Asian Sesame Cucumber Salad (Printable)

Crisp cucumbers combined with a tangy soy-sesame dressing for a fresh, crunchy dish.

# 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 Make It:

01 - Place 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 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 Advice:

01 -
  • Fast and Easy: Prepared in just 15 minutes with zero cooking time.
  • Dietary Friendly: Naturally vegan and dairy-free, with an easy gluten-free option.
  • Perfect Texture: The salting technique ensures the cucumbers stay incredibly crisp.
02 -
  • Uniform Slicing: Use a mandoline or a very sharp knife to get thin, even cucumber slices for the best texture.
  • Fresh Aromatics: Always use fresh ginger and garlic rather than jarred or powdered versions for the most vibrant flavor.
  • Toasted Sesame: Ensure your sesame seeds are toasted to unlock their full nutty potential.
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