Crispy Cucumber and Chive Salad: A Simple Summer Side Dish
Perfect for July! Easy No-Cook Cucumber and Chive Salad Recipe for Summer
This refreshingly simple cucumber and chive salad is a fantastic no-cook side dish perfect for the summer months, especially when cucumbers are in season in July. It’s incredibly easy to make and offers a delightful crisp texture with a sweet and tangy flavor that will surely stimulate your appetite and have you reaching for more rice. Enjoy this easy and delicious cucumber side dish!
Main Ingredients- 1 cucumber
- 1 bunch chives (approx. 50g)
- 1/2 small onion
Seasoning- 0.5 Tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 1.5 Tbsp gochugaru (Korean chili flakes, adjustable to taste)
- 0.5 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1 Tbsp brown sugar
- 1 Tbsp 2x concentrated vinegar (or 2 Tbsp regular vinegar)
- 0.5 Tbsp soy sauce
- 1 Tbsp allulose (or corn syrup/molasses)
Finishing Touches- 0.5 Tbsp sesame oil
- 0.5 Tbsp sesame seeds
- Pinch of salt (to taste)
- 0.5 Tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 1.5 Tbsp gochugaru (Korean chili flakes, adjustable to taste)
- 0.5 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1 Tbsp brown sugar
- 1 Tbsp 2x concentrated vinegar (or 2 Tbsp regular vinegar)
- 0.5 Tbsp soy sauce
- 1 Tbsp allulose (or corn syrup/molasses)
Finishing Touches- 0.5 Tbsp sesame oil
- 0.5 Tbsp sesame seeds
- Pinch of salt (to taste)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, gather all your ingredients: cucumber, chives, and onion. Wash the cucumber and pat it dry. Prepare the chives and onion similarly.
Step 2
Slice the cucumber into half-moon shapes, about 0.5 cm thick. Slicing them slightly thicker will help maintain their crispiness.
Step 3
Cut the chives into 3-4 cm lengths and thinly slice the onion. Preparing the vegetables like this means you’re halfway done with the recipe!
Step 4
Place the sliced cucumber, chives, and onion into a large mixing bowl. It’s best to mix them right away while they are fresh.
Step 5
Now, add the seasoning ingredients: gochujang, gochugaru, minced garlic, brown sugar, 2x concentrated vinegar, soy sauce, and allulose according to the measurements. If you don’t have 2x vinegar, you can use 2 Tbsp of regular vinegar. You can also substitute corn syrup or molasses for allulose.
Step 6
Adjust the seasoning to your personal preference. If you like it spicier, add more gochugaru. If you prefer it sweeter, add a bit more sugar or allulose.
Step 7
Gently mix everything together with your hands until the seasonings are evenly distributed. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cucumbers mushy. Taste the salad and add a pinch of salt if needed. Finally, drizzle in the sesame oil and sprinkle with sesame seeds for a nutty aroma.
Step 8
To keep the chives vibrant and the cucumbers crisp, give the salad one last gentle toss. Your delicious cucumber and chive salad is now ready! It’s great to eat immediately, or you can chill it in the refrigerator for an even more refreshing taste.
