This Filipino Cucumber Salad, or Ensaladang Pipino, is a refreshing side dish that brings the perfect balance of tangy and crunchy flavors to your meal. Quick and easy to prepare, this salad is an irresistible complement to grilled favorites or hearty rice dishes, making it a must-try for any Filipino feast!
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What makes this salad a hit is how quick and easy it is to whip up. It’s a go-to for pairing with grilled favorites like Chicken Inasal or Huli-Huli Chicken, offering a cool contrast to those savory bites. Plus, it goes wonderfully with adobo fried rice, anchovies fried rice, homemade Spanish sardines, tocino, sticky sesame chicken and even in a hotdog in a bun (try Seattle-Style Hotdog)!
And if you’re into Korean cuisine, you might also enjoy a version of this salad, which has a similar crunchy, tangy vibe. Filipino Cucumber Salad is all about bringing a refreshing touch to your plate, making every meal just a bit more exciting!
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Why You’ll Love This?
- Refreshing Taste: Crisp cucumbers paired with tangy vinegar dressing create a refreshing and palate-cleansing experience.
- Easy Preparation: Quick to make with simple ingredients, perfect for busy days or as a last-minute side dish.
- Versatile Pairing: Complements a variety of Filipino dishes, especially grilled or fried meats like Chicken Inasal or Huli-Huli Chicken.
- Light and Healthy: Low in calories and packed with vitamins, making it a guilt-free addition to your meal.
Ingredients
- Cucumbers: Long English or Japanese cucumbers work best for their crisp texture.
- Red Onion: Adds a mild sweetness and crunch.
- Vinegar: Preferably cane or white vinegar for that tangy zing.
- Sugar: Balances the acidity for a perfectly harmonious flavor.
- Salt or Fish Sauce: Enhances the overall taste, with ground black pepper to taste.
- Chopped Cilantro or Spring Onions: For a fresh garnish, optional but recommended!
See recipe card for quantities.
Substitution and Addition
- Tomatoes: Add diced tomatoes for extra color and sweetness.
- Chili Peppers: For those who like a bit of heat!
- Sesame Oil: Drizzle for an Asian-inspired twist.
How To Make Filipino Cucumber Salad
- Prepare the Cucumbers: Slice cucumbers thinly and place in a bowl.
- Add Onions: Toss in thinly sliced red onions.
- Make the Dressing: In a separate bowl, mix vinegar, sugar, salt or fish sauce, and black pepper.
- Combine: Pour the dressing over the cucumbers and onions, tossing to coat evenly.
- Garnish: Sprinkle with chopped cilantro or spring onions before serving.
Variations
- Korean Style: Add sesame oil and sesame seeds for an Asian twist.
- Tropical Flavor: Incorporate diced mango or pineapple for a sweet addition.
- Creamy Version: Mix in a bit of mayonnaise or yogurt for a richer dressing.
- Herb-Infused: Experiment with mint or basil for a different herbaceous touch.
- Crunchy Addition: Throw in some chopped nuts for extra texture.
What To Serve This With
- Chicken Inasal: The tangy and refreshing flavors of the cucumber salad complement the savory and slightly sweet grilled chicken perfectly.
- Pork BBQ (Inihaw na Baboy): The crispness of the cucumber salad provides a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of grilled pork.
- Beef Tapa: The acidity of the salad helps cut through the richness of the marinated beef, creating a balanced meal.
- Fried Fish (Daing na Bangus): The fresh flavors of the cucumber salad complement the crispy texture and mild taste of fried fish.
- Grilled Squid (Inihaw na Pusit): The salad's tanginess enhances the flavors of grilled squid, making for a light and satisfying meal.
- Adobo: Whether it's chicken, pork, or even tofu adobo, the cucumber salad's refreshing qualities serve as a cooling counterpart to the rich adobo sauce.
- Pancit: Serve it alongside this classic noodle dish for a balanced meal.
- Lumpiang Shanghai: These crispy spring rolls add a satisfying crunch, and the salad lightens up the plate.
Storage Instruction
- To store Filipino Cucumber Salad, transfer any leftovers into an airtight container and refrigerate promptly. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. The flavors may intensify over time, making it even more delicious as it marinates in the dressing.
Top Tips 🥒
- Freshness Matters: Use the freshest cucumbers for the best crunch.
- Chill Before Serving: Letting the salad sit in the fridge for about 30 minutes enhances the flavors.
- Adjust to Taste: Feel free to tweak the vinegar and sugar ratios to match your palate.
Recipe FAQs
Yes, you can prepare Filipino Cucumber Salad ahead of time. It actually tastes better as the flavors meld together in the refrigerator. Just store it in an airtight container and chill until ready to serve.
Absolutely! If you prefer a spicier salad, add more red chili peppers or include some chili flakes. For a milder version, you can omit the chili peppers altogether.
It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Keep it in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
It pairs well with grilled or fried Filipino dishes like Chicken Inasal, Pork BBQ, Beef Tapa, Fried Fish, Tinapa, Grilled Squid, or Adobo. The salad's refreshing flavors complement the richness of these dishes.
Yes, you can use different types of vinegar such as cane vinegar, apple cider vinegar, or even rice vinegar. Adjust the amount according to your taste preference.
More Side Dishes
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
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Recipe Card
Filipino Cucumber Salad
Equipment
- 1 bowl
Ingredients
- 2 cucumbers thinly sliced
- 1 small red onion thinly sliced
- ¼ cup tablespoons vinegar preferably cane or white vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sugar or sugar substitute
- Salt or fish sauce and pepper to taste
- Chopped cilantro or spring onions for garnish optional
Instructions
- Slice the cucumbers thinly using a sharp knife or a mandoline slicer. Place them in a mixing bowl.
- Thinly slice the red onion and add them to the bowl with the cucumbers.
- In a small bowl, whisk together vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper until the sugar is dissolved.
- Pour the dressing over the cucumbers, onions. Toss gently to coat everything evenly with the dressing.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the salad to a sealed container. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Before serving, garnish with chopped cilantro or spring onions if desired. Serve cold as a refreshing side dish alongside your favorite Filipino grilled or fried dishes.
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Notes
- Freshness Matters: Use the freshest cucumbers for the best crunch.
- Chill Before Serving: Letting the salad sit in the fridge for about 30 minutes enhances the flavors.
- Adjust to Taste: Feel free to tweak the vinegar and sugar ratios to match your palate.
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