash of sesame seeds

Step 1: Prepare the Cucumber

Using a mandolin, thinly slice the cucumber to ensure even thickness for the best texture.

Once sliced, transfer the cucumber slices to a jar suitable for shaking and mixing.

Step 2: Add Flavorful Ingredients

Add the following ingredients to the jar with the cucumber slices: chopped spring onion, minced garlic, soy sauce, fish sauce, sesame oil, sugar, MSG, and sesame seeds.

These will infuse the cucumber with rich flavors and create a delicious dressing.

Step 3: Mix and Garnish

Securely place the lid on the jar and shake it vigorously until all the ingredients are well incorporated and the cucumber slices are evenly coated with the sauce.

Once mixed, garnish with chili flakes for an added kick and enjoy your flavorful cucumber dish!