Go Back
- 2 large cucumbers - 1/4 cup soy sauce - 2 tablespoons rice vinegar - 2 tablespoons sesame oil - 1 tablespoon honey or agave syrup - 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated - 1/4 cup green onions, chopped - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat) - Salt and pepper, to taste - Additional vegetables - Herbs for garnish - Protein additions Let's dive into the ingredients you'll need for this Asian Sesame Cucumber Salad. First, grab two large cucumbers. They should be firm and fresh for the best crunch. Next, get 1/4 cup of soy sauce. This adds a rich umami flavor. You will also need 2 tablespoons of rice vinegar for some tanginess. Sesame oil, with its nutty taste, is key too; you need 2 tablespoons of it. For sweetness, use either honey or agave syrup. You only need 1 tablespoon of this. Fresh ginger adds a nice kick; you'll want 1 teaspoon of it, grated. Don't forget the green onions! You’ll need 1/4 cup, chopped. If you like a bit of heat, add 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Finally, season with salt and pepper to taste. If you want to enhance the flavor even more, consider adding more veggies or herbs for garnish. You can also toss in some protein like tofu or grilled chicken for a heartier dish. This salad is great for a light meal or as a side dish. Start by washing the cucumbers under cold water. This removes dirt and any chemicals. Next, slice the cucumbers thinly. Thin slices let the dressing soak in better. You can peel the cucumbers if you want a softer bite. Leaving the skin on adds crunch and color. In a large bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. This mix gives the salad its savory flavor. Add in honey or agave syrup for a touch of sweetness. Grate fresh ginger and mix it in. The ginger adds a nice kick. Now, toss the sliced cucumbers into the bowl with the dressing. Make sure each piece is coated well. Next, sprinkle in sesame seeds and chopped green onions. If you like some heat, add red pepper flakes too. Gently mix everything again, so it all blends nicely. Let the salad sit for at least 15 minutes. This helps the flavors mix together. For the best taste, refrigerate it for 30 minutes before serving. Chilling the salad makes it refreshing. When you’re ready to serve, give it a quick toss to mix the dressing again. - Slicing techniques for cucumbers: Use a sharp knife to slice cucumbers thin. Thin slices help the cucumbers soak up the dressing. You can use a mandoline for even slices. This method gives you a uniform look and texture. If you prefer a crunchier salad, keep the skin on. The skin adds texture and color. - Balancing flavors: The key to this salad is balance. The soy sauce brings saltiness. The rice vinegar adds tang. Honey or agave syrup gives sweetness. Grated ginger adds warmth. Adjust these flavors to your taste. If you want more spice, add more red pepper flakes. Taste as you go to find your perfect mix. - Presentation ideas: Serve the salad in a large, shallow bowl. This makes it easy to see the vibrant colors. Garnish with extra sesame seeds and cucumber slices. Adding thinly sliced radishes adds color and crunch. A sprinkle of fresh herbs can enhance the look as well. - Pairing with other dishes: This salad pairs well with grilled meats, rice dishes, or stir-fries. It is a great side for Asian-inspired meals. You can also serve it with tacos for a fresh twist. The crisp cucumbers complement rich dishes nicely. - Alternatives to soy sauce: If you need a gluten-free option, use tamari or coconut aminos. These alternatives provide a similar flavor without gluten. For a lighter option, try low-sodium soy sauce. - Sweetener options: If you want a different sweetener, maple syrup works well. You can also use agave syrup if you prefer. For a sugar-free option, consider a sugar substitute like stevia. {{image_2}} To give your salad a kick, try making it spicy. You can do this in two simple ways: - Adding more red pepper flakes: Just sprinkle in a bit more if you love heat. Start with an extra 1/4 teaspoon and adjust to your taste. This small change can add a nice zing. - Incorporating chili oil: Drizzle a little chili oil over the salad. This will boost the spice and add a deep flavor. Start with a teaspoon and add more if needed. You can also mix things up by adding more ingredients. Here are some ideas to enhance your salad: - Suggestions for proteins: Add diced tofu or grilled chicken for a protein boost. This makes the salad heartier and more filling. - Adding different veggies: Carrots and radishes can add color and crunch. Thinly slice them and toss them in with the cucumbers. If you have dietary needs, you can still enjoy this salad. Here’s how: - Adjusting ingredients to fit dietary needs: Use gluten-free soy sauce for a gluten-free version. For a vegan option, swap honey for agave syrup. This way, everyone can enjoy this tasty dish. To keep your Asian sesame cucumber salad fresh, store it in an airtight container. This helps lock in flavors. Place the salad in the fridge right after serving. If you have extra dressing, store it separately. This prevents the cucumbers from getting soggy. To keep them crunchy, add the dressing just before serving. Your salad will stay fresh for about 2 to 3 days in the fridge. After that, the cucumbers may lose their crunch. Look for signs that the salad has gone bad. If you see any water pooling at the bottom of the container, it’s best to throw it away. If it smells off or looks slimy, do not eat it. Freshness is key for the best taste! Let the salad sit for at least 15 minutes. This lets the flavors mix well. If you have time, it's even better to chill it for 30 minutes. The cold makes it taste fresher and more vibrant. Yes, you can make this salad ahead of time. It stays tasty for a few hours in the fridge. Just remember, the cucumbers can get soft if they sit too long. For best results, serve within a few hours of making it. If you have leftover dressing, store it in a sealed jar. Keep it in the fridge for about a week. You can use it on other salads or as a dip. It adds great flavor to many dishes! Yes, this salad is great for meal prep! Just keep the dressing separate until you are ready to eat. This keeps the cucumbers crunchy and fresh. You can enjoy it throughout the week with your meals. Absolutely! You can use any cucumber you like. English cucumbers are great for this salad. They are sweet and have fewer seeds. You can also try Persian cucumbers for a similar taste and crunch. In this article, I shared how to create a fresh, tasty cucumber salad using simple ingredients. We discussed the preparation steps, from slicing cucumbers to making the dressing. I also gave tips for enhancing flavor and serving ideas. Remember, you can adjust ingredients based on your needs. Whether you prefer spicy or mild, this salad fits many tastes. Enjoy the crunch and fresh flavors in every bite. This easy recipe brings joy to any meal, so get started and impress your guests!

