Fresh Asian Cucumber Salad Recipe Easy 5-Minute Sesame Ginger Dressing
A quick and refreshing Asian cucumber salad with a bold sesame ginger dressing, perfect for busy days or last-minute cravings.
- Prep Time: 8 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 minutes
- Total Time: 11 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 large English cucumbers, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, finely grated
- 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon honey (or maple syrup for vegan)
- 1 small garlic clove, minced (optional)
- A pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
- 2 stalks green onions, thinly sliced
Instructions
- Rinse and dry the cucumbers. Using a sharp knife or mandoline, slice them thinly—about 1/8 inch (3 mm) thick.
- In a small bowl, whisk together toasted sesame oil, low-sodium soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, finely grated fresh ginger, and minced garlic (if using). Add a pinch of red pepper flakes if desired.
- Heat a small dry skillet over medium heat. Add sesame seeds and toast, stirring constantly until golden and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes. Transfer to a plate to cool.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine sliced cucumbers and thinly sliced green onions. Pour the dressing over and toss gently but thoroughly until every slice is coated.
- Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds over the salad. Refrigerate for 10-15 minutes before serving if desired to let flavors meld.
Notes
Use fresh grated ginger for best flavor. Thinly slice cucumbers for optimal texture. Toast sesame seeds fresh for best aroma and crunch. Dress salad just before serving to keep cucumbers crisp. For gluten-free, substitute soy sauce with tamari. For vegan, substitute honey with maple syrup.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 1 cup (150g)
- Calories: 90
- Fat: 6
- Carbohydrates: 7
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 1
Keywords: Asian cucumber salad, sesame ginger dressing, quick salad, easy cucumber salad, healthy salad, gluten-free salad, vegan salad option