Viral Crunchy Cucumber Salad Copycat

If you’ve been scrolling through social media lately, you might have stumbled upon the Viral Crunchy Cucumber Salad Copycat that everyone can’t stop raving about. It’s fresh, vibrant, and packed with bold flavors that make it a perfect side dish or a light meal on its own. This salad is all about that satisfying crunch of cucumbers paired with a tangy, slightly spicy dressing that wakes up your taste buds. Plus, with a touch of shredded chicken breast, it becomes a protein-packed option that’s ideal for a quick lunch or dinner. Whether you’re a salad lover or just looking for a refreshing dish to beat the heat, this recipe is a must-try.

Why This Recipe Is a Must-Try

What makes the Viral Crunchy Cucumber Salad Copycat stand out is its incredible balance of textures and flavors. The cucumbers are sliced thin but remain crisp thanks to a quick salting process that draws out excess moisture. The dressing is a harmonious blend of rice vinegar, soy sauce, a hint of sweetness from sugar, and a touch of heat from chili flakes. Sesame oil and seeds add a nutty depth that rounds out the dish beautifully. Adding shredded chicken breast elevates it into a complete meal, making it satisfying without feeling heavy.

This salad is incredibly easy to prepare, requiring minimal ingredients and just a few minutes of hands-on time. It’s also versatile enough to pair with a variety of dishes or to enjoy on its own. If you love fresh and crunchy salads, you might also enjoy the Classic Broccoli Salad, which offers a similarly delightful crunch with a creamy twist.

Ingredients

• 4 large cucumbers, sliced
• 2 tablespoons salt
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1/4 cup rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon chili flakes
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
• 2 green onions, chopped
• 1/2 cup cooked chicken breast, shredded

How To Make Viral Crunchy Cucumber Salad Copycat

Step 1: Prepare the Cucumbers

Start by washing your cucumbers thoroughly. Slice them thinly using a sharp knife or a mandoline slicer for even, crisp pieces. Place the sliced cucumbers in a large bowl and sprinkle the salt over them. Toss the cucumbers gently to ensure the salt is evenly distributed. Let them sit for about 20 minutes. This process helps draw out excess water, keeping your salad crunchy and preventing it from becoming soggy.

Step 2: Make the Dressing

While the cucumbers are resting, combine the rice vinegar, soy sauce, sugar, sesame oil, and chili flakes in a small bowl. Whisk the ingredients together until the sugar dissolves and the dressing is well blended. This mix creates the perfect balance of tangy, salty, sweet, and spicy flavors that make this salad so addictive.

Step 3: Drain and Rinse the Cucumbers

After 20 minutes, you will notice some water released from the cucumbers. Drain this liquid and rinse the cucumbers briefly under cold water to remove excess salt. Use a clean kitchen towel or paper towels to gently pat the cucumbers dry. This step is crucial for maintaining the salad’s crisp texture.

Step 4: Assemble the Salad

Place the drained cucumbers back into the bowl. Pour the dressing over the cucumbers and toss to coat evenly. Add the chopped green onions, sesame seeds, and shredded chicken breast. Give everything a gentle toss to combine all the flavors and ingredients.

Step 5: Chill and Serve

For the best flavor, let the salad chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This resting time allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Serve chilled as a refreshing appetizer, side dish, or light meal.

Expert Tips

• Use large cucumbers for the best crunch; English cucumbers or Kirby cucumbers are excellent choices.
• Don’t skip the salting step—it’s key to keeping the cucumbers crisp and flavorful.
• If you prefer less heat, reduce the chili flakes or omit them altogether.
• For an extra toasty flavor, lightly toast the sesame seeds before adding them to the salad.
• Use freshly cooked chicken breast for the best texture; rotisserie chicken can be a convenient shortcut.
• Make the salad a few hours ahead to allow the flavors to fully develop, just remember to keep it refrigerated.
• Pair this salad with dishes like grilled meats or seafood for a balanced meal.

Variations and Customizations

• Vegetarian option: Omit the chicken and add extra sesame seeds or toasted nuts for protein and crunch.
• Extra crunch: Add thinly sliced radishes or bell peppers.
• Herb boost: Mix in fresh cilantro or mint for an aromatic twist.
• Noodle salad: Toss the cucumbers and dressing with cooked rice noodles for a refreshing noodle salad.
• Spicy upgrade: Add a drizzle of sriracha or chopped fresh chili for more heat.

How to Store Leftovers

Store any leftover Viral Crunchy Cucumber Salad Copycat in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 2 days, but for the best crunch and texture, it’s ideal to consume it within the first day. If the salad becomes watery after sitting, simply drain the excess liquid before serving again. Give it a quick toss to redistribute the dressing and refresh the flavors.

FAQ

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the salad a few hours in advance and refrigerate it. This allows the flavors to develop fully. Just make sure to drain any excess liquid that may accumulate before serving to maintain the crunch.

What if I don’t have rice vinegar?

If you don’t have rice vinegar, white vinegar or apple cider vinegar can be used as a substitute. Keep in mind that these alternatives have a stronger acidity, so start with a smaller quantity and adjust to taste.

Can I use pre-cooked chicken from the store?

Yes, pre-cooked chicken such as rotisserie chicken works perfectly in this recipe. Just shred it and add it to the salad. It’s a convenient way to save time while still adding protein.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Definitely! This salad is great for meal prep as it holds up well in the refrigerator for a day or two. Keep the dressing separate if you want to avoid sogginess and toss everything together right before eating.

Conclusion

The Viral Crunchy Cucumber Salad Copycat is a refreshing, flavorful, and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Its crisp cucumbers combined with a tangy, spicy dressing and tender chicken make it a crowd-pleaser that’s as nutritious as it is delicious. Whether you’re looking for a light lunch, a quick side, or a vibrant appetizer, this salad delivers on all fronts. Give it a try and enjoy a burst of fresh flavors with every bite!

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