Description
This Asian Cucumber Salad is a refreshing and healthy side dish featuring thinly sliced cucumbers tossed in a flavorful dressing of rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger. Enhanced with a touch of sweetness and a hint of heat from red pepper flakes, this salad is garnished with toasted sesame seeds and green onions for added crunch and aroma. Perfect for a quick, no-cook dish served chilled or at room temperature, it complements any Asian-inspired meal wonderfully.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad
- 2 large cucumbers, thinly sliced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
Dressing
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon honey or sugar
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Cucumbers: Place the thinly sliced cucumbers in a colander and toss them with 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Let them sit for 10 to 15 minutes to draw out excess moisture, which helps keep the salad crisp and not watery. Once rested, gently pat the cucumbers dry with paper towels to remove any released liquid.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, honey (or sugar), minced garlic, grated fresh ginger, and red pepper flakes if using. This mix creates a flavorful balance of tangy, savory, sweet, and slightly spicy notes.
- Combine Salad Ingredients: Transfer the cucumbers to a mixing bowl, add the thinly sliced green onions, and pour the dressing over them. Toss well to ensure everything is evenly coated with the dressing.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle the salad with the toasted sesame seeds for a nutty crunch and serve chilled or at room temperature. This salad can be made ahead and refrigerated; just drain any excess liquid before serving for the best texture.
Notes
- Use Persian or English cucumbers for extra crunch and fewer seeds.
- This salad can be prepared a few hours in advance and refrigerated; drain excess liquid before serving for optimum texture.
- Add shredded carrots or thinly sliced radishes for color and variation.
