I don’t know about you, but as soon as summer hits, my cravings shift towards meals that are light, refreshing, and absolutely bursting with flavor. Accordion cucumber salad has become my go-to side dish for those weekend barbecues and laid-back picnics. Imagine it next to a plate of grilled chicken or on a spread with burgers.
The cool crunch of the cucumbers balances out the charred flavors of meat beautifully. And I can’t tell you how many compliments I’ve received on this dish!
Let’s dive into what makes this salad a winner.
Accordion cucumber salad is a playful and visually appealing dish that transforms humble cucumbers into a delicious experience. With its fresh ingredients and tangy dressing, this salad is perfect for summer gatherings, adding a crisp bite to your meals.
The unique accordion cut gives the cucumbers a fun twist, and the combination of flavors in the dressing—savory, spicy, and slightly sweet—offers a delightful contrast. Trust me, this salad will quickly become a staple on your summer menu.
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How I Have Used the Ingredients in This Recipe
Now, let’s talk about the star of the show—cucumbers. I typically use mini or Persian cucumbers since their smaller size makes them perfect for slicing and they hold their crunch. I add a touch of salt to draw out excess water, which keeps the salad from getting soggy. The dressing is where the magic happens; using soy sauce, garlic, rice vinegar, and a hint of Chinese chili oil gives it that umami kick. And of course, a sprinkle of sesame seeds and green onions add not just flavor but a beautiful visual appeal.
The Ingredients
– 6 mini cucumbers (or Persian cucumbers)
– 2 teaspoons salt (for draining moisture)
– For the Dressing:
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (or white vinegar)
– 1 tablespoon chili oil (or adjust to taste)
– 1 tablespoon white sugar
– 1 teaspoon sesame oil
– 1 teaspoon sesame seeds
– 2 tablespoons green onion, finely sliced
– New Addition: 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger for a zesty twist
I opted not to use certain ingredients like heavy oils or sauces that might overpower the delicate flavor of the cucumbers.
How to Make Accordion Cucumber Salad
Ready to make something fun and delicious? Follow these simple steps to whip up accordion cucumber salad. Trust me, you’ll be impressed with how easy it is, not to mention how elegant the final result looks!
Step-by-step Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Cucumbers
Start by giving your cucumbers a good rinse under cold water. Once clean, chop off both ends. That’s right; it’s time to get your fancy pants on.
Step 2: Cutting the Accordion ‘Wings’
This is where things get a bit crafty. Place one cucumber between two chopsticks (or any other small sturdy items you have that won’t mind getting nicked).
Now, grab your sharp knife and make thin, diagonal slices into the cucumber, but be careful not to slice all the way through! You want the cucumber to hold its shape like an accordion, so keep an eye on your knife’s depth. Flip the cucumber and repeat this slicing technique on the other side. This can feel a bit tricky at first, but with practice, you’ll get it just right.
Once done, cut the cucumber in half to create manageable pieces. Set these aside in a large mixing bowl. Feel free to check out a video if you’re more of a visual learner!
Step 3: Salt the Cucumbers
Now it’s time to draw out some moisture. Sprinkle the salt over the cucumber pieces, and gently massage it in so that it can do its thing. Let these sit for about 5 to 10 minutes. Any longer, and you’ll end up with mushy cucumbers, which we don’t want!
After the time has passed, rinse the cucumbers under cold water three to four times—this helps remove excess salt. Strain the cucumbers and let them sit while you prepare the dressing.
Step 4: Make the Dressing
In another bowl, combine the soy sauce, minced garlic, rice vinegar, chili oil, sugar, sesame oil, and grated ginger. Give it a good whisk until everything is mixed well and the sugar is dissolved. This dressing should have a nice balance of savory with a hint of sweetness and a bit of heat from the chili oil.
Step 5: Combine and Enjoy!
Pour the dressing over the cucumber pieces and toss gently. You want to ensure all the cucumbers get coated without breaking them apart. After that, sprinkle with sesame seeds and sliced green onions for that extra crunch and flavor. Serve immediately or let it sit in the fridge for a bit to let the flavors meld together. Either way, you’re in for a treat!
Recipe Notes
– Quality Matters: Choose high-quality soy sauce for the dressing. The flavor difference is noticeable.
– Experiment: Feel free to add thinly sliced bell peppers or carrots to the mix for extra color and crunch.
– Timing is Key: Be mindful of the salt soaking time. Too long will make the cucumbers soggy.
– Ginger Power: Fresh ginger gives a refreshing zing. Use it sparingly if you’re not a fan.
