No-Water Cucumber Salad: A Quick & Delicious Recipe

Forget soggy, bland cucumber salads of the past! This vibrant No-Water Cucumber Salad is a refreshing explosion of flavor, perfect as a side dish or a light lunch. Crisp cucumbers are tossed in a tangy, zesty dressing that keeps them delightfully crunchy, unlike many traditional recipes that leave you with a watery mess. We've perfected the technique to ensure maximum flavor and minimal prep time – a true summer delight that’s surprisingly easy to make.

This recipe eliminates the need for soaking the cucumbers, saving you valuable time and effort. The secret lies in a perfectly balanced dressing and a clever chopping technique that maximizes the cucumber's texture and taste. Ready to learn how to create this incredibly simple yet incredibly delicious salad? Let's dive into the step-by-step instructions!

Tools Needed

  • Cutting board
  • Spoon

Ingredients

  • Cucumbers
  • Coarse salt
  • Sesame powder: 2 tablespoons
  • Olive oil: 1 tablespoon
  • Soy sauce: 1 tablespoon
  • Lemon juice: 1 tablespoon
  • Plum extract: 1 tablespoon
  • Honey: 1 tablespoon
  • Salt: a pinch
  • Crab meat
  • Tomatoes
  • Seaweed

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1. Prepare the Cucumbers

  • Wash cucumbers thoroughly, rubbing them with coarse salt to remove impurities.
  • Cut off the bitter stems. Halve the cucumbers and use a spoon to remove the seeds.
  • Cut cucumbers into similar sizes. Sprinkle half a large spoonful of coarse salt, mix well, and marinate for 20 minutes to remove excess moisture.
  • Rinse the marinated cucumbers and drain thoroughly.
Wash cucumbers thoroughly, rubbing them with coarse salt to remove impurities.Cut off the bitter stems. Halve the cucumbers and use a spoon to remove the seeds.Cut cucumbers into similar sizes. Sprinkle half a large spoonful of coarse salt, mix well, and marinate for 20 minutes to remove excess moisture.Rinse the marinated cucumbers and drain thoroughly.
Prepare the Cucumbers
  • Prepare a cutting board. Blanch the cucumbers in boiling water for a short time to easily peel (optional).
Prepare a cutting board. Blanch the cucumbers in boiling water for a short time to easily peel (optional).
Prepare the Cucumbers

Step 2. Make the Dressing

  • Mix sesame powder, olive oil, soy sauce, lemon juice, plum extract, honey, and salt. Let it sit for 20 minutes.
Prepare the seasoning: Mix sesame powder, olive oil, soy sauce, lemon juice, plum extract, honey, and salt. Let it sit for 20 minutes.
Make the Dressing

Step 3. Combine and Marinate

  • Add the drained cucumbers, tomatoes, and seaweed to the seasoning. Mix well to ensure the seasoning is absorbed.
Add the drained cucumbers, tomatoes, and seaweed to the seasoning. Mix well to ensure the seasoning is absorbed.
Combine and Marinate

Step 4. Add Optional Ingredients

  • Cut crab meat into triangles (optional).
Cut crab meat into triangles (optional).
Add Optional Ingredients

Read more: Spicy Crunchy Korean Stuffed Cucumber Kimchi (Oi-sobagi) Recipe

Tips

  • Cucumbers are over 70% water; they'll release water when seasoned due to osmosis. Crushing the seeds helps prevent this.
  • Letting the seasoning sit for 20 minutes allows the flavors to blend and enhances the taste.

Nutrition

  • Calories: approximately 150-250
  • Fat: 8-15g
  • Carbs: 15-25g
  • Protein: 5-10g

FAQs

1. Can I make this salad ahead of time?

It's best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare the dressing and chopped cucumbers separately a few hours in advance. Combine just before serving to maintain optimal crunch.

2. What can I substitute for the vinegar?

Rice vinegar, apple cider vinegar, or even a squeeze of lemon juice can be used instead of white wine vinegar. Adjust the amount to your taste preference.


This No-Water Cucumber Salad is a testament to the fact that simple ingredients can create extraordinary flavor. Its refreshing taste and quick preparation time make it a perfect addition to any meal, barbecue, or potluck. Enjoy this crunchy, zesty salad and savor the taste of summer!