Fresh Asian Cucumber Salad Recipe Easy Zesty Sesame Ginger Dressing
A fresh and zesty Asian cucumber salad featuring a bold sesame ginger dressing that is quick to prepare and packed with flavor. Perfect as a light side dish or refreshing snack.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 large English cucumbers, thinly sliced
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
- Fresh cilantro leaves, roughly chopped (optional)
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 teaspoon chili flakes or a dash of sriracha (optional)
- Pinch of salt
- Freshly cracked black pepper
Instructions
- Wash and dry the cucumbers thoroughly. Using a mandoline or sharp knife, slice them into thin rounds, about 1/8-inch (3 mm) thick. Transfer to a large bowl.
- Trim the roots and dark green tops of the green onions, then slice thinly on a diagonal. Add them to the cucumbers.
- In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, toasted sesame oil, honey, freshly grated ginger, and minced garlic. Stir in chili flakes or sriracha if using. Whisk until the honey dissolves and the dressing is smooth.
- Pour the dressing over the cucumber and green onion mixture. Toss gently but thoroughly to coat all slices. Let the salad sit for at least 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Just before serving, sprinkle toasted sesame seeds and chopped cilantro over the salad. Toss gently once more.
- Serve immediately for the freshest crunch, or chill for up to an hour to deepen flavors. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Notes
Slice cucumbers uniformly thin for best texture. Toast sesame seeds in a dry skillet for 2-3 minutes for enhanced flavor. Let salad rest for 10 minutes after tossing to absorb dressing without becoming soggy. Adjust salt carefully due to soy sauce saltiness. Store dressing separately if making ahead to keep cucumbers crisp. Drain excess liquid before serving if cucumbers release too much water.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approximately 1 cup
- Calories: 80
- Sugar: 5
- Sodium: 700
- Fat: 5
- Saturated Fat: 0.5
- Carbohydrates: 8
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 1
Keywords: Asian cucumber salad, sesame ginger dressing, fresh salad, quick salad, healthy side dish, vegan salad, gluten-free salad