Asian Cucumber Salad

Crisp, refreshing, and packed with bold flavors, this Asian Cucumber Salad is the perfect side dish or light appetizer for any occasion. Featuring thinly sliced cucumbers tossed in a tangy rice vinegar dressing infused with soy sauce, sesame oil, and a touch of sugar, this salad strikes the ultimate balance of sweet, savory, and vibrant. A sprinkling of toasted sesame seeds and a hit of red pepper flakes add nutty warmth and a subtle kick of heat, while fresh green onions enhance the dish with a mild oniony flair. Simple to prepare in just 15 minutes and requiring no cooking, this crunchy salad is as easy as it is delightful. Serve it chilled for a refreshing complement to grilled meats, stir-fries, or as part of a summer meal spread.

Nutriscore Rating: 73/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:0 mins

Total Time:15 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 3 medium cucumbers
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 3 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 small garlic clove
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
• 0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 2 stalks green onions

Directions

Step 1

Wash the cucumbers thoroughly. Slice them into thin rounds, approximately 1/4 inch thick. If desired, you can partially peel the cucumbers for a striped effect.

Step 2

Place the sliced cucumbers in a colander and sprinkle with 1 teaspoon of salt. Toss to combine and let them sit for about 10 minutes. This will help draw out excess moisture and enhance their crunchiness.

Step 3

While the cucumbers are resting, prepare the dressing. In a small bowl, whisk together rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, and sugar until the sugar is dissolved.

Step 4

Finely chop the garlic clove and add it to the dressing for a slight garlicky kick.

Step 5

Toast the sesame seeds in a small pan over medium heat, stirring frequently until they are golden brown and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.

Step 6

Rinse the cucumbers under cold water to remove the excess salt, then pat them dry with paper towels.

Step 7

Place the cucumbers in a large bowl. Pour the dressing over the cucumbers and toss to coat evenly.

Step 8

Sprinkle the toasted sesame seeds and red pepper flakes over the salad, adjusting spice level to taste.

Step 9

Slice the green onions and add them to the salad for a fresh, oniony flavor.

Step 10

Toss everything gently to combine. Allow the salad to sit for at least 5 minutes to let the flavors meld. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	730.2 grams (730.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	315

Total Fat 20.00g	26%
Saturated Fat 3.00g	15%
Polyunsaturated Fat 7.90g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 2957mg	129%
Total Carbohydrate 31.80g	12%
Dietary Fiber 5.30g	19%
Total Sugars 15.20g
Protein 8.00g	16%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 135mg	10%
Iron 3mg	17%
Potassium 1091mg	23%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 53.1%

Protein: 9.4%

Carbs: 37.5%