Cucumber Salad Asian Sesame (Printable version)

Asian-inspired cucumber salad with vibrant vegetables and tangy sesame dressing; ideal for light, fresh dining.

# What you need:

→ Vegetables

01 - 2 large cucumbers, thinly sliced
02 - 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
03 - 1 medium carrot, julienned
04 - 2 scallions, finely sliced
05 - 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped

→ Dressing

06 - 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
07 - 1 tablespoon sesame oil
08 - 1 tablespoon fish sauce
09 - 1 teaspoon soy sauce
10 - 1 teaspoon honey or sugar
11 - 1 garlic clove, finely minced
12 - 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
13 - 1 small red chili, thinly sliced

→ Garnish

14 - 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds

# How to Make It:

01 - Combine cucumber, red onion, carrot, scallions, and cilantro in a large serving bowl.
02 - In a small bowl, whisk rice vinegar, sesame oil, fish sauce, soy sauce, honey or sugar, garlic, ginger, and chili until fully blended.
03 - Pour the dressing over the vegetables and toss thoroughly to ensure even coating.
04 - Allow the mixture to rest for a minimum of 10 minutes to let flavors develop.
05 - Just before serving, top the salad with toasted sesame seeds.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Quick and easy to prepare with minimal cooking required
  • Packed with fresh flavors and ideal for gluten-free or dairy-free diets
02 -
  • This salad contains fish (fish sauce), soy (soy sauce), and sesame which may trigger allergies.
  • Check all sauces if gluten-free is necessary, and you can sub vegetarian fish sauce or extra soy sauce for a meatless version.
03 -
  • Use a mandoline for perfectly even cucumber slices.
  • Letting the salad sit longer intensifies flavors and softens the vegetables for extra taste.
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