WW Spicy Korean Cucumber Noodle Salad
Servings
4
Prep Time
20 minutes
Cook Time
5 minutes
WW Points
About 3–5 Points per serving depending on noodles and toppings.
Ingredients
For the Salad
- 2 large English cucumbers
- 120 g rice noodles or whole-wheat spaghetti
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 3 green onions, thinly sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
- Fresh cilantro or mint (optional)
- 1 boiled egg per serving (optional)
For the Korean Spicy Dressing
- 1 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
- 1½ tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 1 tsp gochugaru (Korean chili flakes) or red chili flakes
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp grated ginger
- 1 tsp honey or zero-cal sweetener
- Juice of ½ lime
- 1–2 tbsp cold water (to thin)
The dressing flavor profile is based on the sweet-spicy-salty balance commonly used in Korean cucumber salads and noodle dishes.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Cucumbers
- Spiralize cucumbers into noodles using a spiralizer.
- If you don’t have one, use a julienne peeler or slice very thin strips.
- Lightly sprinkle with salt and let sit for 10 minutes.
- Pat dry with paper towels.
This helps remove extra water so the salad stays crisp rather than watery. WW cucumber noodle recipes use a similar draining method for better texture.
2. Cook the Noodles
- Cook rice noodles according to package directions.
- Rinse immediately under cold water.
- Drain thoroughly.
Cold noodles work best because the salad is meant to be refreshing and crunchy.
3. Make the Dressing
In a bowl whisk together:
- soy sauce
- rice vinegar
- sesame oil
- gochujang
- gochugaru
- garlic
- ginger
- honey
- lime juice
Add cold water gradually until pourable.
Taste and adjust:
- More vinegar = tangier
- More gochujang = richer heat
- More sweetener = balanced spice
4. Assemble the Salad
In a large bowl combine:
- cucumber noodles
- cooked noodles
- carrots
- bell pepper
- green onions
Pour dressing over everything and toss well.
Top with:
- sesame seeds
- herbs
- optional boiled egg
Optional Protein Add-Ins
To make it a full WW meal:
- grilled chicken breast
- shrimp
- tofu
- edamame
- sliced lean steak
WW recipes often pair cucumber noodle salads with lean proteins for a more filling meal.
Tips for Best Flavor
Make It Extra Crunchy
Use:
- Persian cucumbers
- chilled cucumbers
- fresh carrots
For Meal Prep
Keep dressing separate until serving.
Spice Level
- Mild: use 1 tsp gochujang only
- Medium: add gochugaru
- Hot: add chili crisp or extra flakes
Approximate Nutrition (per serving)
- Calories: 180–240
- Protein: 5–10 g
- Fiber: 3–5 g
- WW Points: 3–5
Serving Ideas
Pairs well with:
- grilled Korean chicken
- salmon
- dumplings
- kimchi