Asian Sesame Cucumber Salad

Looking for a refreshing and crunchy salad? Try this Crispy Asian Sesame Cucumber Salad! Packed with vibrant flavors and simple ingredients like cucumbers, soy sauce, and sesame oil, it’s a perfect side dish or light meal. Easy to whip up in just 10 minutes, this salad allows the ingredients to shine. Click through to discover the full recipe and impress your guests with this delicious and healthy dish!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

2 large cucumbers, thinly sliced

1/4 cup soy sauce

2 tablespoons rice vinegar

2 tablespoons sesame oil

1 tablespoon honey or agave syrup

1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated

1 tablespoon sesame seeds

1/4 cup green onions, chopped

1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)

Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions
 

Start by thoroughly washing the cucumbers and cutting them into thin slices. You can peel them if you prefer a softer texture, but leaving the skin on gives a nice crunch.

    In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey (or agave syrup), and grated ginger until well combined.

      Add the sliced cucumbers to the bowl with the dressing. Toss gently to coat the cucumbers evenly in the dressing.

        Sprinkle in the sesame seeds and green onions, then add red pepper flakes if you want to add a little spice. Gently mix everything again.

          Season the salad with salt and pepper to taste, keeping in mind that the soy sauce is already salty.

            Let the salad sit for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. For even better results, refrigerate it for 30 minutes before serving.

              Just before serving, give the salad a quick toss again to redistribute the dressing.

                Prep Time: 10 mins | Total Time: 40 mins | Servings: 4

                  - Presentation Tips: Serve in a large, shallow bowl, garnished with an extra sprinkle of sesame seeds and a few slices of cucumber on top for a fresh look. add thinly sliced radishes for color and an extra crunch!