What is Accordion Cucumber Salad?
If you’ve been online at all in the past year, you’ve probably seen the viral accordion cucumber cut - a mesmerizing crisscross slicing technique that transforms a humble cucumber into a wiggly, flavor-soaking snack. It’s not just a visual trick; this method makes cucumbers perfect for soaking up bold dressings, resulting in a dish that’s crisp, spicy, tangy, and refreshing all at once.
I make this Spicy Accordion Cucumber Salad almost weekly. Sometimes it’s for guests, but honestly, most of the time it’s just for me - especially when I’m craving something light but packed with flavor. It’s become one of my go-to quick dishes, especially when I want a little snack while the main meal is cooking. And let me tell you: it always disappears faster than I expect.
So, what exactly is accordion cucumber salad? It’s a fun, trendy dish where cucumbers are sliced in a unique crosshatch pattern that gives them a springy, accordion-like texture. This technique lets the cucumbers soak up dressing beautifully, giving you maximum flavor in every bite. Think of it as a glow-up version of your classic cucumber salad - spicier, saucier, and way more fun to eat.
For me, though, it's more than just a food trend. Growing up in a Vietnamese household, there was always something fresh and crunchy on the table - whether it was cucumber slices, pickled carrots, or tangy cabbage, etc. These simple sides weren’t flashy, but they balanced every meal. You didn’t think much about them until they weren’t there.
So when I stumbled across the accordion cut online one day, it instantly reminded me of those familiar, refreshing sides - but with a playful, modern twist. I thought, “Wait… that’s actually kinda cool?” I tried it once and got hooked. Now I make this salad all the time - whether I’ve got people over or just need something cold, crunchy, and spicy to snack on. And every time I serve it, someone always pokes at it and asks, “How’d you cut it like that?”
And honestly? It looks fancy, but it’s pretty easy. Just cucumbers and a really good sauce. That’s it.
Ingredients Breakdown
Let’s talk about what makes this salad so addictive:
Cucumbers – Look for small to medium-sized Persian or Japanese cucumbers. They’re less watery, have thinner skin, and keep a good crunch.
Salt – Essential for drawing out excess water, making the cucumbers even crisper.
Garlic – Fresh garlic gives the dressing that sharp, pungent kick. Don’t skip it.
Chili crisp – This is where the magic happens. It adds spice, crunch, and tons of umami. Use your favorite brand (I love Lao Gan Ma or homemade if I’m feeling extra).
Soy sauce – For depth and saltiness.
Rice vinegar – To brighten everything up.
Sugar – Just a touch to balance the spice and acidity.
Sesame oil – For that nutty aroma that ties the whole dish together.
Toasted sesame seeds & chopped herbs (optional) – Add texture and a pop of color. I like using cilantro or scallions for garnish
( If you don't like any of these ingredients, you can use less or remove them out, the texture and taste of the dish will stay the same, and you can still enjoy it the way you like)
Let’s Talk Garlic (Because More Is More)
I use both minced garlic and crushed garlic in this salad - and yes, there’s a reason.
The minced garlic mixes evenly into the sauce, giving you that sharp garlicky flavor in every bite. But the crushed garlic? Crushing releases way more flavor and gives you those juicy, punchy bites of garlic that mellow a bit in the chili oil but still hit hard. It’s not subtle - and that’s the point. This salad is all about bold, spicy, garlicky flavor.
If you love garlic, don’t skip this!
How to Make the Accordion Cut
This part sounds tricky, but I promise it’s easier than it looks. Here’s how to do it:
- Place two chopsticks or skewers on either side of the cucumber to prevent cutting all the way through.
- Slice the cucumber at a 45° angle all the way down, spaced about 5mm apart.
- Flip the cucumber over and cut again, this time straight down at 90°.
The result? A cucumber that stretches and bends like an accordion. You can serve them whole or cut into shorter segments.
Tips for the Best Spicy Accordion Cucumber Salad
- Salt and drain: Always salt your cucumbers first and let them sit for 10–15 minutes. This draws out moisture and helps them soak up the dressing better.
- Make ahead: It actually tastes better after sitting in the fridge for 20 to 30 minutes . The flavors marry beautifully.
- Adjust the spice: Add more or less chili crisp depending on your tolerance. You can even drizzle a little honey if you like a sweet-spicy combo.
- Don’t over-marinate: While it's great after a short rest, leaving it overnight can make the cucumbers too soft.
When to Serve It
This salad is a crowd-pleaser at BBQs, hotpot nights, dinner parties, or as a cooling side to spicy dishes. I love serving it with grilled meats, fried rice, or noodle dishes. It also makes a great addition to any summer spread, super refreshing and super photogenic (hello,
Instagram reels
).
Final Thoughts
This spicy accordion cucumber salad has everything I love: texture, bold flavor, a fun cutting technique, and that “WOW” factor when you serve it. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just making lunch for one, this dish will have you coming back for seconds.
Let me know if you give it a try! And if you post it on Instagram, tag me @ hungryagainnn - I’d love to see your cucumber cutting skills 😉
