Crisp Sesame Ginger Cucumber Salad

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook:
🍽 Serves: 4
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This Crisp Sesame Ginger Cucumber Salad is a fresh and flavorful dish that’s perfect for warm weather or anytime you need a light side. The combination of ginger and sesame brings a delightful zing to crunchy cucumbers, making it a refreshing staple for any meal.

Ingredients for Crisp Sesame Ginger Cucumber Salad

Cucumbers are the star of the dish, offering a refreshing crunch and mild flavor that pairs well with the bold dressing. Opt for large cucumbers for more substance.

Sesame oil provides a nutty richness that binds the salad together. It’s essential for that authentic Asian flavor.

Rice vinegar adds a subtle tang, brightening the dish without overpowering the other ingredients.

Soy sauce brings a salty depth, enhancing the overall umami profile.

Honey balances out the acidity and saltiness with a touch of sweetness.

Ginger is grated fresh, providing a spicy warmth that elevates the flavors.

Garlic adds a savory punch, giving the salad an extra layer of flavor complexity.

Sesame seeds give a delightful crunch and additional nuttiness.

Red pepper flakes are optional but recommended if you like a bit of heat.

Green onions add freshness and a mild onion flavor, enhancing the overall taste.

Tips & Tricks

  • Use English cucumbers for thinner skins and fewer seeds—they're perfect for salads.
  • For a stronger sesame flavor, lightly toast the sesame seeds before adding.
  • If you prefer a less sweet dressing, reduce the honey by half.
  • Grate the ginger finely for the best distribution throughout the salad.

Serving Suggestions

This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken or fish, adding a fresh contrast to richer dishes. It’s also a great accompaniment to Asian-inspired entrees such as teriyaki or stir-fry dishes. Serve it cold for the best refreshing crunch.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it up to a day in advance. Just keep it chilled and toss it again before serving.
What if I don’t have rice vinegar?
You can substitute with apple cider vinegar, but use a little less as it’s more potent.
Is there a gluten-free option?
Absolutely, use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative.

Crisp Sesame Ginger Cucumber Salad Recipe Walkthrough

Start by peeling the cucumbers. Use a vegetable peeler for ease. Once peeled, slice them thinly. You don't need a mandoline slicer, but it does speed things up if you have one.

In a large bowl, whisk together the sesame oil, rice vinegar, soy sauce, honey, grated ginger, and minced garlic. Make sure it’s well combined so every bite of cucumber is deliciously coated.

Now, add the sliced cucumbers to the bowl. Toss them gently using tongs or your hands until they're evenly coated with the dressing.

Sprinkle the sesame seeds, red pepper flakes if using, and sliced green onions over the top. Season with a bit of salt and pepper to taste.

Give the salad one last toss to distribute the toppings evenly. Then, let it chill in the fridge for at least 20 minutes. This step is crucial for letting the flavors meld together beautifully.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights.
  • Uses fresh, simple ingredients you probably have on hand.
  • Light yet flavorful, it complements a variety of main dishes.
  • Customizable spice level with optional red pepper flakes.

Ingredients

2 large cucumbers
1/4 cup sesame oil
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon honey
1 tablespoon grated ginger
1 clove garlic, minced
1 teaspoon sesame seeds
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
2 green onions, sliced
Salt and pepper to taste

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Peel the cucumbers and slice them thinly.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together sesame oil, rice vinegar, soy sauce, honey, ginger, and garlic.
3. Add the cucumber slices to the bowl and toss to coat evenly.
4. Sprinkle sesame seeds, red pepper flakes, and green onions on top.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and toss again.
6. Chill the salad for at least 20 minutes before serving to enhance the flavors.

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