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Fresh Asian Cucumber Salad with Sesame-Ginger Dressing

Fresh Asian Cucumber Salad - featured image
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A quick, crisp, and tangy cucumber salad featuring a homemade sesame-ginger dressing, perfect as a refreshing side dish for summer or any meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 large English cucumbers, thinly sliced (about 1/8 inch thick)
  • 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, finely grated
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 3 tablespoons rice vinegar (unseasoned)
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce (low sodium recommended)
  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
  • 1 teaspoon sugar or honey
  • 2 stalks green onions, thinly sliced
  • Pinch of red chili flakes (optional)
  • Small handful fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)

Instructions

  1. Wash and dry cucumbers thoroughly. Slice thinly using a sharp knife or mandoline slicer. If excess moisture is present, sprinkle with salt and let sit in a colander for 10 minutes, then pat dry.
  2. Toast sesame seeds in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until golden and aromatic. Remove from heat and let cool.
  3. In a small bowl or jar, combine grated ginger, minced garlic, rice vinegar, soy sauce, toasted sesame oil, and sugar or honey. Whisk or shake until sugar dissolves and mixture is well combined. Adjust seasoning if needed.
  4. In a mixing bowl, combine cucumber slices, sliced green onions, and optional red chili flakes and cilantro. Pour dressing over and toss gently to coat evenly.
  5. Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds on top and toss gently or leave as garnish. Transfer to serving dish.
  6. Serve immediately or chill in the refrigerator for 15-30 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Toss gently before serving.

Notes

To avoid watery salad, slice cucumbers thinly but gently to prevent releasing too much water. Toast sesame seeds carefully to avoid burning. For best texture, salt cucumbers and drain excess moisture before mixing. Prepare salad no more than a couple of hours ahead; keep dressing and cucumbers separate if prepping early.

Nutrition

Keywords: cucumber salad, Asian salad, sesame ginger dressing, quick salad, healthy side dish, vegan salad, gluten-free salad

Find it online: https://lirafood.com/fresh-asian-cucumber-salad-recipe-easy-homemade-sesame-ginger-dressing/