What cucumbers are best for this slaw?

English or Persian cucumbers are ideal. They’re thin-skinned, less watery , and have few seeds, which means no peeling or seeding is required—and they stay crisp longer.

How long does spicy cucumber slaw stay fresh?

Best eaten within 24–48 hours . The cucumbers will release moisture over time, which can soften the slaw. For the freshest bite: Salt and drain cucumbers well before assembly Store in an airtight glass container Stir before serving leftovers

Can I make sesame slaw ahead of time?

Yes—with one trick! Prep your veggies and dressing separately , and combine them just before serving for maximum crunch.

What dishes go well with spicy cucumber sesame slaw?

This slaw is a refreshing complement to: BBQ meats and grilled skewers Rice bowls , noodle salads , or pita wraps Tofu, tempeh , or Asian-style salads Sushi or poke bowls

What kind of cucumbers should I use?

The best cucumbers for spicy cucumber sesame slaw are Persian or English cucumbers . Both are seedless (or nearly so), have thin, edible skins, and contain less moisture—ideal for keeping your slaw crisp and flavorful. Avoid standard slicing cucumbers, which are watery and often waxed.

What does the slaw taste like?

It’s a bright, bold mix of flavors: nutty , tangy , spicy , and cool . The toasted sesame oil provides richness, while the rice vinegar brings zing and the chili flakes offer gentle heat. It’s refreshing with a spicy kick—think of it as a chilled salad that wakes up your taste buds.

Is spicy cucumber sesame slaw healthy?

Absolutely. This slaw is low in calories , high in hydration , and packed with heart-healthy fats from sesame oil. It's also naturally vegan , gluten-free (if you use tamari), and a great fit for low-carb or plant-based diets. You can even tweak it for keto by omitting any added sugars.

Can I make this slaw ahead of time?

Yes, but for the best texture, you’ll want to store the dressing and cucumbers separately if making more than 24 hours in advance. This prevents the cucumbers from becoming soggy. You can slice the cucumbers and prep the dressing, then combine them just before serving.

How do I make the slaw spicier or milder?

To make it spicier , increase the red pepper flakes , add chili oil , or stir in some gochujang for Korean heat. To make it milder, use less chili or swap it for a pinch of sweet paprika to retain color without the heat.

Can I use leftovers for meal prep?

Definitely. Store your spicy cucumber sesame slaw in a glass container for up to 2 days in the fridge. For best results, store the slaw and dressing separately and mix just before eating. It pairs well with rice, noodles, grilled proteins, or tofu—great for bento boxes or light lunch bowls.

7 Reasons This Spicy Cucumber Sesame Slaw Will Be Your New Summer Obsession

Description

This spicy cucumber sesame slaw is crisp, tangy, and bold—an easy low-carb side perfect for BBQs, rice bowls, or healthy weekday meals.

Ingredients

Scale

4 Persian cucumbers or 2 English cucumbers
1 teaspoon kosher salt
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 teaspoon maple syrup (or honey)
1 teaspoon red chili flakes
1 garlic clove, minced
1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
1 stalk green onion, thinly sliced

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Instructions

Thinly slice cucumbers and sprinkle with salt. Let sit 10 minutes to draw out moisture.
Drain excess water and gently pat dry.
In a small bowl, whisk vinegar, sesame oil, soy sauce, maple syrup, red chili flakes, and garlic.
Pour dressing over cucumbers, toss to coat evenly.
Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions before serving.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Side Dish
Method: No-cook, mix and toss
Cuisine: Asian-inspired / Fusion