Description
A quick, budget-friendly, and kid-approved Asian-inspired cucumber salad that is ready in 15 minutes. It features a tangy rice vinegar and sesame dressing, offering a refreshing crunch that pairs perfectly with heavy meals.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 medium English cucumbers (about 1 pound / 450g), sliced into half-moons
- 3 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Optional: ¼ cup thinly sliced red onion, ½ cup shredded carrots, 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro
Instructions
- Wash cucumbers thoroughly. If using English cucumbers, leave skin on and slice into ¼-inch half-moons. If using regular cucumbers, peel and scoop out watery seeds before slicing.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine rice vinegar, soy sauce, sugar, minced garlic, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes. Whisk or stir vigorously until the sugar is completely dissolved.
- Add the sliced cucumbers to the bowl with the dressing. Toss until cucumbers are evenly coated. Add optional vegetables like red onion or carrots if using.
- Let the salad sit at room temperature for at least 10 minutes to marinate and absorb flavors. For best results, let sit for 30 minutes to an hour or refrigerate until serving.
- Just before serving, sprinkle toasted sesame seeds over the top and give it one final toss. Adjust seasoning with more soy sauce or sugar if needed.
Notes
For extra crunch, sprinkle sliced cucumbers with salt and let sit for 10 minutes, then rinse and pat dry. Toast sesame seeds in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until golden. Do not reheat this salad; it is best served cold or at room temperature. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 45
- Sugar: 3
- Sodium: 280
- Fat: 2
- Carbohydrates: 5
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 1
Keywords: cucumber salad, Asian salad, sesame dressing, quick side dish, kid-friendly, budget-friendly, vegan, gluten-free option, meal prep