Print

Fresh Asian Cucumber Salad

fresh asian cucumber salad recipe - featured image
Print Recipe

A quick and easy crisp cucumber salad tossed with toasted sesame seeds and a tangy, balanced dressing. Perfect as a refreshing side for any Asian-inspired meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 large English cucumbers, thinly sliced
  • 2 tablespoons sesame seeds, toasted
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon light soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
  • 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
  • 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
  • 1 small clove garlic, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon fresh ginger, finely grated (optional)
  • A pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 2 green onions, thinly sliced
  • A small handful fresh cilantro or mint, chopped (optional)
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Toast the sesame seeds: Heat a dry skillet over medium heat. Add 2 tablespoons of raw sesame seeds and stir frequently for 2-3 minutes until golden and fragrant. Remove from heat and let cool.
  2. Prepare the cucumbers: Wash and dry cucumbers. Slice thinly (about 1/8 inch or 3 mm thick) and place in a large mixing bowl.
  3. Make the dressing: In a small bowl or jar, combine rice vinegar, light soy sauce, toasted sesame oil, honey (or maple syrup), minced garlic, and grated ginger if using. Whisk or shake until well combined.
  4. Toss the salad: Pour dressing over cucumbers. Add green onions, a pinch of red pepper flakes if desired, and half of the toasted sesame seeds. Toss gently to coat.
  5. Season and garnish: Add salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste. Sprinkle remaining toasted sesame seeds and chopped cilantro or mint on top.
  6. Chill and serve: Let salad sit in the fridge for about 10 minutes if possible to meld flavors. Serve cold or at room temperature.

Notes

Toast sesame seeds carefully to avoid burning. Slice cucumbers thin but not paper-thin for best texture. Mix dressing just before serving to preserve sesame oil flavor. Lightly salt cucumbers and drain if watery to keep salad crisp. Use tamari for gluten-free and maple syrup for vegan options.

Nutrition

Keywords: cucumber salad, Asian cucumber salad, sesame seeds, quick salad, refreshing side, easy cucumber recipe, healthy salad, vegan salad, gluten-free salad

Find it online: https://evabakery.com/fresh-asian-cucumber-salad-recipe-easy-5-minute-crisp-refreshing-side/