Sesame Cucumber Salad is a refreshing and vibrant dish that brings together crisp cucumbers, zesty flavors, and a delightful sesame dressing. Perfect for summer barbecues, picnics, or as a light side dish during any meal, this salad is not only easy to prepare but also bursting with flavor. The combination of ingredients ensures a healthy option that is vegan-friendly and can be adjusted to suit your taste preferences.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick to Prepare: This salad comes together in just a few simple steps and can be made in under an hour.
Flavorful Dressing: The sesame dressing adds a rich and nutty flavor that enhances the freshness of the cucumbers.
Versatile Side Dish: Pair it with grilled meats, serve it at potlucks, or enjoy it on its own; it’s perfect for any occasion.
Healthy Ingredients: Packed with fresh vegetables and wholesome ingredients, it’s a guilt-free addition to your meals.
Adjustable Spice Level: You can easily modify the chili paste to make it as spicy or mild as you prefer.

Tools and Preparation

Before starting your Sesame Cucumber Salad, gather your tools to make the process smooth and efficient.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Mixing bowl
Colander
Knife
Cutting board
Measuring spoons

Importance of Each Tool

Mixing bowl: A large bowl allows you to mix all your ingredients thoroughly without spilling.
Colander: This tool helps drain excess water from the cucumbers, keeping them crispy.
Knife: A sharp knife ensures clean cuts for even cucumber slices.
Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for slicing your ingredients.

Ingredients

For the Salad

6-8 mini Persian cucumbers
2 teaspoons kosher salt
1 garlic clove, finely minced
2 teaspoons sugar
2 teaspoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons rice wine vinegar
1/2 teaspoon fish sauce
1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
1 tablespoon chili paste (adjust to our own taste)
1 tablespoon sesame seeds (I like to use half black, half white)

How to Make Sesame Cucumber Salad

Step 1: Prepare the Cucumbers

Slice the cucumbers using a rolling cut technique for varied angles.
Place them in a mixing bowl and sprinkle the kosher salt over them.
Mix well and let sit at room temperature for 30 minutes. This step extracts moisture from the cucumbers while keeping them crunchy.
After 30 minutes, pour out any excess water and rinse off the salt using a colander.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients

In the same bowl with the drained cucumbers, add minced garlic, sugar, soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, fish sauce, toasted sesame oil, and chili paste.
Toss everything together until the cucumbers are evenly coated in the dressing.
Cover the salad and let it chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before serving.

Step 3: Serve and Enjoy!

Just before serving, sprinkle sesame seeds on top for added texture.
Enjoy your Sesame Cucumber Salad fresh! Consume within two days for optimal flavor and crunch.

How to Serve Sesame Cucumber Salad

Sesame Cucumber Salad is a versatile dish that can elevate any meal. Here are some creative ways to serve this refreshing salad.

As a Light Appetizer

Serve small portions in individual bowls to start off a meal on a fresh note.
Pair with chopsticks for a fun, authentic Asian dining experience.

As a Side Dish

This salad complements grilled meats perfectly, providing a cool contrast.
Place it next to rice or noodles to create a balanced plate.

With Tofu or Chickpeas

Top the salad with marinated tofu or chickpeas for added protein.
This makes it a hearty option for lunch or dinner.

On Sandwiches or Wraps

Use Sesame Cucumber Salad as a crunchy filling in sandwiches or wraps.
It adds texture and flavor without overwhelming the other ingredients.

As Part of a Picnic Spread

Pack this salad in mason jars for an easy-to-transport snack.
It stays fresh and crisp, making it ideal for outdoor meals.

How to Perfect Sesame Cucumber Salad

To make your Sesame Cucumber Salad truly shine, consider these tips.

Use Fresh Ingredients: Always choose the freshest cucumbers available. This enhances the crunch and flavor of your salad.
Adjust Seasoning: Taste your dressing before mixing. You can customize the soy sauce and chili paste levels according to your preference.
Chill Before Serving: Let the salad sit in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to meld flavors and keep it refreshingly cool.
Experiment with Textures: Try adding nuts or seeds for extra crunch. Toasted peanuts or cashews work wonderfully as toppings.
Add Herbs: Fresh herbs like cilantro or mint can brighten up the flavors in your salad, making it feel more vibrant and fresh.
Serve Immediately: Enjoy within two days for the best taste and texture. The longer it sits, the softer the cucumbers become.

Best Side Dishes for Sesame Cucumber Salad

Pairing side dishes with your Sesame Cucumber Salad can enhance your meal experience. Here are some excellent options.

