Cucumber Salad with Sesame Dressing

Light, Refreshing & Ready in 10 Minutes!

Looking for a fresh, vibrant side dish that’s packed with flavor but easy on your time? This Asian-Inspired Cucumber Salad with Sesame Garlic Dressing is your answer. Featuring crisp cucumber ribbons tossed in a luscious blend of toasted sesame oil, garlic, and tangy rice vinegar, this salad is a vegan, low-calorie winner. It’s no-cook, minimal prep, and perfect for weeknights, picnics, or as a refreshing companion to any Asian-inspired meal.

Why You’ll Love This Sesame Cucumber Salad

• Super quick: Just 10 minutes from start to finish

• No cooking required: Toss and serve — no stove needed

• Vegan and healthy: Made from clean ingredients, no animal products or additives

• Flavor-packed: Nutty sesame oil, pungent garlic, and a bright acidic punch

• Low calorie: Perfect for light lunches or side dishes

• Pinterest favorite: Visually stunning with cucumber ribbons and sesame seeds

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 3 large English cucumbers (or Kirby cucumbers)

• 2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil

• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar

• 1 clove garlic, minced or grated

• 1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce or tamari (gluten-free option)

• 1 teaspoon maple syrup or agave (optional, for a subtle sweetness)

• 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds

• 2 scallions, thinly sliced

• Pinch of red chili flakes (optional for a slight heat)

• Fresh cilantro or mint leaves (optional garnish)

Step-by-Step Recipe Instructions

H2 Prepare the Cucumbers

• Wash cucumbers thoroughly.

• Using a vegetable peeler or mandoline, slice cucumbers into thin ribbons lengthwise. If you prefer, you can also slice them into thin rounds.

• Place cucumber ribbons in a large mixing bowl.

H2 Make the Sesame Garlic Dressing

• In a small bowl, whisk together toasted sesame oil, rice vinegar, soy sauce, minced garlic, and maple syrup (if using) until well combined.

H2 Toss and Serve

• Pour the dressing over the cucumber ribbons.

• Toss gently to coat all cucumbers evenly.

• Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds, scallions, and red chili flakes if you want a little kick.

• Garnish with fresh cilantro or mint if desired.

• Serve immediately or refrigerate for 15-30 minutes to enhance the flavors.

Tips for Perfect Asian Cucumber Salad

H3 Use Fresh Cucumbers

Choose firm, fresh cucumbers for maximum crunch. English cucumbers are ideal because of their thin skin and fewer seeds.

H3 Toast Your Sesame Seeds

Lightly toast sesame seeds in a dry pan over medium heat for 2-3 minutes to unlock their nuttiness and aroma.

H3 Adjust the Tanginess

If you prefer a sharper tang, add a splash more rice vinegar. For a milder taste, reduce vinegar slightly or add a teaspoon of water.

H3 Garlic Freshness

Grate garlic finely or mince it to distribute flavor evenly without overwhelming bites.

H3 Spice it Up

Add chili flakes or a dash of Sriracha for a spicy version of this salad.

Flavor Variations to Try

• Peanut twist: Add 2 tablespoons of creamy peanut butter to the dressing for a richer, Thai-inspired salad.

• Ginger kick: Mix in 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger for extra zing.

• Miso boost: Whisk 1 teaspoon white miso paste into the dressing for a savory umami lift.

• Crunch upgrade: Toss in chopped roasted peanuts or cashews for texture contrast.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: ~70

• Fat: 5g (mostly healthy fats from sesame oil)

• Carbohydrates: 5g

• Fiber: 1g

• Protein: 1g

• Sodium: ~250mg (can be reduced by using low-sodium soy sauce)

This salad is nutrient-dense, hydrating, and offers beneficial fats and antioxidants from sesame oil and seeds.

Serving Suggestions

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I make this cucumber salad ahead of time?

A: Yes! It tastes best fresh or within 24 hours stored in an airtight container in the fridge. The cucumbers will soften over time but remain delicious.

Q: Is this salad gluten-free?

A: Use tamari instead of soy sauce to make it gluten-free.

Q: Can I substitute sesame oil?

A: Toasted sesame oil provides essential flavor. Light olive oil or avocado oil can be used, but it won’t have the same nutty depth.

Q: How do I keep the cucumbers crisp?

A: Slice cucumbers just before serving, and don’t marinate for too long. Drain excess liquid if it accumulates.

Q: Is this recipe suitable for keto?

A: Yes! It’s low in carbs and sugars, especially if you omit the optional maple syrup.

Troubleshooting Tips

How to Store Leftovers

Keep leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Stir before serving and drain any liquid released. Best enjoyed fresh to retain crunch.

Ingredient Shopping Checklist

• English or Kirby cucumbers

• Toasted sesame oil

• Rice vinegar

• Garlic

• Low-sodium soy sauce or tamari

• Maple syrup or agave (optional)

• Toasted sesame seeds

• Scallions

• Red chili flakes (optional)

• Fresh cilantro or mint (optional)

Final Thoughts

This Asian-Inspired Cucumber Salad with Sesame Garlic Dressing is a delightful, fuss-free side dish that elevates any meal with its perfect balance of nutty, tangy, and fresh flavors. It’s ideal for anyone looking for a healthy, vegan, and low-calorie option that’s quick to prepare and visually stunning — no cooking or complicated prep needed!

Make this salad your staple for warm-weather meals, light lunches, or to add an easy burst of flavor to your dinner table. It’s truly a Pinterest-worthy recipe that’s sure to become a fast favorite!