Japanese Cucumber Sesame Salad

Crisp, refreshing, and packed with umami, Japanese Cucumber Sesame Salad is the perfect side dish to elevate any meal. Featuring thinly sliced Japanese or English cucumbers tossed in a tangy-sweet dressing of rice vinegar, soy sauce, and sesame oil, this salad is as light as it is flavorful. A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds and optional green onions adds a nutty aroma and vibrant touch, while the quick salting technique ensures crunch in every bite. Ready in just 15 minutes with no cooking required, this Japanese-inspired salad is ideal for busy weeknights, summer picnics, or a cooling companion to spicy dishes. Try it chilled for an even more refreshing experience! Keyword-rich with "Japanese cucumber salad," "sesame dressing," and "easy Asian side dish," this recipe appeals to anyone seeking a quick and healthy addition to their table.

Nutriscore Rating: 74/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:0 mins

Total Time:15 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 pieces Japanese cucumbers (or English cucumbers)
• 1 teaspoon Sea salt
• 2 tablespoons Rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon Soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon Sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon Sugar
• 1 tablespoon Toasted sesame seeds
• 1 stalk Green onions (optional, finely sliced)

Directions

Step 1

Wash the cucumbers thoroughly and pat them dry.

Step 2

Slice the cucumbers thinly using a sharp knife or mandoline. Place the slices in a medium bowl.

Step 3

Sprinkle the cucumbers with sea salt, toss to coat, and let them sit for 10 minutes. This helps draw out excess water and enhances their crispness.

Step 4

Meanwhile, prepare the dressing. In a small bowl, whisk together rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, and sugar until the sugar dissolves completely.

Step 5

After 10 minutes, drain any liquid released from the cucumbers. Gently squeeze the cucumber slices with your hands to remove additional moisture, but do not press too hard to avoid crushing them.

Step 6

Add the drained cucumbers to a clean bowl. Pour the dressing over the cucumbers and toss to coat evenly.

Step 7

Sprinkle the salad with toasted sesame seeds and, if desired, finely sliced green onions for extra flavor.

Step 8

Serve immediately as a side dish, or chill in the fridge for 15 minutes before serving for a cooler, more refreshing taste.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	680.5 grams (680.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	278

Total Fat 18.10g	23%
Saturated Fat 2.40g	12%
Polyunsaturated Fat 5.80g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 2545mg	111%
Total Carbohydrate 28.80g	10%
Dietary Fiber 4.30g	15%
Total Sugars 14.80g
Protein 6.20g	12%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 171mg	13%
Iron 3mg	17%
Potassium 965mg	21%

*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: 53.8%

Protein: 8.2%

Carbs: 38.0%