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Fresh Japanese Cucumber Salad with Sesame Dressing

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A crisp, tangy Japanese cucumber salad dressed with a nutty sesame dressing, perfect for a refreshing summer side dish.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 medium Japanese cucumbers (or English cucumbers as a substitute)
  • 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1 teaspoon sugar (or honey)
  • ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
  • 1 small clove garlic, minced (optional)
  • ½ teaspoon fresh ginger, finely grated (optional)
  • 1–2 stalks green onions, thinly sliced

Instructions

  1. Toast the sesame seeds in a dry skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently for 2-3 minutes until golden and fragrant. Remove from heat and let cool.
  2. Wash and dry the cucumbers. Slice into thin rounds about 1/8 inch (3 mm) thick using a mandoline or sharp knife.
  3. Place cucumber slices in a colander and sprinkle with ½ teaspoon salt. Let sit for 10 minutes to draw out excess moisture.
  4. In a small bowl, whisk together rice vinegar, soy sauce, sugar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger until sugar dissolves.
  5. After 10 minutes, gently press the cucumber slices with paper towels to remove liquid.
  6. Optionally, grind half of the toasted sesame seeds using a mortar and pestle or spice grinder.
  7. In a mixing bowl, toss cucumber slices with the dressing and ground sesame seeds.
  8. Sprinkle remaining whole toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions on top.
  9. Chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.

Notes

Salting cucumbers is key to keeping the salad crisp. Toast sesame seeds gently to avoid bitterness. Grinding sesame seeds releases more flavor but is optional. Adjust sweetness and acidity to taste. Best served chilled and fresh within 1-2 days. Use tamari instead of soy sauce for gluten-free option.

Nutrition

Keywords: Japanese cucumber salad, sesame dressing, summer salad, easy side dish, refreshing salad, gluten-free, vegan

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