Asian Cucumber Salad Sesame (Printable version)

Crisp cucumbers tossed in tangy sesame and rice vinegar dressing, perfect for a light side.

# What you need:

→ Vegetables

01 - 2 large English cucumbers, thinly sliced
02 - 2 green onions, thinly sliced

→ Dressing

03 - 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
04 - 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
05 - 1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce
06 - 1 teaspoon sugar
07 - 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
08 - 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
09 - 1 clove garlic, finely minced
10 - 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger

→ Garnish

11 - 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
12 - 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro
13 - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes

# How to Make It:

01 - Place sliced cucumbers in a large bowl. Sprinkle with sea salt and toss to combine. Let sit for 5 minutes to extract excess moisture, then gently squeeze and drain thoroughly.
02 - In a small bowl, whisk together rice vinegar, sesame oil, soy sauce, sugar, minced garlic, ginger, and black pepper until sugar dissolves completely.
03 - Add prepared dressing and sliced green onions to the cucumber mixture. Toss gently to ensure even coating.
04 - Transfer salad to serving bowl. Top with toasted sesame seeds, fresh cilantro, and red pepper flakes.
05 - Serve immediately or chill for 10 to 15 minutes to enhance flavors before serving.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It comes together in minutes and tastes like you spent way more effort than you actually did.
  • The dressing is so balanced and addictive you'll find yourself making extra just to keep on hand.
  • It stays crisp and fresh even after sitting in the fridge, making it perfect for meal prep or last-minute entertaining.
02 -
  • Do not skip salting and draining the cucumbers—I learned this the hard way with a watery mess that tasted perfect but looked sad.
  • Whisk your dressing separately before adding it to the vegetables, otherwise the sugar settles and some bites taste sweet while others taste sharp.
03 -
  • Toast your own sesame seeds in a dry pan for about two minutes—they transform from pale and muted to golden and fragrant.
  • Keep cold cucumber slices in the refrigerator before assembling, and your dressing will chill slightly when combined, keeping everything fresh-tasting.
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