Fresh Asian Cucumber Salad with Zesty Sesame Ginger Dressing
A quick and refreshing Asian cucumber salad featuring a zesty sesame ginger dressing that balances tangy, nutty, and sweet flavors. Perfect as a light side dish or a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 medium Japanese or English cucumbers, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, finely grated
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon low sodium soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon honey
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
- 2 stalks green onions, thinly sliced
Instructions
- Rinse and dry cucumbers well. Using a mandoline or sharp knife, slice into thin rounds about 1/8 inch thick. Place slices in a medium mixing bowl.
- In a small bowl or jar, combine toasted sesame oil, grated fresh ginger, minced garlic, rice vinegar, soy sauce, and honey. Whisk or shake until honey dissolves and mixture is emulsified.
- Heat a small dry skillet over medium heat. Add sesame seeds and toast for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until golden and fragrant. Avoid burning.
- Pour dressing over cucumber slices. Add toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions. Toss gently but thoroughly to coat all slices.
- Refrigerate salad for at least 10 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld. Sprinkle red pepper flakes on top if desired.
Notes
If cucumbers release too much water, salt lightly and let sit in a colander for 10 minutes, then rinse and dry to keep salad crisp. Toasting sesame seeds enhances flavor significantly. For vegan version, substitute honey with maple syrup or agave nectar. Keep dressing separate if prepping ahead to maintain cucumber crunch.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 1 cup per serv
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 3
- Sodium: 300
- Fat: 7
- Saturated Fat: 1
- Carbohydrates: 6
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 2
Keywords: cucumber salad, Asian salad, sesame ginger dressing, quick salad, healthy side dish, gluten-free, vegan option