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Fresh Asian Cucumber Salad with Zesty Sesame Ginger Dressing

fresh asian cucumber salad - featured image
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A quick and easy fresh Asian cucumber salad featuring crisp cucumbers tossed in a zesty, nutty sesame ginger dressing. Perfect as a light, refreshing side dish with a balance of sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 large English cucumbers, thinly sliced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, finely grated
  • 1 small clove garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil
  • 3 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce (light or low sodium, or tamari for gluten-free)
  • 1 tablespoon honey (or maple syrup/agave nectar for vegan)
  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
  • 2 stalks green onions, thinly sliced
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Fresh cilantro or mint for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Rinse and dry the cucumbers well. Using a sharp knife or mandoline, slice them thinly—about 1/8-inch (3 mm) thick. Place the slices in a medium mixing bowl.
  2. Heat a small dry skillet over medium heat. Add the sesame seeds and toast, stirring frequently, until golden and fragrant, about 2–3 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together the grated fresh ginger, minced garlic, toasted sesame oil, rice vinegar, soy sauce, and honey until the honey dissolves and the dressing is smooth and glossy.
  4. Pour the dressing over the sliced cucumbers and toss gently but thoroughly to coat every slice. Sprinkle in the toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions and toss again.
  5. Taste the salad and adjust seasoning if needed—add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat or a squeeze of lime juice for extra zing. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld and the cucumbers chill.

Notes

Toast sesame seeds to enhance their nutty flavor. Prepare dressing first and slice cucumbers last to avoid sogginess. Chill salad for at least 15 minutes before serving. Drain excess liquid if salad becomes watery after chilling. For vegan option, substitute honey with maple syrup or agave nectar. Use tamari for gluten-free soy sauce.

Nutrition

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

Find it online: https://juliamadeit.com/fresh-asian-cucumber-salad-recipe-easy-zesty-sesame-ginger-dressing/