Why You’ll Love Creamy Asian Cucumber Salad Recipe
This salad is the perfect balance of creamy, crunchy, and savory. Fresh cucumbers provide a cool, hydrating base, while tofu and edamame add satisfying plant-based protein. The creamy dressing, made with vegan mayo, cream cheese, soy sauce, and a touch of spice, ties everything together beautifully.
You’ll also love how quick and effortless it is to prepare. There’s no complicated cooking involved, and it comes together in about 10 minutes. It’s ideal for busy days, packed lunches, or when you want something nourishing without spending hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
1 whole cucumber, thinly sliced
1 small onion, thinly sliced
150 g crispy baked tofu
1/3 cup shelled edamame, thawed
1 small carrot, julienned
1 spring onion, sliced
1/2 avocado, cubed
1 tablespoon vegan cream cheese
1 tablespoon vegan mayonnaise
1 tablespoon sriracha
1 teaspoon chili crisp oil
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon sesame seeds
Optional: crushed nori flakes
Directions
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Place the thinly sliced cucumber into a large bowl or jar as the base layer.
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Add the sliced onion, crispy tofu, edamame, julienned carrot, and spring onion on top of the cucumber.
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Gently add the cubed avocado.
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Spoon the vegan cream cheese and mayonnaise over the salad.
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Drizzle with sriracha, chili crisp oil, and soy sauce.
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Sprinkle sesame seeds and optional crushed nori flakes over everything.
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Toss gently until evenly coated, or seal the jar and shake carefully. Serve immediately or chill before enjoying.
Servings and timing
Servings: 1 large serving (easily doubled or tripled)
Prep time: 10 minutes
Total time: 10 minutes
Variations
You can easily customize this salad to suit your preferences. Swap tofu for tempeh, roasted chickpeas, or even grilled chicken if you’re not strictly plant-based. Add shredded cabbage or thinly sliced radishes for extra crunch.
For a nuttier flavor, stir a spoonful of peanut butter into the dressing. If you prefer a milder taste, reduce or omit the sriracha and chili oil. You can also make it gluten-free by using tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.
Storage/Reheating
Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best texture, keep the dressing separate and mix just before serving.
This salad is meant to be enjoyed cold or at room temperature, so reheating is not necessary.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cucumber?
Yes, English cucumbers or Persian cucumbers work especially well because they have fewer seeds and a thinner skin.
How do I keep the salad from becoming watery?
Lightly salt the cucumber slices and let them sit for 10–15 minutes, then pat dry before assembling the salad.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it in advance. For best results, store the dressing separately and combine just before serving.
Is this salad gluten-free?
It can be made gluten-free by using tamari or coconut aminos instead of regular soy sauce.
What can I use instead of tofu?
You can substitute tempeh, roasted chickpeas, edamame, or grilled chicken if you prefer.
How spicy is this recipe?
It has a mild to moderate kick from the sriracha and chili oil. You can easily adjust the spice level to your taste.
Can I add more vegetables?
Absolutely. Shredded cabbage, bell peppers, snap peas, or radishes would all be delicious additions.
What can I serve with this salad?
It pairs well with rice, noodles, lettuce wraps, or as a side dish alongside grilled proteins.
Can I make it oil-free?
Yes, simply omit the chili crisp oil and use a thicker plant-based yogurt or tahini in place of mayonnaise.
Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
Yes, it’s great for meal prep. Just store it properly and consider keeping the dressing separate for maximum freshness.
Conclusion
Creamy Asian Cucumber Salad is a quick, flavorful, and nourishing dish that brings together crisp vegetables and a rich, savory dressing. Whether you’re preparing a simple lunch, a refreshing side, or a make-ahead meal, this salad delivers satisfying texture and bold flavor with minimal effort.
