Spicy Cucumber Salad
This Spicy Cucumber Salad is a refreshing and fiery dish perfect for those busy weeknights. Made with crisp cucumbers, a tangy blend of balsamic and rice vinegar, and a kick from Sriracha and red pepper flakes, it’s light yet packed with flavor. Easily prepared with simple ingredients, this salad is perfect for anyone with Chronic Kidney Disease who needs more flavor and less salt.
What makes this Spicy cucumber salad stand out as a side dish is its vibrant interplay of flavors and textures. It's refreshingly light yet bursts with zest, making it an ideal pairing for everything from grilled meats to simple sandwiches, adding a refreshing and spicy twist to any meal that is low in potassium and phosphorus.
If you love this salad, then you might want to try other types of salad on my blog like this Pineapple Salad or Mandarin Orange Salad. This recipe is also a part of our Healthy Picnic Recipes for July. Along with this recipe, we also make Blueberry Coffee Cake, Cornbread Taco Bake, and Baked Beans with Ground Beef.
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Ingredients
This Spicy Cucumber Salad is a perfect fusion of heat and tang, making it an ideal side dish for any meal. The combination of balsamic vinegar, rice vinegar, and Sriracha sauce creates a vibrant, zesty dressing that pairs beautifully with crisp cucumber slices.
- Cucumbers - Crisp and fresh, providing the perfect crunchy base for the salad.
- Balsamic Vinegar - Adds a rich, tangy depth to the dressing.
- White Sugar - Balances the acidity with a touch of sweetness.
- Minced Garlic - Infuses the salad with a robust, savory flavor.
- Rice Vinegar - Light and slightly sweet, enhancing the overall zestiness.
- Sriracha Sauce - Brings a spicy kick to the mix.
- Red Pepper Flakes - Adds an extra layer of heat and complexity.
See recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
If you're looking for a quick and flavorful side dish that packs a punch, this Spicy Cucumber Salad is just what you need. Combining the crispness of fresh cucumbers with a bold, zesty dressing, this salad is perfect for adding a burst of flavor to any meal. Whether for a weeknight dinner or a summer barbecue, it's sure to impress.
1. Peel cucumbers, slice in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds.
2. Cut into ½ in thick half rounds. Pat cucumbers dry.
3. Whisk together the balsamic vinegar, sugar, garlic, rice vinegar, siracha and red pepper flakes.
4. Add sauce and cucumbers together and stir to coat. Chill in the refrigerator for 2-3 hours before serving.
Substitutions
Don't have all the ingredients on hand? No worries! Here are some easy substitutions to keep your Spicy Cucumber Salad delicious and exciting.
- Balsamic Vinegar - Swap with apple cider vinegar for a slightly sweeter and fruitier flavor.
- White Sugar - Use honey or agave syrup as a natural sweetener.
- Sriracha Sauce - Replace with chili garlic sauce or hot sauce for a different kind of heat.
These substitutions ensure you can still enjoy this refreshing and spicy salad, even if you need to make a few adjustments!
Variations
Looking to mix things up? Here are some tasty variations to add a unique twist to your Spicy Cucumber Salad.
- Add Red Onions - Thinly slice red onions for an extra crunch and a slight bite.
- Include Carrots - Shred some carrots for added color and sweetness.
- Top with Peanuts - Sprinkle chopped peanuts on top for a delightful crunch and nutty flavor.
These variations will keep your salad exciting and allow you to tailor it to your taste preferences!
Storage
To ensure your Spicy Cucumber Salad stays fresh and flavorful, follow these storage tips:
- Refrigerator - Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Be sure to give it a good stir before serving to redistribute the dressing.
- Separate Components - If you plan on keeping the salad for more than a day, consider storing the cucumber slices and the dressing separately. Combine them just before serving to maintain maximum crunchiness.
Proper storage will help keep your salad crisp and delicious for meal prep or leftovers!
Top tip
Make sure to pat the cucumbers dry thoroughly after rinsing them. Removing excess moisture is key to preventing the salad from becoming watery and ensures the cucumbers remain crisp and absorb the flavorful dressing effectively.
FAQs for Spicy Cucumber Salad
Yes, you can use English cucumbers or Persian cucumbers for this recipe. Both types have fewer seeds and a thinner skin, which can enhance the salad's texture.
The level of spiciness can be adjusted to your preference. Feel free to reduce the amount of Sriracha sauce and red pepper flakes if you prefer a milder taste.
Other Kidney Friendly Appetizers
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
Pairing with the Cucumber Salad
These are my favorite dishes to serve with Spicy Cucumber Salad:
If you tried this Recipe or any other recipe on my website, please please leave a star rating and let me know how it goes in the comments below. I love hearing from you!
PrintSpicy Cucumber Salad
A crisp and refreshing Spicy Cucumber Salad with a zesty dressing made from balsamic vinegar, rice vinegar, and Sriracha. Perfect as a quick side dish for any meal.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 10
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: No Heat
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Salt
Ingredients
- 3 cups cucumbers
- 3 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 2 tbsp white sugar
- 1 tbsp minced garlic
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp siracha sauce
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Peel cucumbers, slice in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds. Cut into ½ in thick half rounds. Pat cucumbers dry.
- Whisk together the balsamic vinegar, sugar, garlic, rice vinegar, siracha and red pepper flakes.
- Add sauce and cucumbers together and stir to coat. Chill in the refrigerator for 2-3 hours before serving.
