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Asian Cucumber Salad Recipe

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4.1 from 7 reviews

A crisp and refreshing Asian Cucumber Salad featuring thinly sliced cucumbers tossed with a flavorful dressing made of rice wine vinegar, honey, toasted sesame oil, and soy sauce, garnished with fresh cilantro, diced chili pepper, and toasted sesame seeds. This quick, healthy dish is perfect as a light side or appetizer.

Ingredients

Salad Ingredients

  • 1 large cucumber
  • 1 tablespoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, torn
  • 1/2 of a small chili pepper, seeds removed and diced
  • 1/2 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds, plus more for garnish

Dressing Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons rice wine vinegar
  • 2 teaspoons honey
  • 2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce

Instructions

  1. Slice the cucumbers. Thinly slice the cucumbers using a sharp knife or a mandolin to ensure even, crisp slices.
  2. Salt and drain the cucumbers. Sprinkle the cucumber slices with salt and let them sit for about 5 minutes to draw out excess moisture. Afterward, blot them dry with a paper towel to remove the released water.
  3. Combine salad ingredients in a bowl. Place the salted cucumber slices, torn fresh cilantro, diced chili pepper, and toasted sesame seeds into a medium-sized mixing bowl.
  4. Prepare the dressing. In a small bowl, whisk together the rice wine vinegar, honey, toasted sesame oil, and soy sauce until the honey dissolves and the dressing is well combined.
  5. Toss the salad with dressing. Pour the dressing over the cucumber mixture and toss gently to evenly coat all ingredients.
  6. Adjust seasoning and serve. Taste the salad and add more salt if needed. Garnish with additional toasted sesame seeds if desired, then serve immediately for the crispest texture.

Notes

  • For a spicier salad, add more chili pepper or keep some seeds for extra heat.
  • Using a mandolin for slicing cucumbers ensures uniform thickness and crispness.
  • If time allows, refrigerate the salad for 10-15 minutes before serving to enhance flavors.
  • To make this gluten free, use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari.

Find it online: https://lauracooks.com/asian-cucumber-salad-recipe-2/