Cucumber Shaker Salad Chili (Printable)

A crunchy cucumber dish tossed with vibrant dressing and finished with spicy chili crisp for bold flavor.

# What You'll Need:

→ Vegetables

01 - 3 medium Persian or English cucumbers, thinly sliced
02 - 2 scallions, thinly sliced
03 - 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)

→ Dressing

04 - 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
05 - 1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce or tamari for gluten-free
06 - 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
07 - 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
08 - 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
09 - 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

→ Garnish

10 - 1 to 2 tablespoons chili crisp, adjusted to taste
11 - 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds

# Method:

01 - Place the sliced cucumbers and scallions into a large bowl or shaker container with a secure lid.
02 - In a small bowl, whisk together rice vinegar, soy sauce, toasted sesame oil, sugar, salt, and black pepper until the sugar fully dissolves.
03 - Pour the dressing evenly over the cucumbers and scallions.
04 - Secure the lid on the container and shake vigorously for 20 to 30 seconds to coat the vegetables thoroughly.
05 - Transfer the salad to a serving dish, top with chili crisp, sesame seeds, and cilantro if using.
06 - Serve immediately to maintain crispness, or refrigerate for up to 30 minutes to develop a pickled flavor.

# Expert Pointers:

01 -
  • It takes ten minutes and tastes like you actually tried, which feels like a small victory on busy days.
  • The shake method is genuinely fun and somehow makes the vegetables taste fresher.
  • Chili crisp transforms something simple into something craveable without making you stand over a stove.
02 -
  • Patience with the dressing matters—make sure the sugar actually dissolves, or you'll get gritty pockets instead of a smooth glaze.
  • The chili crisp floats on top intentionally; stir it in only at the last second if you want each bite to surprise you.
03 -
  • If you want extra crunch, lightly smash the cucumbers with the side of your knife before slicing; you'll break some cells and increase surface area for the dressing to cling to.
  • The shaker container isn't just for show—it genuinely coats the vegetables more evenly than tossing by hand, and there's something satisfying about the ritual of it.
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