Description
Cool cucumber slices mingle with zesty Asian cucumber salad, creating a refreshing harmony of tangy and crisp flavors. Quick and simple ingredients come together in mere minutes, promising a delightful side dish you can enjoy alongside grilled meats or as a light, cooling appetizer.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables:
- 2 large cucumbers (English or Persian), thinly sliced
Liquids and Seasonings:
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
Aromatics and Garnishes:
- 1 teaspoon salt (for sweating the cucumbers)
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup (for a hint of sweetness)
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
Instructions
- Drain cucumber moisture by sprinkling salt over thinly sliced pieces and letting them rest in a colander for 10-15 minutes.
- Thoroughly rinse cucumber slices and gently blot with paper towels to remove excess liquid.
- Create a vibrant dressing by whisking rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, honey, minced garlic, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes in a small mixing bowl.
- Transfer cucumber slices to a spacious serving bowl and incorporate sesame seeds, finely chopped green onions, and fresh cilantro.
- Drizzle the aromatic dressing over the cucumber mixture, ensuring each slice is evenly coated through gentle tossing.
- Refrigerate the salad for a minimum of 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and intensify.
- Serve the chilled cucumber salad as a refreshing side dish, garnishing with additional herbs or sesame seeds if desired.
Notes
- Salt the cucumbers to draw out excess moisture, ensuring a crisp and refreshing texture without waterlogging the salad.
- Adjust the heat level by modifying red pepper flakes, making the dish mild or spicy according to personal preference.
- Swap traditional ingredients for dietary needs: use tamari for gluten-free version, agave for vegan honey alternative, or add protein like tofu for a more substantial meal.
- Prepare salad ahead of time for meal prep, as the flavors intensify and become more complex when marinating in the refrigerator for a few hours.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: None
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 50
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 250 mg
- Fat: 4 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg