SPICY CUCUMBER NOODLE SALAD

image credit – dr vegan

Welcome to today’s recipe – a refreshing yet fiery Spicy Cucumber Noodle Salad that’s perfect for any season. This vibrant salad combines fresh cucumbers, rice noodles, and a spicy, tangy dressing that’ll wake up your taste buds! It’s an easy, versatile dish you can enjoy on its own or pair with other mains. Let’s dive into this flavorful journey!

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Why You’ll Love This Spicy Cucumber Noodle Salad

• Refreshing and Light: The cucumber and noodles provide a refreshing base that’s easy to digest yet satisfying.
• Quick to Prepare: This dish requires minimal cooking time, making it a great go-to for busy days or warm weather.
• Customizable Spice Level: You can easily adjust the spiciness to your liking, making it as mild or as fiery as you want.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: The flavors meld beautifully over time, making this salad ideal for make-ahead meals.

Ingredients

This recipe serves about 4 people. You’ll need:

For the Salad:

• 1 large cucumber (English cucumber or Persian cucumbers work well for their crunch)
• 4 oz rice noodles (wide or thin rice noodles, depending on your preference)
• 1 medium carrot, julienned (for added crunch and color)
• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 2-3 green onions, sliced
• Fresh herbs: handful of cilantro and mint, chopped (for a fresh, herby finish)
• Toasted sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)

For the Spicy Dressing:

• 3 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for a gluten-free option)
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar (for a tangy, acidic kick)
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil (adds a nutty richness)
• 1 tablespoon lime juice (freshly squeezed for best flavor)
• 1-2 tablespoons sriracha or chili garlic sauce (adjust based on your spice preference)
• 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (for a touch of sweetness)
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger (fresh adds a zesty note)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Noodles

1. Cook the Rice Noodles: Bring a pot of water to a boil and cook the rice noodles according to the package instructions, typically around 4-5 minutes for thin noodles. Be careful not to overcook them; we want them tender but not mushy.
2. Rinse and Cool: Once cooked, drain the noodles and rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent sticking. Set them aside to cool.

Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables

1. Slice the Cucumber: Use a mandoline or a sharp knife to thinly slice the cucumber. You can also cut it into matchsticks for more texture. If the cucumber is very watery, pat the slices with a paper towel.
2. Julienne the Carrot and Slice the Bell Pepper: Julienne the carrot for a crunchy texture that pairs well with the noodles. Thinly slice the red bell pepper for a hint of sweetness and color.
3. Chop the Green Onions and Herbs: Slice the green onions and roughly chop the cilantro and mint. These add freshness and a pop of flavor to the salad.

Step 3: Make the Spicy Dressing

1. Combine the Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, lime juice, sriracha, honey, garlic, and ginger until the mixture is smooth.
2. Taste and Adjust: Taste the dressing and adjust based on your preference. If you want it spicier, add more sriracha. If it’s too tangy, add a bit more honey to balance it out.

Step 4: Assemble the Salad

1. Combine Noodles and Vegetables: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled noodles, cucumber slices, carrot, bell pepper, and green onions.
2. Pour the Dressing: Pour the spicy dressing over the salad and toss everything gently to ensure the noodles and veggies are well-coated.
3. Add Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle the chopped cilantro and mint over the salad and give it a light toss. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds if desired for a final touch.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

Your Spicy Cucumber Noodle Salad is ready to serve! You can enjoy it immediately, but letting it sit for 10-15 minutes allows the flavors to meld beautifully. This salad is delicious on its own or as a side with grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu.

Tips for the Perfect Cucumber Noodle Salad

1. Choose Your Cucumber Wisely: English cucumbers or Persian cucumbers work best as they are less watery and have fewer seeds.
2. Balance the Dressing: The dressing is the star of this recipe, so taste as you go. The goal is a balance of spicy, tangy, salty, and sweet flavors.
3. Make It Ahead: This salad can be made a day ahead. In fact, it tastes even better the next day as the noodles absorb the dressing. Just keep it in an airtight container in the fridge.
4. Customize the Spice Level: Adjust the amount of sriracha or chili garlic sauce based on your spice tolerance. You can even add a pinch of crushed red pepper for an extra kick.
5. Add Protein for a Full Meal: If you want to make it more filling, consider adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or even tofu.

Nutritional Benefits

This Spicy Cucumber Noodle Salad is packed with nutrients:

• Cucumber: High in water content, which keeps you hydrated, plus it’s a great source of vitamins K and C.
• Carrots and Red Bell Pepper: Full of beta-carotene, fiber, and antioxidants.
• Herbs: Cilantro and mint are not only flavorful but also good for digestion and offer anti-inflammatory properties.
• Noodles: Rice noodles are gluten-free and add a satisfying base without overwhelming the salad.

Variations

1. Switch Up the Veggies: Try adding shredded purple cabbage, edamame, or snap peas for extra crunch.
2. Use Zucchini Noodles: For a low-carb version, swap rice noodles with zucchini noodles or shirataki noodles.
3. Add a Creamy Element: Mix in a bit of peanut or almond butter into the dressing for a creamy texture and added richness.

Final Thoughts

This Spicy Cucumber Noodle Salad is a delightful blend of flavors and textures that is sure to become a staple. Whether you’re serving it as a side dish or enjoying it as a main, it’s sure to please everyone at the table. Enjoy the crunch, the heat, and the refreshing notes of this vibrant salad – it’s a perfect balance of light yet bold flavors!

Happy cooking and enjoy your refreshing, spicy creation

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