Recipe

This Copycat Disney World Chinese Cucumber Salad is Like a Dream Come True

By Kara Schiaparelli at American University

Nine Dragons in Walt Disney World's EPCOT is one of the best restaurants on property. It has Honey Sesame Chicken, Canton Pepper Beef and an amazing Chinese Cucumber Salad. 

Walt Disney World is known for having some amazing food from the classic to the unexpected. There are tons of websites and cookbooks dedicated to recreating meals from around the parks. This recipe is my family's take on one of our favorite dishes.

Chinese Cucumber Salad

  • Prep Time: 10 mins
  • Cook Time: 1 day 20 mins
  • Total Time: 1 day 30 mins
  • Servings: 3
Ingredients
  • 2 English cucumbers
  • 3 crushed cloves garlic
  • 2 tablespoons ginger
  • 3 small dried chilis I used dried Arbol chilis
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 cup white vinegar
  • 1 pinch salt

Kara Schiaparelli

Step 1

Heat a little bit of oil in a saucepan and add in the dried chilis and stir fry for 3 to 4 minutes. This is really to taste so if you want the salad to be spicier, then add some extra chilis.

Kara Schiaparelli

Step 2

Add the crushed garlic cloves and ginger. Let them fry until fragrant.

Kara Schiaparelli

Step 3

Measure out the sugar and the white vinegar and add both to the saucepan. Bring the mixture to a simmer and stir until the sugar is completely dissolved.

Kara Schiaparelli

Step 4

Remove the pan from the heat and transfer the liquid into another container to cool down.

Kara Schiaparelli

Step 5

While the liquid is cooling, seed and cut the 2 cucumbers into 1/2 inch pieces. Put the sliced cucumbers in a colander over a bowl and toss them with salt. Allow them to sit for at least 20 minutes to drain some of their water out.

Kara Schiaparelli

Step 6

Once the cucumbers have drained, dry them off with a cloth towel to get any excess moisture out.

Kara Schiaparelli

Step 7

Grab a container and put the cucumbers in it. Then pour the cooled liquid over them.

Kara Schiaparelli

Step 8

Seal or cover your container and refrigerate them for at least 24 hours.

Kara Schiaparelli

Step 9

Enjoy this crisp, cold and spicy salad!

Kara Schiaparelli

One of the reasons why this is one of my favorite salads to make is because it's has the perfect balance of flavors. You get the spice from the chilis, a bit of sweetness from the sugar and some acidity from the vinegar.

So instead of just dreaming that you're at a Disney park, recreate some of your favorite Disney meals and you'll practically be there (without the heat and screaming kids).