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Fresh Asian Cucumber Salad Recipe with Easy Sesame Ginger Dressing

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A refreshing and crisp Asian cucumber salad tossed with a flavorful sesame ginger dressing, perfect as a light side or quick snack.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 medium English cucumbers, thinly sliced
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, finely grated
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • 1/4 teaspoon red chili flakes (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds, toasted
  • 2 stalks green onions, thinly sliced
  • Small handful fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)

Instructions

  1. Wash and thinly slice the cucumbers about 1/8 inch thick. Place in a large mixing bowl and sprinkle with salt. Toss gently and let sit for 15 minutes to draw out excess moisture.
  2. While cucumbers rest, toast sesame seeds in a dry skillet over medium heat for 1-2 minutes until golden and fragrant. Remove from heat.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together grated ginger, minced garlic, soy sauce, rice vinegar, toasted sesame oil, honey, and red chili flakes (if using) until honey dissolves.
  4. Drain any liquid released from cucumbers and gently press with a paper towel if needed to remove excess moisture.
  5. Pour the dressing over the cucumbers, add green onions and cilantro (if using), and toss gently to coat evenly.
  6. Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds on top and toss lightly once more.
  7. Chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 10 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld. Serve cold or at room temperature.

Notes

Salting cucumbers and letting them sit draws out excess moisture to keep the salad crisp. Toast sesame seeds carefully to avoid burning. Fresh ginger is preferred over powdered for best flavor. Chill salad before serving to meld flavors. For gluten-free, substitute soy sauce with tamari. For vegan, replace honey with maple syrup or agave nectar.

Nutrition

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

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