Print

Fresh Asian Sesame Cucumber Noodle Salad with Creamy Peanut Sauce

Fresh Asian Sesame Cucumber Noodle Salad - featured image
Print Recipe

A refreshing and light Asian-inspired cucumber noodle salad tossed in a silky, perfectly balanced creamy peanut sauce. Quick and easy to prepare, this salad is perfect for warm weather and packed with bold flavors.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 large English cucumbers (or 4 small Kirby cucumbers) – peeled if the skin is waxy, spiralized into noodles
  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds (for garnish)
  • 1 green onion, thinly sliced
  • ½ cup creamy peanut butter (natural preferred, no added sugar)
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari (gluten-free tamari if needed)
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • ½ teaspoon grated fresh ginger (optional)
  • 2–3 tablespoons water (to thin sauce)
  • Red pepper flakes or sriracha to taste
  • Optional toppings: chopped fresh cilantro or mint, crushed peanuts, thinly sliced red chili or bell pepper strips

Instructions

  1. Wash and dry the cucumbers thoroughly. Using a spiralizer or vegetable peeler, create long, thin noodle-like strips. If cucumbers are very watery, gently pat the noodles dry with paper towels to avoid sogginess. (About 10 minutes)
  2. In a small mixing bowl, combine peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, toasted sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Whisk thoroughly until smooth. Slowly add 2-3 tablespoons of water to thin the sauce to a pourable consistency. Adjust seasoning with more soy sauce or honey as needed. Add red pepper flakes or sriracha for heat. (5 minutes)
  3. In a large bowl, gently mix the cucumber noodles with sliced green onion and half of the toasted sesame seeds. Pour over the peanut sauce and toss lightly until noodles are evenly coated, being careful not to break them. (3 minutes)
  4. Transfer the salad to serving bowls or a large platter. Sprinkle remaining toasted sesame seeds on top along with optional crushed peanuts, fresh cilantro or mint leaves, and thinly sliced red chili or bell pepper strips. (2 minutes)
  5. Serve immediately for best freshness and crunch. If needed, chill briefly but avoid letting it sit too long to prevent water release from cucumbers.

Notes

If peanut sauce is too thick, add water one teaspoon at a time while whisking to reach desired consistency. Toast sesame seeds lightly in a dry pan before using for best flavor. Use English cucumbers or seedless varieties for sweeter, thinner-skinned noodles. Prepare peanut sauce last for freshest flavor. Avoid over-tossing noodles to prevent mushiness.

Nutrition

Keywords: cucumber noodle salad, Asian salad, peanut sauce, sesame cucumber salad, creamy peanut dressing, healthy salad, quick salad, gluten-free salad, vegan option

Find it online: https://twirltaste.com/fresh-asian-sesame-cucumber-noodle-salad-5-easy-steps-for-perfect-creamy-peanut-sauce/