This Wonton Cucumber Salad is a refreshing and spicy twist on a classic Asian-inspired side dish. With crisp cucumbers, crunchy wonton strips, and a bold sesame-chili vinaigrette, it’s an easy and satisfying option for warm days or light meals.
The real secret here is the balance of heat, crunch, and tang. Salted cucumbers stay crisp, while the chili sesame dressing brings layers of flavor that excite the palate. It comes together in just 15 minutes and is perfect as a side, light main, or party dish. Customize with fresh herbs, peanuts, or even tofu for added protein.
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
-
2 cups Persian cucumbers, thinly sliced
-
1/2 teaspoon salt
-
1 cup crispy wonton strips
-
1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
-
2 scallions, sliced
-
2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds
-
1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
-
1 tablespoon chopped roasted peanuts (optional)
Chili-Sesame Dressing:
-
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
-
1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari
-
1 tablespoon sesame oil
-
1 tablespoon olive oil
-
1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
-
1 clove garlic, finely grated
-
1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
-
1–2 teaspoons chili crisp (adjust to heat preference)
-
Juice of 1 lime
Directions:
-
Place the sliced cucumbers in a colander and sprinkle with salt. Let them sit for 10 minutes to release moisture. Pat dry with paper towels.
-
In a large bowl, combine the cucumbers, red onion, scallions, sesame seeds, and cilantro (if using).
-
In a small bowl, whisk together all the dressing ingredients until emulsified.
-
Pour the dressing over the cucumber mixture and toss to coat.
-
Just before serving, add crispy wonton strips and optional chopped peanuts. Toss lightly again and serve immediately.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 0 minutes | Total Time: 15 minutes
Kcal: 210 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
A Flavor-Packed Take on Asian-Inspired Salads
The Wonton Cucumber Salad is a vibrant and flavor-loaded dish that takes the refreshing qualities of cucumbers and elevates them with layers of savory, spicy, and tangy elements. Perfect for summer or anytime you’re craving something light and satisfying, this salad brings together a medley of textures and tastes in one beautifully composed bowl.
With roots in Asian fusion cuisine, this salad balances fresh produce, crunchy textures, and bold sauces. It’s a dish that works well as a stand-alone lunch, a refreshing appetizer, or even a side dish to complement grilled proteins or rice-based mains. What makes this salad so appealing is its versatility — it feels gourmet yet is incredibly simple to make.
Why Cucumber is the Star of the Dish
Cucumber brings a cool, crisp bite to any dish, but in this salad, its freshness is absolutely essential. Its mild flavor allows the chili, garlic, sesame, and soy-based dressing to shine. Persian or English cucumbers are especially great here because of their thin skins and lower water content, which helps retain crunchiness even after marinating.
When the cucumber slices are salted and rested, some of their natural moisture is drawn out, creating a firmer, more concentrated texture. This step prevents the salad from becoming watery and ensures the vinaigrette coats each slice evenly. It’s a smart and subtle culinary trick that elevates the overall quality of the salad.
The Power of Contrast: Crunch Meets Zing
One of the standout characteristics of the Wonton Cucumber Salad is its incredible contrast of textures. The crunch of crispy wonton strips is unforgettable and pairs beautifully with the juicy cucumbers. Toasted sesame seeds and peanuts provide even more depth and richness, delivering a satisfying bite with every forkful.
Then comes the bold chili-sesame dressing. Infused with fresh ginger, garlic, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and chili crisp, it’s spicy, tangy, and slightly sweet. This combination makes every ingredient pop without overpowering the delicate cucumbers. The toasted sesame oil adds a deep, nutty base that rounds out the sharpness of the vinegar and lime.
A Flexible Recipe for Every Diet
Another reason why this salad is so well-loved is its adaptability. For those following a gluten-free diet, using tamari in place of soy sauce and ensuring gluten-free wonton strips makes this dish completely safe. It’s also easily vegan—just ensure that the wonton strips are made without egg, and swap honey for maple syrup in the dressing.
Want to add protein? Go for shredded chicken, marinated tofu, or edamame. These additions not only bulk up the salad but also make it suitable as a full meal. For a low-carb version, you can skip the wonton strips entirely and double down on toasted nuts or seeds.
A Salad That Travels Well
Unlike leafy salads that wilt within minutes of dressing, this cucumber-based version holds up remarkably well. It’s an ideal candidate for meal prep or to take along for a picnic, potluck, or road trip. Simply store the dressing and crunchy toppings separately and toss everything together just before serving.
You can also prep this salad the night before and store it in the fridge. The flavors actually deepen overnight, allowing the cucumbers to absorb the zing of the chili-lime vinaigrette. Just wait until right before serving to add your wonton strips to preserve their signature crunch.
Cultural Inspirations Behind the Dish
While not a traditional Asian salad, this recipe takes inspiration from several Asian cuisines. The use of soy sauce, sesame oil, chili, and rice vinegar nods to classic East Asian flavor profiles—particularly those found in Korean, Chinese, and Thai cuisine. Meanwhile, the fresh herbs like cilantro and the liberal use of lime juice lean toward Southeast Asian dishes.
This fusion approach results in a dish that’s modern and global, yet comforting and nostalgic for anyone familiar with the bold, punchy flavors of street food across Asia. It also introduces these profiles to home cooks in an approachable way that requires no special equipment or hard-to-find ingredients.
Perfect for Summer and Beyond
Thanks to its cooling nature and refreshing taste, Wonton Cucumber Salad is a summer favorite. It’s the perfect antidote to heavy, rich meals and is especially welcome at cookouts or beach gatherings where lighter fare is appreciated. But don’t limit this recipe to just one season. Its versatility and ease of preparation make it great for busy weeknights, packed lunches, or even a quick, elegant starter for dinner parties.
Pair it with grilled meats, noodle bowls, or grain dishes for a complete meal. It also works well as part of a larger Asian-inspired menu alongside dishes like teriyaki tofu, steamed dumplings, or spicy noodle soup.
Tips to Elevate Your Wonton Cucumber Salad
To take this salad to the next level, here are a few quick tips:
-
Make your own wonton strips: Cut wonton wrappers into strips and fry them briefly in oil. They’re crispier and more flavorful than store-bought.
-
Chill before serving: Let the salad sit in the fridge for 15–20 minutes after tossing it (minus the wontons) for a refreshing experience.
-
Try quick-pickled onions: Instead of raw red onions, marinate them in vinegar and a pinch of sugar for 10 minutes for an extra tang.
-
Use chili oil with sediment: The flavorful bits in chili crisp or chili oil add texture and deep umami richness to the dressing.
-
Add herbs last: Garnish with cilantro or mint just before serving to keep the herbs fresh and fragrant.
Conclusion: Light, Bold, and Unforgettable
The Wonton Cucumber Salad is a celebration of freshness, spice, and crunch. It’s not just another side salad—it’s a complete experience, marrying Asian flavors with vibrant textures and bright ingredients. Whether you’re making it as a light lunch, a party dish, or a flavorful addition to your dinner spread, this salad brings serious flavor with minimal effort.
Its wide appeal, dietary flexibility, and customizable nature make it a must-have in your culinary rotation. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a kitchen newbie, this dish is guaranteed to impress both in taste and presentation. Keep it in your go-to salad collection—you’ll return to it time and time again.