Grilled Chicken Skewers: Marinate chicken in soy sauce and sesame oil before grilling for a flavorful match.
Vegetable Spring Rolls: Fresh vegetables wrapped in rice paper create a light complement that pairs well with dipping sauces.
Teriyaki Salmon: The sweetness of teriyaki salmon contrasts nicely with the tangy cucumber salad.
Edamame Beans: Boiled edamame lightly salted adds protein while keeping things light and healthy.
Quinoa Fried Rice: A nutritious twist on classic fried rice, packed with vegetables, which balances well with the freshness of cucumber salad.
Kimchi: The spicy kick from kimchi offers an exciting flavor contrast that brightens up any meal setting.
Steamed Dumplings: Soft dumplings filled with veggies or meat provide substance alongside the crispness of cucumber salad.
Miso Soup: A warm bowl of miso soup serves as a comforting companion, enhancing your overall dining experience.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Sesame Cucumber Salad can be easy, but small mistakes can affect the outcome. Here are some common pitfalls to watch for.

Over-salting: Adding too much salt can make your salad overly salty. Use the recommended amount and taste before serving.
Skipping the resting time: Not letting the cucumbers sit with salt prevents excess water from being drawn out. This step is crucial for maintaining their crispness.
Ignoring ingredient quality: Using low-quality soy sauce or vinegar can impact flavor. Choose fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best results.
Cutting cucumbers unevenly: Inconsistent cuts lead to uneven marination and texture. Use a rolling cut for varied angles and better flavor absorption.
Not adjusting spice levels: If you’re sensitive to heat, be cautious with chili paste. Start with less and add more according to your taste preferences.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Duration: Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Containers: Use an airtight container to keep your sesame cucumber salad fresh.

Freezing Sesame Cucumber Salad

Duration: It’s not recommended to freeze this salad as it affects texture.
Tip: Enjoy fresh for the best taste and crunch.

Reheating Sesame Cucumber Salad

Oven: Not applicable as this salad is served cold.
Microwave: Avoid reheating in the microwave; it alters the crispness of cucumbers.
Stovetop: Not suitable for stovetop reheating; serve cold straight from the fridge.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Sesame Cucumber Salad that may help you out.

What type of cucumbers should I use for Sesame Cucumber Salad?

You can use mini Persian cucumbers for their sweetness and crunch, but regular cucumbers work too.

Can I make Sesame Cucumber Salad ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare it a few hours in advance. Just store it in the fridge until you’re ready to enjoy.

How can I customize my Sesame Cucumber Salad?

Feel free to add other veggies like bell peppers or carrots. You can also adjust the spice level by adding more or less chili paste.

Is Sesame Cucumber Salad vegan?

Yes, this salad is vegan-friendly since it primarily consists of vegetables and plant-based ingredients.

Final Thoughts

This Sesame Cucumber Salad is not just refreshing but also versatile. It’s perfect as a side dish or a light meal on hot days. Feel free to customize it with your favorite vegetables or adjust the dressing to suit your palate. Enjoy this healthy recipe that packs a flavorful punch!

Sesame Cucumber Salad

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Author: Ivy
Total Time: 0 hours
Yield: Serves approximately 4 people 1x

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Description

Sesame Cucumber Salad is a vibrant and refreshing dish that combines crisp Persian cucumbers with a delicious sesame dressing, making it the perfect addition to summer barbecues, picnics, or as a light side dish for any meal. This easy-to-prepare salad is not only packed with flavor but is also vegan-friendly and healthy. The balance of zesty ingredients creates a delightful crunch that can be customized according to your taste preferences. Enjoy this salad chilled, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully for an invigorating experience.

Ingredients

Scale

6–8 mini Persian cucumbers
2 teaspoons kosher salt
1 garlic clove (minced)
2 teaspoons sugar
2 teaspoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons rice wine vinegar
1/2 teaspoon fish sauce
1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
1 tablespoon chili paste (to taste)
1 tablespoon sesame seeds (black and white mix)

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Instructions

Slice the cucumbers using a rolling cut technique and place them in a mixing bowl. Sprinkle with kosher salt and mix well. Let sit for 30 minutes to extract moisture, then rinse in a colander.
In the same bowl, combine drained cucumbers with minced garlic, sugar, soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, fish sauce, toasted sesame oil, and chili paste. Toss until evenly coated.
Cover and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. Just before serving, sprinkle sesame seeds on top.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: None
Category: Side Dish
Method: No Cooking
Cuisine: Asian