Logan’s Viral Cucumber Salad Recipe – Easy 5-Minute Asian Cucumber Dish

Quick Summary: Logan’s viral TikTok cucumber salad is a refreshing, 5-minute Asian cucumber dish made with soy sauce, fish sauce, sesame oil, and garlic. This easy side dish is bursting with flavor, incredibly healthy, and perfect for meal prep. Slice fresh cucumbers, shake them in a jar with simple Asian seasonings, and enjoy a crunchy, tasty salad that has taken over social media!

Introduction: The Cucumber Salad That Broke the Internet

If you have spent any time scrolling through TikTok in the past year, you have probably seen Logan Moffitt eating a whole cucumber. Sometimes once. Sometimes twice. Sometimes more. There is something about the crunch, the freshness, and the umami-packed Asian flavors that just hits different. And honestly? I get it.

Logan’s viral cucumber salad recipe is not just trending because it looks cool on camera. It is trending because it is genuinely delicious, takes only a few minutes to make, and tastes like something you would order at a high-end Asian restaurant. The magic is in the combination of simple, quality ingredients: soy sauce, fish sauce, sesame oil, and garlic come together to create a flavor explosion that transforms ordinary cucumbers into something unforgettable.

When I first made this viral TikTok cucumber salad at home, I was blown away. I expected it to taste good, but I did not expect to eat the entire jar in one sitting. The balance of salty, savory, nutty, and fresh flavors makes this easy cucumber side dish absolutely addictive. Now, I make a batch almost every week, and my family fights over who gets the last piece. Let me share exactly how to make it.

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Why This Viral Cucumber Salad Works: The Secret Behind the Flavor

The genius of Logan’s recipe is that it combines multiple layers of umami-rich ingredients to create a flavor profile that is both simple and complex. Let’s break down what makes this Asian cucumber salad so special.

The Role of Fish Sauce & Soy Sauce

Fish sauce is the secret ingredient that most home cooks skip, but it is absolutely essential to nailing this viral cucumber salad recipe. Fish sauce is fermented anchovy extract that adds deep, savory umami to any dish. Combined with soy sauce—which brings saltiness and additional umami—these two ingredients create the backbone of the dressing. Do not skip the fish sauce, even if you think you do not like it. You will not taste “fish” in the final dish. Instead, you will taste richness and depth.

Sesame Oil: The Finishing Touch

Toasted sesame oil is what gives this easy cucumber salad its nutty, aromatic quality. Use true sesame oil (the dark kind from Asia), not light sesame oil. A little goes a long way. The heat from the shaking and the room-temperature ingredients will help release the oils’ fragrant compounds, filling your senses with that signature toasted aroma.

Fresh Garlic & Green Onions

These bright, fresh aromatics cut through the rich, savory components and add a fresh punch. Minced garlic dissolves into the dressing and seasons every bite, while green onions add a mild onion flavor and a bit of visual appeal.

The Umami Trinity: MSG, Sesame Seeds & Chili Oil

MSG gets a bad reputation, but it is actually a naturally occurring amino acid that enhances savory flavors. It is optional, but if you like Korean food, you probably already use it. Toasted sesame seeds add a crunchy texture and even more nutty flavor. Finally, chili oil (also called rayu) or fresh chili flakes bring heat and another layer of complexity.

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How to Make the Best Cucumber Salad: Pro Tips & Technique

Making Logan’s viral cucumber salad is incredibly simple, but a few technique tips will help you nail it every single time.

Slice Your Cucumbers Thin

Use a mandoline slicer or a very sharp knife to cut your cucumbers into thin, even slices. Aim for about 1/8-inch thickness. Thin slices mean more surface area to absorb the dressing, and they create that perfect crunch that makes this recipe so satisfying. A mandoline slicer is your best friend here, but be careful of your fingers!

Use a Jar or Sealed Container

The “shake method” is not just for fun—it is a practical way to combine all the ingredients evenly and quickly. A quart-sized deli container or a mason jar with a tight-fitting lid works perfectly. When you shake the container, the dressing coats every single piece of cucumber, and the flavors start to meld right away.

Let It Marinate (Optional But Recommended)

While this easy cucumber salad is delicious right away, letting it sit for 5-10 minutes allows the flavors to blend even more. The cucumbers will soften slightly and absorb more of the dressing. If you are making this for meal prep, you can prepare it the night before, and it will taste even better.

Adjust the Seasoning to Your Taste

Everyone’s palate is different. If you prefer more saltiness, add extra soy sauce. If you like it sweeter, add a bit more sugar. If you want more heat, add extra chili oil or chili flakes. The beauty of this Asian cucumber salad recipe is its flexibility. Make it your own!

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Logan’s Viral Cucumber Salad Recipe Card

Recipe: Logan’s Viral Cucumber Salad

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients:

• 2 English cucumbers or 3-4 regular cucumbers
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon fish sauce
• 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon MSG (optional)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced or grated
• 2 green onions (scallions), sliced thin
• 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds
• 1 tablespoon chili oil or rayu (optional)
• Chili flakes to taste
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Slice your cucumbers: Using a mandoline slicer or sharp knife, cut the cucumbers into thin, even slices about 1/8-inch thick. Do your best to keep slices uniform so they cook evenly.
2. Transfer to a jar: Place all the sliced cucumbers into a large, clean quart-sized deli container or mason jar with a tight-fitting lid.
3. Add the base seasonings: Pour in the soy sauce, fish sauce, sesame oil, sugar, and MSG (if using). This creates the flavor foundation for your salad.
4. Add aromatics: Add the minced garlic and sliced green onions to the jar.
5. Sprinkle sesame seeds: Add the toasted sesame seeds. These add crunch and nutty flavor.
6. Seal and shake: Place the lid tightly on the jar and shake vigorously for 1-2 minutes. You want all the ingredients to come together and the dressing to coat every slice.
7. Add heat (optional): Add chili oil or chili flakes if you want extra spice. Shake one more time to combine.
8. Marinate (optional): Let the salad sit for 5-10 minutes at room temperature so the flavors can blend. This step is optional but recommended.
9. Serve and enjoy: Taste the salad and adjust seasonings as needed. Serve immediately or refrigerate for later. Shake again before serving.

