This zesty asian cucumber salad is a twist on a traditional salad that is super quick and simple to make. It’s light, crunchy, and refreshing especially during spring and summer.
Instead of using the typical rice, red wine, or white vinegar, and soy sauce most cucumber salads are made with, this recipe uses coconut vinegar and aminos to kick up the health benefits a notch.
They are also both gluten-free, soy free, vegan, certified 100 percent organic, and non-GMO.
Most people are aware of the numerous nutrients contained in coconuts but when the tree is tapped the sap that comes from the coconut blossoms is super rich in amino acids, minerals, and vitamins.
Both coconut aminos and coconut vinegar contain a high amount of seventeen naturally occurring amino acids for repairing and rebuilding muscle tissue, healthy brain and nervous system, strengthening the immune system, and sustaining healthy energy levels.
They are also a rich mineral source, very low glycemic, and have a nearly neutral pH.
Coconut vinegar has the added benefit of being high in live enzymes and the prebiotic FOS which promotes healthy gut flora and digestive system. Add to that the cleansing benefits of cucumbers and you have yourself one healthy little salad!
You’ll notice I accidentally left out the sesame seeds this time, but I usually add them :)
Zesty Asian Cucumber Salad
INGREDIENTS
- 1 large cucumber
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/8 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
- 1/4 cup coconut vinegar
- 1 Tbsp coconut aminos
- 1/4 tsp sesame oil
- 1/4 cup water
- sesame seeds
DIRECTIONS
Slice cucumber thin with a mandolin. Add all ingredients, except sesame seeds to a bowl and mix well. Place in refrigerator for at least an hour, the longer the better to really merry all the flavors. Serve topped with sesame seeds and enjoy!
WOW! This is so very cool. I had no idea that there was such a thing as coconut vinegar and aminos. For goodness sake, I love coconuts too.
I have been looking for this recipe after missing getting it from an acquaintance who brought it to a ‘get-together’. I can see how your twist will punch up the freshness of this simple salad. I remember how refreshing it was and now I’m looking forward to trying it with your suggestions.
One thing I found interesting is how adding the aminos will add to one’s quest for good nutrition. This is an excellent tidbit that should just solidify the decision and remove any doubts.
I haven’t finished looking through your site yet, but do plan to check more out, I just wanted to drop this hello your way and thank you for this ‘cool’ recipe. My mother always made a cucumber and onion salad, this will be a nice change from the strong flavors.
Linda
Hi Linda, I just recently discovered coconut aminos and vinegar, I’d heard about them in the past and finally decided to try them. I’m so glad I did, I cook with them often and use them to make healthy salad dressings.
Funny you mention the addition of onion in your mother’s salad, my fiance’s stepfather used to make the same type of salad and we always looked forward to it. If you like the onion, I bet some red onion soaked in some ice water to take the bite out before going into the salad would make a nice addition. I hope you enjoy the recipe and the rest of the site! Thank you for your comment :)
This website is very detailed and interesting. I am definitely going to utilize this for my personal interest. There are interesting recipes and advice to take care of yourself and some information I have never heard of before and am definitely interested in trying out!
I appreciate being able to come across this site and I will save it my bookmarks. I will definitely be able to benefit from something like this. I have transitioned over to a more healthy lifestyle and this site is really a breath of fresh air.
Thank you so much for your kind words! Please feel free to stop by anytime, continue to share your comments, questions and give some of the tips and recipes a try :) Wishing you much inspiration and success on your new journey to healthy living! In health and happiness :)
This sounds so fresh and delicious, and I love how quick it is to make too! I like the addition of some red pepper flakes for a little heat, too.
Is coconut vinegar easy to find in grocery stores, or do you think I should check out my local health food store to find it?
Thanks Samantha! It really is. I haven’t come across the coconut vinegar or aminos in grocery stores yet, I would say health food markets are your best bet. So far Vitacost has the the best price, which is where I get mine :)
I would love to hear how you like it!
Yum a cucumber recipe!
I usually just have cucumbers with some sprinkled salt but this recipe looks delicious. I like how you incorporated garlic. Garlic makes everything better, so I think that’s a great addition to this recipe.
Do you have a way to make broccoli better? I find it so hard to eat.
Hey Gina! Thanks for stopping by :) If you enjoy cucumbers you’ll probably like this. I used to hate broccoli so much when I was a kid I smothered it in ketchup just to get it down LOL, so I get it! These days my favorite way to eat it is sauteed in coconut or olive oil with some garlic, coconut aminos or tamari, and chili flakes. We use a lot of asian seasonings in our house. Hope this helps :)
I have known for some time about the nutritional benefits for cucumbers but have not really included them in my diet. You have given a great recipe to try and hopefully I will add more cucumbers to my diet. Coconut and coconut vinegar are also very healthy. This is a great dish to service as a side for meals.
Thanks a bunch Christine & hope you love the recipe!
Coconut and Cucumber are very nutritional fruits and thanks to your review, it has given me more insight on the usefulness of both foods.
I hope to utilize this and make good use of it as i am more concern about anything and everything that has to do with our health as it is a better living for all
Thanks for visiting Johnson! Let me know what you think of the recipe and all the best to you in health and happiness :)
Hi
This looks very nice, over the past few years I have been eating a lot better and have at least one salad a day so I am always looking for new recipes.
People don’t realise how good a salad can be because they don’t take the time to learn how to make a great tasting salad.
Thanks Ben! Way to go eating better, keep it up! You’re so right, most of the time people don’t enjoy salads because they find them boring, but if you spruce them up they can be really delicious. Here’s another salad recipe you may enjoy, it’s an all time fave :)
http://essentialsofselfcare.com/kick-ass-asian-kale-salad