Asian sesame cucumber salad (Printable Version)

Crisp cucumbers tossed in a tangy soy-sesame dressing with fresh herbs and spices.

# What You’ll 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 1/2 fresh red chili, finely sliced (optional)

→ Garnish

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

# Step-by-Step Guide:

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.

# Additional Tips::

01 -
  • Quick preparation in just 15 minutes with no cooking required
  • Perfect balance of crunchy textures and savory-tangy flavors
  • Vegan and dairy-free, making it suitable for many dietary preferences
  • Versatile as a light lunch, appetizer, or side dish
  • Refreshing taste that complements heavier main courses
02 -
  • English cucumbers work best as they have fewer seeds and thinner skin than regular cucumbers
  • For maximum crispness, prepare the salad no more than 2 hours before serving
  • Reserve a few sesame seeds and green onions for garnishing just before serving for visual appeal
  • The dressing can be prepared up to 3 days ahead and stored in the refrigerator
  • For a more substantial meal, add cooked soba noodles to transform this into a noodle salad
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