Sesame Cucumber Salad is a refreshing and vibrant dish that brings together the crispness of cucumbers with the nutty flavor of sesame. This salad is perfect for summer gatherings, picnics, or as a healthy side dish at any meal. Its lightness and unique taste make it a standout choice among salads. Plus, it’s quick to prepare and can be easily adjusted to suit your spice level.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: This salad comes together in minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
Fresh and Crisp: The mini Persian cucumbers provide a delightful crunch that keeps every bite refreshing.
Versatile Flavor: The balance of sweet, salty, and spicy flavors makes this salad enjoyable for various palates.
Healthy Option: Packed with fresh ingredients, this salad is low in calories and full of nutrients.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a summer barbecue or a family dinner, this salad fits right in.

Tools and Preparation

Preparing Sesame Cucumber Salad requires just a few essential tools to ensure everything goes smoothly. Having the right equipment can make the process easier and more efficient.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Mixing bowl
Colander
Knife
Cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

Mixing bowl: A large bowl allows you to combine all ingredients without spilling, making mixing easier.
Colander: Rinsing cucumbers in a colander helps remove excess salt while keeping them crispy.

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 your 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 to create different angles.
Place the cucumber slices in a mixing bowl and add kosher salt.
Mix well and let sit at room temperature for 30 minutes. This process helps extract water from the cucumbers while keeping them crisp.
After 30 minutes, pour out any excess water and rinse off the salt using a colander.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients

In the same mixing bowl, add minced garlic, sugar, soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, fish sauce, toasted sesame oil, chili paste, and sesame seeds.
Mix everything together until well combined.
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and let it sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld together.

Enjoy your Sesame Cucumber Salad within two days for optimal freshness!

How to Serve Sesame Cucumber Salad

Sesame Cucumber Salad is a versatile dish that can complement many meals. Here are some creative serving suggestions to enjoy this refreshing salad.

As a Side Dish

Pair it with grilled chicken for a light and flavorful meal.
Serve alongside roasted fish to balance the richness with a crisp texture.

In a Rice Bowl

Add sesame cucumber salad atop steamed rice or quinoa for an easy lunch option.
Mix in some protein like tofu or shrimp for a complete meal.

As an Appetizer

Present small portions on individual plates as a starter before the main course.
Garnish with extra sesame seeds for visual appeal and crunch.

With Stir-Fried Dishes

Serve it next to stir-fried vegetables or meats for a contrast in flavors and textures.
The cold salad will help cool down spicy dishes.

On a Picnic Platter

Include sesame cucumber salad as part of a refreshing summer picnic spread.
Pair it with other salads and cold cuts for variety.

How to Perfect Sesame Cucumber Salad

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

Choose Fresh Cucumbers: Opt for mini Persian cucumbers, as they are crisp and sweet, enhancing the overall flavor.
Adjust Seasoning: Taste the dressing before adding it all; you may want to tweak the garlic or chili paste levels based on your preference.
Let it Marinate: Allowing the salad to sit in the fridge helps the flavors meld beautifully, making every bite more delicious.
Serve Chilled: This salad tastes best when served cold, so keep it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to enjoy it.
Add Crunch: For extra texture, consider topping with crushed peanuts or additional sesame seeds just before serving.

Best Side Dishes for Sesame Cucumber Salad

Sesame Cucumber Salad pairs well with various side dishes. Here are some excellent options to complement your meal.

Grilled Chicken Skewers: Juicy chicken pieces marinated in soy sauce complement the freshness of the salad.
Steamed Dumplings: These savory bites work well with the tangy notes of the cucumber salad.
Teriyaki Tofu: A plant-based protein that enriches your meal while keeping it light.
Fried Rice: Flavorful fried rice adds heartiness, balancing out the crispness of the salad.
Miso Soup: The warm umami flavors contrast nicely with the chilled cucumber salad.
Asian Slaw: A crunchy cabbage slaw adds more texture and complements Asian flavors perfectly.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Sesame Cucumber Salad, avoid these common pitfalls for the best flavor and texture.

Over-salting: Adding too much salt can make the salad overly salty. Use the recommended amount and rinse the cucumbers well after salting.
Skipping the resting time: Not letting the cucumbers sit can result in a lack of flavor absorption. Allow them to rest at room temperature to enhance their taste.
Ignoring freshness: Using wilted or overripe cucumbers will affect the dish’s quality. Always choose fresh, crisp cucumbers for the best results.
Not adjusting spice levels: If you prefer a milder flavor, be careful with chili paste. Start with less and adjust according to your taste.
Forgetting to mix well: Failing to mix all ingredients thoroughly can lead to uneven flavors. Make sure everything is well combined before serving.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Duration: Store in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Containers: Use an airtight container for best freshness.

Freezing Sesame Cucumber Salad

Duration: It is not recommended to freeze this salad as cucumbers lose their crunch when thawed.
Containers: If necessary, use a freezer-safe container, but consume fresh whenever possible.

Reheating Sesame Cucumber Salad

Oven: This dish is best enjoyed cold and does not require reheating.
Microwave: Do not microwave; it will compromise the texture of the salad.
Stovetop: Avoid stovetop reheating as this dish is served chilled.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Sesame Cucumber Salad.

How do I make Sesame Cucumber Salad vegan?

You can easily keep this salad vegan by omitting fish sauce or substituting it with additional soy sauce or tamari.

Can I add other vegetables to my Sesame Cucumber Salad?

Absolutely! Feel free to incorporate carrots, bell peppers, or radishes for added crunch and color.

How can I store leftovers of Sesame Cucumber Salad?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Consume them quickly for optimal freshness.

What are some variations of Sesame Cucumber Salad?

You can try adding avocado for creaminess, or sesame oil infused with garlic for extra flavor.

Final Thoughts

Sesame Cucumber Salad is a light and refreshing dish that’s perfect for summer gatherings or as a quick side. Its versatility allows you to customize it with various vegetables or adjust spice levels according to your preference. Give this delightful salad a try and enjoy its crisp textures and vibrant flavors!

Sesame Cucumber Salad

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Author: Julia
Total Time: 10 minutes
Yield: Serves about four people 1x

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Description

Sesame Cucumber Salad is a delightful and refreshing dish that combines crisp mini Persian cucumbers with a flavorful sesame dressing. Perfect for summer picnics or as a healthy side at any meal, this salad boasts a balance of sweet, salty, and spicy notes that will please any palate. With its vibrant colors and crunchy textures, it’s not only quick to prepare but also highly customizable based on your preferred spice level. Enjoy this easy-to-make salad as a light appetizer or paired with grilled proteins for a complete meal.

Ingredients

Scale

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 (to taste)
1 tablespoon sesame seeds (half black, half white)

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Instructions

Slice cucumbers using a rolling cut technique and place them in a mixing bowl with kosher salt. Mix well and let sit at room temperature for 30 minutes.
After 30 minutes, drain excess water from the cucumbers using a colander and rinse off the salt.
In the same bowl, combine minced garlic, sugar, soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, fish sauce, toasted sesame oil, chili paste, and sesame seeds. Mix thoroughly.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld together.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Salad
Method: No cook
Cuisine: Asian