Cucumber Shaker Salad Chili (Print Version)

Crunchy cucumbers coated in tangy dressing, topped with spicy chili crisp and toasted sesame seeds.

# 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 (gluten-free option)
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

# Step-by-Step Guide:

01 - Place thinly sliced cucumbers and scallions into a large bowl or shaker container with a secure lid.
02 - Whisk together rice vinegar, soy sauce (or tamari), toasted sesame oil, sugar, kosher salt, and black pepper in a small bowl until sugar dissolves.
03 - Pour the dressing over the cucumbers and scallions in the bowl or shaker container.
04 - Seal the lid tightly and shake vigorously for 20 to 30 seconds to evenly coat the vegetables with dressing.
05 - Transfer the salad to a serving platter or bowl, then top generously with chili crisp, toasted sesame seeds, and cilantro if desired.
06 - Serve immediately for crisp texture or refrigerate for up to 30 minutes to develop a more pickled flavor.

# Top Tips:

01 -
  • It's ready in ten minutes, which means you can make it while everything else is cooking without breaking a sweat.
  • The chili crisp gives you that addictive spicy kick that makes people reach for seconds without thinking about it.
  • It stays crunchy and doesn't wilt into a sad puddle, even if you make it a bit ahead of time.
02 -
  • The shaker container is not just for fun—it distributes the dressing evenly and keeps everything from getting soggy in one spot while staying dry in another.
  • Chili crisp is not created equal, and the quality matters more than the quantity; a really good one transforms this dish from nice to crave-worthy.
03 -
  • Keep your ingredients cold before assembling—this makes the final salad feel fresher and the contrast more pronounced when you shake it together.
  • If your chili crisp is spicy enough to intimidate you, remember that a little goes a long way, and you can always add more on individual plates so everyone controls their own heat.
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