Once you’re within the temper for a lightweight, no-lettuce salad, this cucumber salad is such a refreshing various. It’s tossed in a fast sesame-ginger dressing, so it has an surprising taste that may brighten up virtually any meal. Plus, you possibly can assemble it in minutes!
I significantly prefer it served with Kung Pao Tofu, however it’s also possible to serve it as a facet dish with baked rooster breasts or excellent baked salmon.
If you wish to make this forward of time, be at liberty to stir collectively the dressing as much as 3 days upfront. I wouldn’t toss the cucumbers within the dressing till shortly earlier than serving, as they may launch additional liquid as they sit within the bowl. (Not an enormous deal, however I want much less liquid on the backside of the bowl when doable.) Make sure to toss properly simply earlier than serving, so that you simply’ll get loads of taste in every chew.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Featured Evaluate
“This was so good! Made it final night time and saved half of the dressing and cucumbers for tonight – can’t wait to have it once more!” – Kristin
Cucumber Salad Elements
- Cucumbers. I want to make use of small Persian cucumbers after I can discover them, as a result of then you possibly can depart them in excellent bite-size circles as you slice them. Should you discover larger cucumbers on the retailer, then you definately may wish to slice them in half lengthwise, leaving you with half-moon shapes as a substitute.
- Toasted Sesame Oil. Just a little of this goes a great distance, flavor-wise. Should you’re not an enormous fan of sesame taste, you are able to do half olive oil, too.
- Lime Juice. Freshly squeezed lime juice is the proper acid for this dressing, however you should utilize lemon juice if you happen to want. (Don’t use bottled stuff, or it received’t style as scrumptious.)
- Recent Ginger. Use a microplate to finely mince recent ginger straight into the bowl. This provides a lot taste for minimal effort.
- Honey. This balances the tangy dressing, however you should utilize maple syrup if you happen to want.
- Recent herbs. Chopped inexperienced onion and recent mint give this salad an surprising taste. Should you’re nervous to the add the mint, I don’t blame you. I used to be hesitant, too. However I learn that this can be a frequent ingredient in Asian salads, and now I perceive why. It’s a pleasant addition! However this salad can also be tasty with out it, if it makes you nervous.
Easy methods to Make Asian Cucumber Salad
Step 1:
In a big bowl, mix 2 tablespoons every of recent lime juice and toasted sesame oil. Then add about 1-inch of freshly minced ginger, a tablespoon of honey, and a tablespoon of tamari (gluten-free soy sauce).
Stir properly till the honey appears to be like dissolved.
Step 2:
Thinly slice 1 pound of mini cucumbers and chop 3 inexperienced onions and roughly 2 tablespoons of recent mint. Add the chopped substances to a bowl and stir properly. Then style the salad and modify the flavoring if wanted. You may add an additional pinch of salt to spice up the flavour, or just a little additional lime juice, if you happen to like.
It’s able to serve instantly, garnished with sesame seeds on high. The longer the cucumbers sit within the dressing, essentially the most diluted the dressing will style, for the reason that cucumbers will proceed to launch liquid as they sit.
Notice: Should you don’t plan on serving this whole salad instantly, retailer the dressing and cucumbers individually within the fridge, in order that they received’t develop into too watery. You may toss them collectively later simply earlier than serving once more.
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
- 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seed oil
- 1 inch freshly minced ginger , or to style
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon Tamari (gluten-free soy sauce)
- 1 pound mini cucumbers , thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons chopped mint leaves (or strive basil or cilantro)
- 3 inexperienced onions , chopped
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds , for serving
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In a big bowl, whisk collectively the lime juice, sesame oil, ginger, honey, and tamari.
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Add within the cucumbers, mint, and inexperienced onions, and toss gently to coat. Style and modify the seasoning as wanted. You may add a pinch of salt to spice up the general taste, or add just a little extra honey or lime juice.
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Sprinkle sesame seeds excessive and serve instantly. This salad will develop into watery when saved within the fridge, so I like to recommend storing the cucumbers and dressing individually if you must retailer it for various hours. The sliced cucumbers ought to final for as much as 3 days within the fridge earlier than getting soggy.
Sweetener Notice: Should you want a vegan recipe, you should utilize maple syrup as a substitute of honey to style.
Replace Notice: This recipe was up to date in 2026 to make use of tamari as a substitute of a 1/2 teaspoon of salt. I just like the added umami taste of the tamari, however salt will work too, if you happen to want.
Energy: 107kcal | Carbohydrates: 9g | Protein: 1g | Fats: 8g | Saturated Fats: 1g | Sodium: 4mg | Potassium: 160mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 288IU | Vitamin C: 7mg | Calcium: 45mg | Iron: 1mg
Extra Recipes to Attempt
Should you do this salad, please depart a remark and star score under to let me understand how you prefer it. And if you happen to make any substitutions, I’d love to listen to how that works for you, too.
