Bartaco Cucumber Salad Dressing Recipe
This Bartaco cucumber salad dressing recipe brings bold, refreshing flavor to your summer table. Inspired by the popular side dish at Bartaco, it combines crisp cucumber slices with a tangy, spicy dressing made from vinegar, sesame oil, chili flakes, and optional herbs. Ready in under 25 minutes, this light and vibrant spicy cucumber salad is perfect as a taco side, a refreshing appetizer, or a healthy snack. With simple ingredients and easy steps, it's a must-try for fans of Asian cucumber recipes and bold, balanced flavor. Whether you're meal-prepping or hosting, this homemade version captures the magic of Bartaco’s original—crunchy, zesty, and addictively good.
Equipment
- Sharp knife or mandolin slicer
- Cutting board
- Small bowl for mixing dressing
- Large bowl for tossing salad
- Spoon or whisk
- Measuring spoons
Ingredients
- 2 –3 Persian or English cucumbers thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sugar or honey
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil or olive oil
- ½ teaspoon red chili flakes or 1 small jalapeño thinly sliced
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
Optional
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- 1 clove garlic finely minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro chopped
Instructions
- Slice the cucumbers: Use a sharp knife or mandoline to thinly slice 2–3 cucumbers. Set them aside in a large mixing bowl.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of rice vinegar, 1 teaspoon of sugar or honey, and 1 tablespoon of sesame oil. Add ½ teaspoon chili flakes (or sliced jalapeño), a pinch of salt, and black pepper. For extra flavor, stir in soy sauce, minced garlic, or chopped cilantro. Whisk well until everything blends smoothly.
- Mix it well: Whisk all ingredients until the sugar dissolves and the flavors blend.
- Toss the cucumbers: Pour the dressing over the cucumbers and gently toss until evenly coated.
- Let it chill: Refrigerate for 10–15 minutes. This short rest time is essential in the Bartaco cucumber salad dressing recipe, allowing cucumbers to soak up the zesty, spicy goodness.