– Plan Ahead: This salad tastes even better after chilling in the fridge for about an hour.
Storage Tips
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Keep in mind that the cucumbers will continue to release moisture, so it’s best to eat it fresh. If you plan to make it ahead of time, consider serving the dressing on the side and mixing it just before serving to retain that lovely crunch.
Nutrition Information
This accordion cucumber salad is light and refreshing, boasting about 80 calories per serving. Thanks to the cucumbers, it is low in calories while providing significant hydration. Plus, you’re getting healthy ingredients without any added preservatives.
Serving Suggestions
1. Grilled Salmon: Pair this salad alongside perfectly grilled salmon for a healthy meal that’s full of flavor.
2. Lettuce Wraps: Use it as a filling within lettuce wraps for a crunchy bite.
3. BBQ Chicken: This salad complements any barbecue chicken dish beautifully, cutting through the richness.
4. Asian Stir-fry: Serve as a side to your favorite stir-fry dishes. It’s a refreshing contrast.
5. Picnic Plate: Add it to your picnic spread with cheeses, crackers, and fresh bread.
What Other Substitute Can I Use in Accordion Cucumber Salad?
1. Soy Sauce Alternatives: If you are gluten-sensitive, swap the soy sauce with coconut aminos for a similar flavor profile.
2. Chili Oil Alternative: Use Sriracha or your favorite hot sauce if you prefer something with a kick.
3. Vinegar Substitutes: Apple cider vinegar works well in place of rice vinegar, giving a slightly different taste.
4. Sweetness: Instead of white sugar, consider honey or agave syrup for a different kind of sweetness.
5. Extra Veggies: Add in shredded carrots or diced bell peppers for added color and taste.
Accordion Cucumber Salad
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Start by giving your cucumbers a good rinse under cold water. Once clean, chop off both ends. That’s right; it’s time to get your fancy pants on.
- This is where things get a bit crafty. Place one cucumber between two chopsticks (or any other small sturdy items you have that won’t mind getting nicked).
- Now, grab your sharp knife and make thin, diagonal slices into the cucumber, but be careful not to slice all the way through! You want the cucumber to hold its shape like an accordion, so keep an eye on your knife’s depth. Flip the cucumber and repeat this slicing technique on the other side. This can feel a bit tricky at first, but with practice, you’ll get it just right.
- Once done, cut the cucumber in half to create manageable pieces. Set these aside in a large mixing bowl. Feel free to check out a video if you’re more of a visual learner!
- Now it’s time to draw out some moisture. Sprinkle the salt over the cucumber pieces, and gently massage it in so that it can do its thing. Let these sit for about 5 to 10 minutes. Any longer, and you’ll end up with mushy cucumbers, which we don’t want!
- After the time has passed, rinse the cucumbers under cold water three to four times—this helps remove excess salt. Strain the cucumbers and let them sit while you prepare the dressing.
- In another bowl, combine the soy sauce, minced garlic, rice vinegar, chili oil, sugar, sesame oil, and grated ginger. Give it a good whisk until everything is mixed well and the sugar is dissolved. This dressing should have a nice balance of savory with a hint of sweetness and a bit of heat from the chili oil.
- Pour the dressing over the cucumber pieces and toss gently. You want to ensure all the cucumbers get coated without breaking them apart. After that, sprinkle with sesame seeds and sliced green onions for that extra crunch and flavor. Serve immediately or let it sit in the fridge for a bit to let the flavors meld together. Either way, you’re in for a treat!
Nutrition
Notes
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!FAQs
1. Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes! This salad holds up well for a day or two in the fridge. Just remember to add the dressing right before serving for optimal freshness.
2. Can I use regular cucumbers instead?
Absolutely! If you can’t find mini or Persian cucumbers, regular ones work too. Just peel them if the skin is waxy, and slice them similar to how you would with mini cucumbers.
3. What if I don’t like spicy food?
Just reduce the amount of chili oil or omit it entirely. The salad will still be delicious without it!
4. Is this recipe vegan?
Yes, as it’s free from animal products, making it a fantastic and healthy option for vegan diets.
5. Can I add protein to this salad?
Certainly! Adding chickpeas or shredded cooked chicken can turn this into a more filling meal.
Conclusion
Accordion cucumber salad is a fresh and invigorating dish that’s perfect for summer gatherings or as a simple weekday side. The combination of crunch and flavor will not only impress your guests but will also keep you coming back for more. And the beauty of this recipe is its versatility—you can adapt it to suit your pantry and your palate. So go ahead, try this out, and watch it become a summertime favorite!
