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Fresh Asian Cucumber Salad Recipe Easy Zesty Sesame Ginger Dressing for Summer

fresh asian cucumber salad - featured image
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A crisp and refreshing Asian cucumber salad with a zesty sesame ginger dressing, perfect for summer side dishes and quick meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 medium English cucumbers, thinly sliced
  • 2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, finely grated
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 3 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 2 green onions, thinly sliced
  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
  • A handful fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)

Instructions

  1. Wash and peel cucumbers if preferred. Thinly slice them about 1/8-inch (3 mm) thick using a sharp knife or mandoline. This takes about 10 minutes.
  2. Place sliced cucumbers in a colander and sprinkle with 1 teaspoon salt. Toss gently and let sit for 15 minutes to draw out excess water. Rinse lightly and pat dry with paper towels.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together toasted sesame oil, grated ginger, minced garlic, rice vinegar, soy sauce, honey, and red pepper flakes if using. Whisk until honey dissolves and mixture is smooth. This takes about 5 minutes.
  4. Transfer cucumbers to a large bowl. Add sliced green onions and chopped cilantro if desired. Pour dressing over and toss gently but thoroughly to coat every slice.
  5. Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds on top. Refrigerate the salad for at least 20 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
  6. Give the salad a quick toss before serving. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Notes

Salt cucumbers to remove excess moisture and keep salad crisp. Use fresh ginger and garlic for best flavor. Toast sesame seeds in a dry pan for 2-3 minutes until golden. Refrigerate salad for at least 20 minutes before serving to meld flavors. Add sesame seeds just before serving to maintain crunch. For vegan version, substitute honey with maple syrup or agave nectar. Use tamari or coconut aminos for gluten-free or low-sodium alternatives to soy sauce.

Nutrition

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

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