Quick Asian Sesame Cucumber Salad
A refreshing and crunchy Asian-inspired cucumber salad tossed with toasted sesame seeds, sesame oil, and a tangy dressing. Ready in just 5 minutes, it’s a perfect easy side dish for busy nights.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 minutes
- Total Time: 8 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 medium English cucumbers, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce (low-sodium preferred)
- 1 teaspoon honey or sugar
- 1 clove garlic, finely minced
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
- 2 stalks green onions, thinly sliced
- Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Wash and dry the cucumbers thoroughly. Slice them thinly using a sharp knife or mandoline slicer for even, paper-thin rounds (about 5 minutes).
- Toast the sesame seeds in a dry skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently for 2-3 minutes until golden and fragrant. Remove immediately and set aside to cool.
- In a small bowl, whisk together sesame oil, rice vinegar, soy sauce, honey (or sugar), and minced garlic until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is smooth (about 2 minutes).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine sliced cucumbers, green onions, and red pepper flakes if using. Pour the dressing over the vegetables and toss gently but thoroughly to coat each slice.
- Sprinkle the toasted sesame seeds on top and give the salad one final gentle toss.
- Serve immediately or chill for up to 2 hours before serving. If excess moisture appears, drain a bit before serving to keep the salad crisp.
Notes
Toast sesame seeds just until fragrant to enhance flavor without burning. Slice cucumbers thinly to avoid excess wateriness. Add dressing just before serving to keep salad crisp. Can be made gluten-free by using tamari or coconut aminos. For vegan option, replace honey with maple syrup or agave nectar. Salad is best eaten within 2 hours of preparation.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 1 cup per serv
- Calories: 70
- Sugar: 2
- Sodium: 300
- Fat: 6
- Saturated Fat: 0.8
- Carbohydrates: 4
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 1
Keywords: Asian cucumber salad, sesame cucumber salad, quick side dish, easy salad recipe, refreshing cucumber salad, sesame oil salad