Japanese Inspired Cucumber Salad

Crisp, refreshing, and bursting with umami, this Japanese-Inspired Cucumber Salad is the perfect side dish for any meal. Thinly sliced English or Persian cucumbers are lightly salted to release their natural water, then tossed in a tangy-sweet dressing made with rice vinegar, soy sauce, sugar, and nutty sesame oil. Toasted sesame seeds and thinly sliced green onions add a delightful crunch and pop of flavor, while a pinch of optional red chili flakes brings a subtle kick for spice lovers. Ready in just 10 minutes, this no-cook dish is as easy to prepare as it is delicious. Serve it chilled for a cooling appetizer or pair it with your favorite Japanese-inspired main courses for an elegant, healthy addition to your meal. Perfect for busy weeknights or dinner parties, this cucumber salad is a quick and versatile recipe that highlights its fresh, simple ingredients.

Nutriscore Rating: 76/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:0 mins

Total Time:10 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 pcs cucumber (English or Persian)
• 0.5 tsp salt
• 3 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 1 tbsp sesame seeds (toasted)
• 1 stalk green onion (sliced thinly)
• 0.25 tsp red chili flakes (optional)

Directions

Step 1

Wash the cucumbers thoroughly and slice them into thin rounds, approximately 1/8-inch thick. You can peel the cucumbers partially or fully if desired.

Step 2

Place the cucumber slices in a bowl and sprinkle with salt. Toss gently to coat and let them sit for 10 minutes to release excess water.

Step 3

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

Step 4

After 10 minutes, drain the cucumbers and gently pat them dry with a paper towel to remove any remaining moisture.

Step 5

In a mixing bowl, combine the cucumbers with the dressing. Add the sliced green onions, sesame seeds, and red chili flakes, if using. Toss gently to coat all the ingredients evenly.

Step 6

Transfer to a serving dish and garnish with additional sesame seeds or green onion slices, if desired.

Step 7

Serve immediately or let the salad chill in the refrigerator for 15 minutes to enhance the flavors before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	714.4 grams (714.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	343

Total Fat 20.40g	26%
Saturated Fat 2.80g	14%
Polyunsaturated Fat 5.90g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 1772mg	77%
Total Carbohydrate 38.30g	14%
Dietary Fiber 4.20g	15%
Total Sugars 23.30g
Protein 8.00g	16%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 168mg	13%
Iron 3mg	17%
Potassium 999mg	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: 49.8%

Protein: 8.7%

Carbs: 41.5%