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I love making this Cucumber & Glass Noodle Salad with Youtiao whenever I want something refreshing, quick, and satisfying. The silky noodles soak up a savory sesame dressing, while smashed cucumbers stay crisp and juicy.

Add soft, sauce-soaked youtiao and you get the perfect balance of textures. It’s simple, comforting, and comes together in just minutes.

With leftover youtiao added in, it easily turns from a simple side dish into a light yet satisfying meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Refreshing and light – perfect for warm days
Quick and easy – ready in just a few minutes
Amazing texture contrast – chewy noodles, crunchy cucumber, soft youtiao
Balanced flavor – savory, tangy, slightly sweet sesame dressing
Versatile – works as a side dish, snack, or light meal

If you enjoy refreshing cucumber-based dishes, you may also like my Refreshing Cucumber Peel Jelly Noodles, Fresh Green Cucumber Pork Steamed Buns, Cucumber Banana Potato Balls, and Chinese Yam Cucumber Mochi.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

1 cucumber
150g sweet potato glass noodles (sweet potato starch sheets or fenpi)
1–2 youtiao (Chinese fried dough sticks)

Dressing

15g sesame paste
15g sugar
15g light soy sauce
30g white vinegar
3g salt
1g MSG (optional)
10g minced garlic

For Cooking

1000g water (for boiling the noodles)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Wash the cucumber and lightly smash it with the back of a knife. This breaks the fibers and allows the cucumber to absorb the dressing better. Cut it into bite-sized pieces and place them in a large mixing bowl.

Cut the leftover youtiao into small sections and set aside.

Rinse the sweet potato glass noodles briefly under water to remove any surface dust.

Bring a pot of water to a boil, add the noodles, and cook for about 10 minutes until they become soft, translucent, and fully cooked.

Remove the noodles and immediately rinse them under cold water. Drain well and set aside.

Note: Rinsing the noodles in cold water keeps them chewy and prevents sticking.

Step 2: Make the Dressing

In a small bowl, add sesame paste, sugar, light soy sauce, and white vinegar. Season with salt and a small amount of MSG if desired.

Stir well until the sesame paste fully dissolves and the sauce becomes smooth and evenly mixed.

Note: The dressing follows a 1:1:1:2 ratio of sesame paste, sugar, soy sauce, and vinegar for a balanced sweet, savory, and tangy flavor.

Step 3: Mix Everything Together

Add the drained noodles and youtiao pieces to the bowl with the smashed cucumber.

Add minced garlic and pour the prepared dressing over the ingredients.

Use chopsticks to toss everything thoroughly so the noodles, cucumber, and youtiao are evenly coated with the sauce.

Let the salad sit for 1–2 minutes so the noodles and youtiao absorb the dressing, then transfer to a serving plate and enjoy.

Notes

Cucumber Preparation
Always smash the cucumber before cutting. This allows the dressing to penetrate better and gives the cucumber a crisp, juicy texture.

Cooking the Noodles
Sweet potato glass noodles are naturally firm and require about 10 minutes of boiling. They should be completely soft with no hard core.

Best Use for Youtiao
Leftover youtiao works best. Once mixed with the dressing, the outer layer softens while the inside still keeps a light toasted aroma.

Ingredient Substitutions
Sweet potato noodles can be replaced with mung bean glass noodles or liangpi-style starch sheets. You can also add cilantro or fresh chili for extra flavor.

Serving Tip
This dish tastes best soon after mixing. If you prefer it extra refreshing, chill it briefly in the refrigerator before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, but for the best texture, mix the youtiao with the salad right before serving so it doesn’t become too soft.

Can I make it spicy?

Absolutely. Add chili oil, chopped fresh chili, or chili flakes to the dressing for a spicy kick.

What can I use instead of youtiao?

You can substitute with fried tofu puffs, crispy fried bread, or even crunchy wonton strips for a similar texture contrast.

What other cucumber recipes can I try?

If you enjoy creative cucumber recipes, you might also love Refreshing Cucumber Peel Jelly Noodles, Fresh Green Cucumber Pork Steamed Buns, Cucumber Banana Potato Balls, and Chinese Yam Cucumber Mochi.

Cucumber & Glass Noodle Salad with Youtiao

This chilled salad is a popular home-style dish in many Chinese kitchens during warm weather. The combination of chewy sweet potato noodles, crunchy cucumber, and fragrant sesame sauce makes it incredibly addictive. With leftover youtiao added in, it easily turns from a simple side dish into a light yet satisfying meal.

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Course Salad

Cuisine Chinese