Why Make This Recipe
This Viral Creamy Asian Cucumber Salad is easy to make and incredibly addictive. It combines fresh ingredients that not only taste amazing but also provide great texture. If you’re looking for a refreshing dish to complement your meals, this salad is perfect. Plus, it keeps well in the refrigerator, making it a great option for meal prep. You might also enjoy exploring other salad options, such as this easy Asian cucumber salad for added variety.
How to Make Viral Creamy Asian Cucumber Salad
The process of making this salad is straightforward. Here’s how to prepare it:
Ingredients:
- 1 cucumber, very thinly sliced
- 1 small onion, sliced paper-thin
- ~150 g crispy baked tofu (or protein of your choice)
- 1/3 cup shelled edamame, thawed
- 1 small carrot, cut into matchsticks
- 1 spring onion (scallion), thinly sliced
- ½ avocado, diced into small cubes
- 1 tbsp vegan cream cheese
- 1 tbsp vegan mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp Sriracha (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp chili-crisp oil
- 1 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for GF)
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds, toasted if possible
- Optional: 1–2 tsp crushed nori flakes for a subtle sea flavor
Directions:
- Place the cucumber slices into the bottom of a wide jar or container and press gently to form a compact layer. This keeps the firmer vegetables from floating when the jar is shaken.
- Add the onion, then the baked tofu, followed by edamame, carrot matchsticks, and sliced spring onion. Reserve the avocado near the top so it stays creamy, not mushy.
- Spoon the cream cheese and mayo into a small bowl; whisk in the Sriracha, chili oil, and soy sauce until smooth. Place the dressing on top of the jar contents, sprinkle with sesame seeds and (if using) nori flakes.
- Tighten the lid and refrigerate the jar upright. The salad keeps nicely for a day or so; the dressing sitting on top helps prevent the cucumbers from going limp.
- When you’re ready to eat, secure the lid and flip the jar a few times, then give it a vigorous shake for 8–10 seconds to coat everything. Tip it into a bowl to toss or eat straight from the jar. Serve over rice, chilled noodles, or wrap in lettuce leaves for extra heft.
How to Serve Viral Creamy Asian Cucumber Salad
This salad can be served in various ways. You can dish it out over a bowl of rice for a hearty meal or enjoy it with chilled noodles for a refreshing side. If you want to add a fun twist, you can wrap the salad in lettuce leaves. Each option offers a delightful taste experience.
How to Store Viral Creamy Asian Cucumber Salad
To store the salad, keep it in the refrigerator in a tightly sealed jar or container. The salad can be kept for about a day, and it’s best to consume it before the cucumbers start to soften. If you are preparing it ahead of time, remember to layer the ingredients as mentioned in the directions to keep the salad fresh longer.
Tips to Make Viral Creamy Asian Cucumber Salad
- For the best flavor, allow the salad to chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving.
- Adjust the level of Sriracha according to your spice preference.
- Use a mandoline slicer for the cucumber and onion for perfect thin slices.
Variation
If you’re looking for a variation, you can swap out the tofu for grilled chicken or shrimp. This change adds more protein, making it a filling main course. Alternatively, try different greens like spinach or kale to freshen it up while maintaining the original flavors.
FAQs
1. Can I use other vegetables in this salad?
Yes, you can add other vegetables like bell peppers or radishes for extra crunch.
2. Is this salad vegan?
Yes, when you use vegan cream cheese and mayonnaise, this salad is completely vegan.
3. How long does this salad last?
This salad is best eaten within a day, but it can stay fresh for up to two days if properly stored.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Viral Creamy Asian Cucumber Salad is a delightful dish that combines fresh vegetables and tasty dressing. If you want more variations on this theme, check out this amazing Spicy Asian Cucumber Salad recipe for a flavorful experience.