Asian Sesame Cucumber Salad (Printable)

Crisp cucumber with soy-sesame dressing, a light and crunchy Asian-inspired side or appetizer.

# What You Need:

→ Vegetables

01 - 2 large English cucumbers, thinly sliced
02 - 2 spring onions, thinly sliced
03 - 1 small carrot, julienned (optional)

→ Dressing

04 - 2 tablespoons soy sauce (use tamari for gluten-free)
05 - 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
06 - 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
07 - 1 teaspoon sugar or maple syrup
08 - 1 clove garlic, minced
09 - 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
10 - 1 teaspoon chili flakes or ½ fresh red chili, finely sliced (optional)

→ Garnish

11 - 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds
12 - 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)

# How-To:

01 - 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.
02 - In a large bowl, combine the cucumbers, spring onions, and carrot.
03 - In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, sugar, garlic, ginger, and chili (if using) until the sugar dissolves.
04 - Pour the dressing over the vegetables and toss well to coat.
05 - Transfer to a serving dish. Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and cilantro before serving.
06 - Serve immediately or chill for 10-15 minutes for a colder, more marinated flavor.

# Expert Hacks:

01 -
  • Lightning Fast: Requires only 15 minutes of preparation time.
  • Healthy & Light: Naturally vegan and dairy-free, with only 65 calories per serving.
  • Flavor-Packed: Combines toasted sesame oil, rice vinegar, and soy for a bold, savory profile.
  • Versatile: Easy to customize with extra vegetables or different herbs.
02 -
  • Marination: Chilling the salad for 15 minutes before serving allows the flavors to meld together more effectively.
  • Sesame Seeds: For the best aroma, use toasted sesame seeds or lightly toast raw ones in a dry pan for a few minutes.
  • Uniform Slices: Use a mandoline slicer to achieve perfectly thin and even cucumber slices for a professional presentation.
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