Easy 15-Minute Kewpie Mayo Cucumber Salad Recipe

I absolutely love how fresh and vibrant this Easy 15-Minute Kewpie Mayo Cucumber Salad Recipe is. It’s one of those dishes I turn to whenever I want a quick, cooling, and delightfully creamy salad that comes together with minimal effort. The crisp cucumbers are perfectly balanced with the rich, tangy Kewpie mayo-based dressing, making it such a refreshing treat that feels light but satisfying at the same time. Honestly, it’s become my go-to answer whenever friends ask for something simple yet seriously delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Easy 15-Minute Kewpie Mayo Cucumber Salad Recipe

From the first time I made this salad, what struck me was the incredible flavor contrast. The creamy Kewpie mayo, which has this uniquely smooth umami sweetness, pairs wonderfully with the crisp and cool cucumbers. Then there’s the touch of sesame oil and rice vinegar that adds a subtle nutty and tangy kick, making every bite refreshing but full of complexity. It’s that perfect balance that keeps me coming back for more. Plus, the slight hint of garlic and green onion brightens it all up and leaves a pleasant lingering flavor I can’t resist.

What I truly appreciate about this recipe is how quick and effortless it is. It’s literally an easy 15-minute Kewpie Mayo Cucumber Salad Recipe that takes almost no time, but it feels like you’ve put in much more effort because of how impressive and tasty it turns out. Whether I’m whipping it up for a quick weeknight side or bringing it to a gathering, it fits beautifully into any occasion. It stands out because it uses simple ingredients yet delivers such a satisfying and gourmet-level flavor, making it a favorite in my kitchen and hopefully yours too!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this salad lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a vital role, whether it’s enhancing the crunch, adding creamy richness, or providing a burst of flavor. You really don’t need a long list—just a few fresh ingredients and pantry staples to create something wonderfully tasty and inviting.

• 1 lb Persian cucumbers: These mini cucumbers offer the perfect crisp texture and mild, sweet flavor.
• 2 teaspoons salt: Essential for drawing out excess moisture and ensuring those cucumbers stay crunchy.
• 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (optional): Adds a toasty, nutty garnish and extra texture.
• 4 tablespoons Japanese mayo (Kewpie mayo): The star ingredient that brings creaminess and a signature, slightly sweet umami flavor.
• 1 green onion (finely chopped): Offers a fresh, sharp bite that brightens the dressing.
• 2 garlic cloves (minced): Adds a subtle pungency and depth of flavor.
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil: Provides a rich, nutty background note that complements the cucumbers beautifully.
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar: Lends a mild acidity to balance the creamy mayo and enliven the dish.
• 2 teaspoons white granulated sugar: Just enough sweetness to make the dressing harmonious without overpowering it.
• 2 teaspoons soy sauce: Brings savory depth and balances the flavors perfectly.
• 1/2 teaspoon gochugaru (optional): A subtle spicy heat that adds an exciting kick if you desire it.

Directions

Step 1: Start by trimming the ends off your cucumbers, then slice them thinly into 1/4-inch rounds. Place these in a large mixing bowl and sprinkle with the salt. I like to massage the salt gently into the cucumbers—this helps draw out excess water so they stay extra crunchy. Let them rest for about 10 minutes while this magic happens.

Step 2: While the cucumbers rest, mix the dressing ingredients in a small bowl or cup. Combine the Kewpie mayo, minced garlic, chopped green onion, sesame oil, rice vinegar, sugar, soy sauce, and gochugaru if using. Stir until the sugar fully dissolves into a smooth, rich dressing. Set this aside for later.

Step 3: After the cucumbers have rested and released their water, rinse them thoroughly under cold running water about 5-6 times to wash away the excess salt. Then, drain and shake off as much water as you can. To make sure the salad doesn’t get watery, pat the cucumbers dry well with paper towels before moving on.

Step 4: Transfer the cucumbers to a fresh large bowl and pour the dressing over them. Toss everything gently until the cucumbers are evenly coated. Finally, plate your salad and sprinkle the sesame seeds on top as a final garnish. Serve immediately for the freshest texture and most vibrant flavors.

Servings and Timing

This recipe serves about 4 people as a side dish. The prep time is really just 5 minutes since slicing and seasoning go fast, but with the 10-minute resting time to let the cucumbers release their water, total prep time sits around 15 minutes. There’s no cooking time involved, so the total time from start to finish is a quick 15 minutes, perfect for those busy days or last-minute entertaining. Plus, it’s ready to eat right away—no chilling required, though a quick cold rest is optional if you want it extra crisp.

