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Fresh Asian Cucumber Salad with Sesame Ginger Dressing

fresh asian cucumber salad - featured image
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A light, crunchy, and flavorful Asian cucumber salad featuring a homemade sesame ginger dressing. This easy recipe is perfect for quick meals, entertaining, and pairs well with grilled meats or rice bowls.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 large English cucumbers, washed and ends trimmed
  • 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
  • 2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce or tamari
  • 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
  • 1 small garlic clove, minced (optional)
  • Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Rinse the cucumbers well and trim off the ends. Place them whole into a large mixing bowl.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together toasted sesame oil, rice vinegar, soy sauce, honey, freshly grated ginger, minced garlic, and crushed red pepper flakes until fully combined and slightly emulsified (about 3-4 minutes).
  3. Pour the dressing over the whole cucumbers and toss gently to coat every surface. Let marinate for 10 minutes.
  4. Remove the cucumbers and slice them thinly (about 1/8 inch or 3 mm thick) using a mandoline slicer or sharp knife.
  5. Add the thinly sliced red onions and chopped cilantro to the bowl with cucumbers. Toss gently to combine.
  6. Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds on top and toss lightly one last time.
  7. Serve immediately for a crisp salad or refrigerate for 15-30 minutes for flavors to meld more deeply.

Notes

Dress cucumbers whole before slicing to lock in crispness and flavor. Toast sesame seeds in a dry pan over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until golden and fragrant. For vegan option, substitute honey with maple syrup. Salad can be stored up to 24 hours refrigerated; keep dressing separate if storing longer.

Nutrition

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

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