Sesame Cucumber Salad

Name: Sesame Cucumber Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-486069H31M55S
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 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)

Published: June 3, 2025

by Nora

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Sesame Cucumber Salad is a refreshing and vibrant dish perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue, looking for a quick lunch, or wanting to add a crunchy side to your dinner, this salad fits the bill. It’s light, healthy, and packed with flavor thanks to the zesty sesame dressing. Best of all, it’s super easy to whip up in just a few minutes!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick Preparation: This salad takes only 15 minutes to prepare, making it an ideal choice for busy days.
Delicious Flavor: The combination of garlic, soy sauce, and sesame oil creates a tantalizing taste that will impress everyone.
Versatile Side Dish: Pair it with grilled meats or serve it as part of an Asian-themed meal; it complements many dishes wonderfully.
Healthy Ingredients: Packed with fresh cucumbers and seasonings, it’s a guilt-free addition to any meal.
Customizable Heat: Adjust the chili paste to suit your taste—make it mild or spicy as you prefer.

Tools and Preparation

Gathering the right tools can make preparing your Sesame Cucumber Salad even easier. Here are the essential items you’ll need.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Cutting board
Sharp knife
Mixing bowl
Colander
Measuring spoons

Importance of Each Tool

Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for slicing cucumbers with precision.
Sharp knife: Ensures clean cuts for uniform pieces, enhancing presentation and texture.
Mixing bowl: Allows for easy tossing of ingredients while combining flavors perfectly.

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 to create varied angles.
Place them in a mixing bowl and sprinkle with kosher salt.
Mix well and allow them to rest at room temperature for 30 minutes.
This process draws out excess water while keeping the cucumbers crispy.
Pour out any excess water and rinse off the remaining salt using a colander.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients

In the same mixing bowl with the cucumbers, add minced garlic, sugar, soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, fish sauce, toasted sesame oil, and chili paste.
Toss everything together until well combined.
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.

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

How to Serve Sesame Cucumber Salad

Sesame Cucumber Salad is a refreshing dish that pairs well with many meals. Whether you’re enjoying it as a light snack or alongside a hearty main course, this salad offers a burst of flavor and crunch.

As a Light Appetizer

Serve small portions in individual cups for easy eating.
Garnish with extra sesame seeds for added texture and visual appeal.

With Grilled Meats

Pair this salad with grilled chicken or beef for a delicious contrast.
The coolness of the salad balances the smoky flavors of the meats perfectly.

On Top of Rice Bowls

Use the salad as a topping for rice bowls or grain bowls.
It adds a refreshing crunch that complements warm grains beautifully.

As Part of a Picnic Spread

Include Sesame Cucumber Salad in your picnic basket alongside other fresh salads.
Its light nature makes it ideal for outdoor gatherings on warm days.

With Asian Noodles

Toss this salad with cold Asian noodles for an extra layer of flavor.
The sesame dressing enhances the dish, making it more satisfying.

As a Topping for Tacos

Use it as a topping on fish or veggie tacos.
The freshness cuts through richer taco fillings, adding balance to every bite.

How to Perfect Sesame Cucumber Salad

To ensure your Sesame Cucumber Salad turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.

Choose Fresh Cucumbers: Opt for mini Persian cucumbers as they are sweeter and have fewer seeds. This will enhance the overall taste of your salad.
Adjust Salting Time: Letting cucumbers sit in salt draws out moisture. If you prefer crunchier cucumbers, reduce the resting time to 20 minutes.
Experiment with Spice: Feel free to adjust the chili paste according to your heat preference. A little goes a long way!
Chill Before Serving: Allow the salad to chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving. This lets flavors meld together beautifully.
Mix Well: Ensure all ingredients are well combined before serving. This will distribute flavors evenly throughout the salad.
Store Properly: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and consume within two days for best quality.

Best Side Dishes for Sesame Cucumber Salad

Sesame Cucumber Salad complements various side dishes, making any meal feel complete. Here are some excellent options to serve alongside it.

Grilled Chicken Skewers: Marinated chicken skewers add protein and pair wonderfully with the crisp texture of cucumber salad.
Vegetable Spring Rolls: These fresh rolls offer an additional crunch and can be dipped in peanut sauce for extra flavor.
Edamame Beans: Lightly salted edamame provides healthy protein and is incredibly easy to prepare—just boil and serve!
Brown Rice: A warm bowl of brown rice acts as a hearty base that balances out the lightness of the cucumber salad.
Teriyaki Tofu: For a plant-based option, teriyaki tofu delivers savory flavors that complement the sesame dressing nicely.
Sweet Potato Fries: Crispy sweet potato fries bring sweetness and texture, creating an appealing contrast with your salad’s freshness.
Asian Slaw: A crunchy cabbage slaw dressed with sesame oil can mirror flavors from the cucumber salad while adding variety to your plate.
Miso Soup: A warm miso soup serves as a comforting side that pairs well with cold dishes like Sesame Cucumber Salad, enhancing your dining experience.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making a Sesame Cucumber Salad can be simple, but certain missteps can affect the final flavor and texture. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for:

Over-salting the cucumbers: Adding too much salt can make the salad unpalatable. Use just enough salt to draw out moisture, and rinse off the excess.
Not letting the cucumbers sit: Skipping the resting time means less crispy cucumbers. Allow them to sit for at least 30 minutes to extract water.
Using stale sesame seeds: Old sesame seeds lose flavor. Always use fresh seeds for the best taste.
Ignoring personal taste in spice: Not adjusting chili paste can lead to an overly spicy or bland dish. Tailor the spice level according to your preference.
Skipping the chilling step: Serving immediately can result in a less flavorful dish. Let it chill for 30 minutes in the fridge to enhance flavors.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Keep cucumbers and dressing separate if you want them fresher longer.

Freezing Sesame Cucumber Salad

Not recommended: Freezing alters texture and flavor, making it less enjoyable when thawed.

Reheating Sesame Cucumber Salad

Oven: Not suitable; this salad is meant to be served cold.
Microwave: Avoid using a microwave as it will wilt the cucumbers.
Stovetop: Reheating is not recommended for this salad; serve it chilled.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Sesame Cucumber Salad?

Sesame Cucumber Salad is a refreshing dish made with sliced cucumbers, sesame oil, soy sauce, and spices, perfect as a side or light meal.

How long does Sesame Cucumber Salad last?

When stored properly in the refrigerator, it lasts up to 2 days. Enjoy it fresh for the best taste!

Can I make Sesame Cucumber Salad spicy?

Absolutely! Adjust the amount of chili paste based on your heat preference. You can also add fresh chili slices for extra spice.

Is Sesame Cucumber Salad vegan?

Yes, this salad is vegan-friendly! The ingredients are all plant-based and perfect for anyone following a vegan diet.

What dishes pair well with Sesame Cucumber Salad?

This salad complements grilled meats, rice dishes, or other Asian-inspired meals beautifully.

Final Thoughts

The Sesame Cucumber Salad is not only refreshing but also versatile, making it an excellent choice for various occasions. Feel free to customize it with additional vegetables or proteins based on your preference. Give it a try, and enjoy its lightness and flavor!

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