Cold Cucumber Noodles with a Kick
In this recipe, the combination of cool cucumber is perfectly accented with a touch of heat and sweet. This is a healthy and satisfying option for a side to any main dish, and is great as a small salad too. However, it is best enjoyed in the summer as a cool snack, when cucumbers are at their best! The “kick” in this dish is from the fiery Sriracha and red pepper duo—a titillating twosome—so get your taste buds ready!
Serves 2
1 large English seedless cucumber
1⁄2 tablespoon (30 ml) olive oil
1 teaspoon (5 ml) rice wine vinegar
Pinch red pepper flakes
1 teaspoon (5 ml) raw organic honey
1⁄2 teaspoon (10 ml) Sriracha sauce
1⁄2 teaspoon (10 ml) garlic powder
Pinch salt and pepper
- Slice the cucumber in half the long way. Using a mandoline, slice the cucumber halves into thin, 1⁄4"-thick strips. Cut these strips the long way, into cucumber “noodles.”
- Whisk all other ingredients in a medium bowl and add cucumber. Stir until all cucumber pieces are covered with mixture.
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Cold cucumber noodles with a kick are the coolest, crunchiest side dish for a hot day — an English cucumber cut into noodle-like strips and tossed in a sharp, sweet, spicy dressing of rice wine vinegar, honey, and chili. No cooking, no spiralizer needed, just a mandoline or sharp knife and five minutes. Refreshing, light, and completely addictive.
Pro Tips
- Use a seedless English cucumber — its thin skin and minimal seeds make clean noodle strips without any watery middle.
- Cut the strips long and even so they behave like noodles and soak up the dressing uniformly.
- Toss the cucumber in the dressing just before serving; salt and vinegar draw out water quickly and can make it soupy if it sits.
- Taste the dressing before committing — the balance of sweet, sour, and heat should be bolder than you think, since the cucumber is so mild.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a mandoline?
It's the easiest route, but a sharp knife works — slice the cucumber into thin planks, then cut those into long strips by hand.
How spicy is this dish?
As spicy as you make it. The base is gently warming; add chili flakes or a sliced fresh chili for real heat.
Can I make it ahead?
Not really — cucumber noodles water out fast. Keep the dressing separate and toss everything together just before serving.
Is this recipe Paleo?
Completely — cucumber, rice wine vinegar, honey, and chili. It's one of the lightest, cleanest recipes you can make, and naturally vegan.
Recipe Card
Ingredients
Method
- Slice the cucumber in half the long way.
- Using a mandoline, slice the cucumber halves into thin, 1⁄4"-thick strips.
- Cut these strips the long way, into cucumber “noodles. ”
- Whisk all other ingredients in a medium bowl and add cucumber.
- Stir until all cucumber pieces are covered with mixture.
