The Best Spicy Cucumber Salad Recipe

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Spicy Cucumber Salad is a refreshing and vibrant dish that brings together the crispness of crunchy cucumbers and the fiery kick of spices. This invigorating salad is perfect for those who crave a burst of tangy flavors and a cooling sensation on hot summer days.

This recipe is an adaptation of one of my most popular dishes on my website, Marinated Cucumbers Onion & Vinegar Recipe.

Quick and Easy Zesty Cucumber Medley

With its simple yet bold combination of fresh cucumbers, spicy flavors, and tangy dressing, Spicy Cucumber Salad makes a great side to any meal or a delightful standalone snack. Nonetheless, whether you’re hosting a barbecue, planning a picnic, or simply looking for a quick and healthy side dish, this flavorful side dish is guaranteed to tantalize your taste buds and leave you wanting more.

All you need to make this simple recipe is sliced cucumbers, zesty Italian dressing, and red pepper flakes. Yet it is so simple and easy to make, but don’t let that fool you it has so much flavor. All you have to do is place them in a serving bowl and you are in business!

Furthermore, another great thing about this dish is that it caters to a wide range of dietary preferences, including vegan, paleo, and even gluten-free. Regardless of which category you fall into, if this is your first time making it, you are in for a treat.

If you really love spicy food and want to create an epic meal, serve it alongside this Cajun Roasted Chicken to really elevate the spice level! Anyone who loves spicy food will love this combination together. Both of these are very simple recipes that can be made without much effort. 

Not the same Spicy Cucumber Salad you may know

Before we start, I want to point out that this recipe is slightly different from the traditional Spicy Asian Cucumber Salad (Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad). Furthermore, don’t let this stop you from trying this one though. The main difference is I “Southernized” this recipe. This variation is so quick to whip up in a hurry. 

This recipe is also different from the more popular or traditional Cucumber Salad that many Southerners may know about. Both are equally delicious, it will just depend on which one you are craving.

Great use for an abundance of cucumbers

In the summer months once cucumbers start to come out of the garden, there are only so many ways you can eat them. Fresh, cut up in salads or in pasta salad, homemade pickles, and there aren’t many more ways to enjoy them. Similarly, that is why this Spicy Cucumber Salad Recipe is such a treat. This is a way to spice up raw cucumbers in a way that is different from the normal cucumber salad.

Ingredients notes:

• Cucumbers- You can use garden fresh cucumbers or English Cucumbers. Either one is fine. If you are going to use a garden fresh cucumber I would recommend peeling them for best results. They tend to have thick skin. If you use English Cucumbers, they have a thin skin and can be left on. For the best flavor, use smaller cucumbers. This recipe will use 3 small to medium size cucumbers.
• Onion- I like to use sweet onion for this recipe such as a Vidalia Onion. A red onion is an excellent addition if you cannot find one. It will add sharpness and spiciness to the recipe. This recipe will use 1 large onion.  
• Zesty Italian Dressing- For this recipe, we use a Zesty Italian Dressing such as Kraft Zesty Italian Dressing. This recipe will use 2 cups of dressing. 
• Red Pepper Flakes-Red Pepper Flakes is the spice that we use to give us that kick. This spice really elevates the recipe and compliments the zesty dressing. This recipe will use 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes.
• Optional: Top with some green onions.  

​Step-by-step instructions

Preparation:

Step 1: Wash all vegetables. If using garden fresh cucumbers, peel the skin off and slice them into 1/4 inch slices. 

Step 2: Peel the onion and cut it in half, then cut it into thin slices. 

Pro Tip: After peeling the cucumbers, place them in a colander in the sink. Add a few pinches of salt and toss them to coat all the sides. Allow them to dwell for up to 30 minutes. This will help draw out some of the moisture and will help the cucumbers stay crisp. 

​Assembly:

Step 3: Grab a medium bowl, and add the cucumber slices and onions. 

Step 4: In a small bowl, add the dressing and red pepper flakes. Then, mix until it is combined. 

Step 5: Pour Dressing over cucumbers and onions. After that, mix well until the vegetables are fully coated. 

​Serving Suggestion:

You can serve right away but for best results, place in the refrigerator and let chill. 

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Variations

If you are looking for the traditional way to make Cucumber Salad, such as Cucumbers and Vinegar, Check out this recipe called Marinated Cucumbers Onion & Vinegar Recipe. This is one of my favorite recipes that I grew up eating as a kid, consequently making it my favorite cucumber salad recipe.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Spicy Cucumber Salad is a vibrant and flavorful dish that brings together the cool crunch of cucumbers with a fiery twist of spices. Its refreshing nature and bold taste make it a versatile addition to any meal or a delightful standalone snack.

Whether you’re looking to add a zesty kick to your barbecue spread, a tangy side dish for your picnic, or simply a healthy and quick snack, this recipe has got you covered. The combination of fresh cucumbers, zesty spices, and tangy dressing creates a tantalizing flavor explosion that will leave you craving more. 

So, don’t hesitate to try this recipe and embark on a culinary adventure that will awaken your taste buds and keep you coming back for seconds. Enjoy the invigorating goodness of Spicy Cucumber Salad and savor every spicy, refreshing bite!

Thanks for stopping by Southern Food Junkie. It is our hope that you enjoy this recipe sharing it with friends, family, and coworkers. Make sure to take time to give thanks to the creator, God, by which all blessings flow.
John 6:35

-Ronnie | Let’s Get Food Junked