Asian Sesame Cucumber Salad

This Asian Sesame Cucumber Salad with Soy Dressing is the ultimate refreshing side dish, blending crisp textures with a punch of umami. Featuring thinly sliced English cucumbers and vibrant spring onions, this salad is tossed in a zesty vinaigrette that highlights the warming flavors of fresh ginger and garlic. It is an ideal light appetizer or cooling accompaniment to grilled mains.

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Whether you are serving a crowd or looking for a quick, healthy snack, this crunchy salad delivers a satisfying bite every time. The balance of sweet maple syrup and tangy vinegar ensures every cucumber slice is perfectly seasoned and ready to enjoy.

Ingredients

• Vegetables: 2 large English cucumbers (thinly sliced), 2 spring onions (thinly sliced), 1 small carrot (julienned, optional)
• Dressing: 2 tablespoons soy sauce (use tamari for gluten-free), 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil, 1 teaspoon sugar or maple syrup, 1 clove garlic (minced), 1 teaspoon fresh ginger (grated), 1 teaspoon chili flakes or ½ fresh red chili (finely sliced, optional)
• Garnish: 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds, 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro (chopped, optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Cucumbers

Place the sliced cucumbers in a colander and sprinkle with a pinch of salt. Let sit for 5-10 minutes to draw out excess water, then gently pat dry with paper towels.

Step 2: Combine Vegetables

In a large bowl, combine the cucumbers, spring onions, and carrot.

Step 3: Whisk the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, sugar, garlic, ginger, and chili (if using) until the sugar dissolves.

Step 4: Toss

Pour the dressing over the vegetables and toss well to coat.

Step 5: Garnish

Transfer to a serving dish. Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and cilantro before serving.

Step 6: Serve

Serve immediately or chill for 10-15 minutes for a colder, more marinated flavor.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

To ensure your salad stays crunchy and doesn't become watery, make sure to thoroughly pat the cucumbers dry after they have rested with salt. This step allows the dressing to adhere better to the vegetables and keeps the flavors concentrated.

Varianten und Anpassungen

For extra crunch, try adding sliced radishes or thinly sliced bell pepper. If you want to experiment with different herbal notes, swap the cilantro for fresh mint or basil. To make this recipe strictly gluten-free, ensure you use tamari instead of standard soy sauce.

Serviervorschläge

This vibrant salad is a wonderful companion for grilled meats, seafood, or fresh rice bowls. It serves as a refreshing palate cleanser that pairs beautifully with bold, savory Asian-inspired main courses.

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Enjoy this light and nutritious Asian Sesame Cucumber Salad as a guilt-free addition to your dinner table. With its perfect balance of salt, acid, and crunch, it is sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation.

Recipe FAQs

→ How do I keep cucumbers crisp in this salad?

Salting the sliced cucumbers and letting them sit for 5-10 minutes draws out excess moisture, preserving their crunch before tossing with the dressing.

→ Can I adjust the spice level of the dressing?

Yes, omit or reduce the chili flakes or fresh chili to tailor the heat to your preference without sacrificing flavor.

→ What alternatives work well for sesame oil?

Toasted walnut or peanut oil can provide a similar nutty aroma if toasted sesame oil is unavailable.

→ Is it okay to prepare the salad ahead of time?

It’s best served fresh or chilled briefly, as longer marination may soften the cucumbers and alter texture.

→ What dishes pair well with this salad?

This crisp, tangy salad complements grilled meats, seafood, or rice bowls beautifully, adding a refreshing contrast.

→ Can I make this salad gluten-free?

Yes, use tamari in place of soy sauce to ensure gluten-free compatibility without compromising the flavor.