Notes & Storage:

Storage: This viral TikTok cucumber salad keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days in a sealed container. The cucumbers will soften slightly over time, but the flavors only get better. Shake well before serving.

Make-Ahead Friendly: You can slice the cucumbers and make the dressing in separate containers the night before, then combine them in the morning. This is perfect for meal prep.

Substitutions & Variations:

• Gluten-Free: Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.
• No Fish Sauce: Substitute with additional soy sauce or a dash of white miso paste for umami.
• Extra Spicy: Add more chili oil, fresh red chili slices, or jalapeños.
• Veggie Add-Ins: Try adding thin carrot slices, bell pepper strips, or radishes for extra crunch and color.
• Protein Boost: Add diced avocado, cooked shrimp, or crab meat to turn this into a main dish.
• Herbaceous: Mix in fresh cilantro, mint, or basil for a different flavor angle.

Serving Suggestions: Serve this easy cucumber side dish alongside rice, grilled chicken, fish, or as part of a Korean meal spread (banchan). It also makes a refreshing snack straight from the jar.

Nutrition Information (Per Serving):

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	~45 cal
Total Carbohydrates	6 g
Protein	2 g
Total Fat	2 g
Saturated Fat	0.3 g
Sodium	480 mg
Fiber	1 g
Sugar	1 g

Note: Nutrition facts are estimates based on standard ingredients and may vary depending on specific brands used.

The Bottom Line: Why You Should Make This Recipe Today

Logan’s viral cucumber salad is more than just a TikTok trend. It is a simple, healthy, and absolutely delicious side dish that belongs in your regular cooking rotation. Whether you are looking for a quick weeknight side, meal prep option, or impressive dish to bring to a potluck, this recipe delivers.

The best part? It takes 10 minutes from start to finish. No cooking required. No complicated techniques. Just fresh cucumbers, quality Asian seasonings, and a jar. The flavors are bright, the texture is crispy, and every single bite is packed with umami goodness.

So grab some English cucumbers, head to your pantry for soy sauce and fish sauce, and join the millions of people who have fallen in love with this viral recipe. We promise you will want to make it again and again. Shake it up, and enjoy!

Frequently Asked Questions About Logan’s Viral Cucumber Salad

Can I make this cucumber salad ahead of time?

Yes! This easy cucumber salad actually tastes better the next day. You can prepare it up to 3-4 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator in a sealed container. Just give it a good shake before serving. The cucumbers will soften slightly, but they will continue to soak up all the delicious flavors.

What type of cucumber should I use for this viral recipe?

English cucumbers (also called hothouse cucumbers) are ideal because they have thinner skin and fewer seeds. However, regular garden cucumbers work great too. Just remove the seeds if they are very watery. Kirby cucumbers (pickling cucumbers) are another good option if you want extra crunch.

Can I skip the fish sauce in this Asian cucumber salad?

Fish sauce is definitely an important ingredient for authentic flavor, but if you really do not like it, you can substitute it with more soy sauce, a splash of white miso paste, or a teaspoon of soy paste. The flavor will be slightly different, but still delicious. We recommend trying it with fish sauce at least once though—you might be surprised!

What is MSG, and is it safe to use?

MSG (monosodium glutamate) is a naturally occurring amino acid that enhances savory, umami flavors. Despite old myths, scientific research shows that MSG is safe for most people. It is widely used in Asian cooking and adds incredible depth to this recipe. If you are unsure, start with a small pinch and taste as you go.

Can I make this recipe without sesame oil?

Sesame oil is key to the authentic flavor profile of this viral cucumber salad, but if you do not have it on hand, you can use a small amount of neutral oil (like vegetable or canola oil) mixed with a pinch of toasted sesame seeds. The flavor will not be quite the same, so pick up a bottle when you get a chance—it lasts a long time in your pantry.

Is this cucumber salad healthy?

Absolutely! Cucumbers are over 95% water and very low in calories. They provide hydration, fiber, and vitamins. The sesame seeds add minerals like zinc and magnesium. The soy sauce and fish sauce do add sodium, so watch your intake if you are on a low-sodium diet. Overall, this is one of the healthiest side dishes you can make.

Can I freeze this viral cucumber salad?

We do not recommend freezing this recipe. Cucumbers have a high water content, and freezing will break down their cell structure, resulting in a mushy, unappetizing texture when thawed. It is best eaten fresh or stored in the refrigerator for a few days.

What do I serve with this easy cucumber dish?

This Asian cucumber salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, baked fish, stir-fried beef, or steamed rice. It is also perfect as part of a Korean meal spread with other side dishes (banchan). Many people enjoy it as a refreshing snack straight from the jar!

Can I add more vegetables to this salad?

Yes! Try adding thin slices of carrots, bell peppers, radishes, or daikon for extra crunch and color. You can also add fresh herbs like cilantro, mint, or basil. Just keep the ratio of dressing to vegetables consistent so everything stays flavorful.

Why is this recipe trending on TikTok?

Logan Moffitt, a Canadian TikTok creator, became famous for his love of Korean food and eating entire cucumbers on camera. His cucumber salad recipe went viral because it is genuinely delicious, incredibly easy to make, requires only basic ingredients, and looks amazing on film. People love that they can recreate restaurant-quality food at home in just 5 minutes!