How to Serve This Easy 15-Minute Kewpie Mayo Cucumber Salad Recipe

When I serve this salad, I love pairing it with flavorful, hearty dishes that contrast the cool creaminess. It’s perfect alongside grilled meats like teriyaki chicken or spicy Korean BBQ, as the fresh cucumber salad cools down and balances out bold flavors. For a vegetarian meal, it’s dreamy alongside grilled tofu or a rice bowl with roasted veggies. This salad also fits beautifully into an Asian-inspired spread with sushi, tempura, or dumplings.

I always recommend garnishing the salad with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or even a few thin slices of fresh chili for a pop of color and visual appeal. For presentation, I find serving it in a clear glass bowl or on a simple white plate really lets those lush greens and creamy dressing shine. Portion-wise, a small bowl or side plate for each person is just right since it’s light but packed with flavor.

To drink with this, I adore pairing it with a crisp, chilled sake or a light white wine like a Sauvignon Blanc to complement the vinaigrette’s tang. For non-alcoholic options, green tea or a citrus sparkling water accentuates the salad’s fresh vibe beautifully. It’s great for family dinners, casual lunches, or even summer potlucks. Serving it chilled or at room temperature lets the flavors harmonize nicely, so I tweak the timing based on how fresh or cold I want the salad to feel.

Variations

I’ve played around with this salad plenty, and it’s wonderfully flexible. If you don’t have Persian cucumbers, English cucumbers work just as well—they’re mild and crisp, just slice away. For something with a bit more bite, you could add thin slices of radish or even snap peas for an extra fresh crunch. If you want to change up the dressing, experimenting with different vinegars like apple cider or white vinegar shifts the flavor slightly but keeps the tanginess.

For dietary modifications, using a vegan mayo or homemade cashew cream instead of Kewpie mayo transforms this into a delightful vegan salad without losing creaminess. If you are gluten-sensitive, just make sure your soy sauce is a gluten-free version, and you’re all set. For spice lovers, adding a bit more gochugaru or a dash of sriracha can turn this into a pleasantly spicy kick that keeps things exciting.

While this salad is best served cold and fresh, if you prefer, you could also briefly sauté the cucumbers for a warm version with a touch of garlic and sesame oil, offering a completely different but delicious take. Honestly, this Easy 15-Minute Kewpie Mayo Cucumber Salad Recipe is such a versatile canvas that I’ve had fun making it my own in many flavorful ways.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, I recommend storing this cucumber salad in an airtight container in the fridge. It keeps well for about 1 to 2 days, though I find it tastes best fresh. The cucumbers can release a bit of water over time, so to maintain the best texture, give it a gentle stir and maybe drain any excess liquid before serving again.

Freezing

This salad actually doesn’t freeze well because cucumbers have a high water content, which causes them to become mushy when thawed. I generally don’t freeze it and suggest enjoying the salad fresh to savor its crisp texture and vibrant flavors.

Reheating

This salad is really designed to be served cold or at room temperature and doesn’t need reheating. Heating it would break down the cucumbers and ruin their crunch, so I avoid warming it up. If you want to enjoy it after refrigeration, just take it out of the fridge about 10-15 minutes before serving to take off the chill, and stir it gently for the best experience.

FAQs

Can I use regular mayonnaise instead of Kewpie mayo?

Absolutely! While Kewpie mayo has a slightly sweeter and richer flavor, regular mayonnaise works fine too and will still give you that creamy texture. You might just notice a small difference in that signature umami taste that Kewpie brings.

How important is salting the cucumbers first?

Salting is key because it draws out excess moisture from the cucumbers, preventing the salad from becoming watery and keeping them crisp. It also lightly seasons the cucumbers, enhancing the overall flavor. Don’t skip this step if you want the best texture.

What if I don’t have gochugaru? Can I leave it out?

Yes, gochugaru is optional and only adds a gentle spicy kick. If you don’t have it or prefer no spice, simply omit it or substitute with a pinch of red pepper flakes to taste. The salad will still be delicious and refreshing.

Can I prepare this salad ahead of time?

You can prepare it a few hours in advance, which helps the flavors meld nicely. However, I recommend waiting to add the dressing until just before serving to maintain maximum crunch and freshness.

Is this salad suitable for meal prep and packed lunches?

This salad can be packed for lunch, but keep the dressing separate and mix it just before eating to avoid soggy cucumbers. It’s an excellent, light side to bring along, especially in warmer weather when a cooling dish is much appreciated.

Conclusion

I truly hope you give this Easy 15-Minute Kewpie Mayo Cucumber Salad Recipe a try—it’s one of those simple dishes that never fails to impress and refresh. Whether you want a quick snack, a tasty side, or a crowd-pleasing salad, this recipe hits all the right notes with minimal effort. It’s a flavorful, creamy, and crunchy delight that I’m always excited to share with friends and family. Trust me, once you make it, it’ll quickly become a favorite in your recipe rotation too!

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