Fresh Asian Cucumber Salad Recipe with Easy Sesame Ginger Dressing
A crisp and refreshing Asian cucumber salad featuring a tangy, nutty sesame ginger dressing. Perfect as a quick, easy side dish that pairs well with a variety of meals.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 large English cucumbers (about 24 oz / 680 g)
- 3 tablespoons toasted sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
- 1 minced garlic clove
- Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 thinly sliced green onions
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
Instructions
- Rinse cucumbers and slice into thin rounds about 1/8 inch thick. Optionally halve rounds into half-moons. Place in a medium bowl. If cucumbers are watery, sprinkle with a pinch of salt and let sit 10 minutes, then drain excess liquid.
- In a small bowl or mason jar, combine toasted sesame oil, low-sodium soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, grated ginger, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes if using. Whisk or shake vigorously until well blended.
- Pour dressing over sliced cucumbers. Toss with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds until evenly coated.
- Refrigerate salad for at least 15 minutes to let flavors meld. Toss again before serving.
Notes
Slice cucumbers as thinly as possible for best texture; a mandoline slicer is helpful. Toast sesame seeds in a dry pan for 2 minutes for extra aroma. Prepare dressing ahead and keep separate from cucumbers until serving to maintain crispness. Refrigerate salad for at least 15 minutes before serving. Use tamari or coconut aminos for gluten-free option. Optional additions include radishes, shredded carrots, or zucchini for extra crunch and color.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 1 cup (150 g)
- Calories: 70
- Sugar: 2
- Sodium: 300
- Fat: 5
- Saturated Fat: 0.7
- Carbohydrates: 3
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 1
Keywords: cucumber salad, Asian salad, sesame ginger dressing, quick salad, healthy side dish, vegan salad, gluten-free salad