Description
Looking for a quick breakfast side, easy dinner companion, or a healthy snack that’s bursting with flavor? This Japanese Cucumber Salad is a refreshing, easy recipe made with crisp cucumbers, a tangy sesame dressing, and a hint of umami. Perfect for light meals, dinner ideas, or fresh food ideas, this salad comes together in minutes and delivers a clean, vibrant taste that pairs beautifully with almost anything.
Ingredients
4 medium Japanese cucumbers
1 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon sugar
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1 teaspoon chili oil
1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
1 clove garlic
Instructions
1. Wash and thinly slice the cucumbers using a knife or mandoline.
2. Place cucumbers in a bowl, sprinkle with salt, and let sit for 10–15 minutes.
3. Rinse lightly under cold water and gently squeeze out excess moisture.
4. In a bowl, whisk together rice vinegar, soy sauce, sugar, and sesame oil until dissolved.
5. Add chili oil, ginger, and garlic to the dressing and mix well.
6. Toss cucumbers with the dressing until evenly coated.
7. Sprinkle sesame seeds and mix lightly.
8. Chill for 15–20 minutes before serving and garnish if desired.
Notes
Use thin slices for best texture and flavor absorption.
Do not skip salting the cucumbers to avoid excess water.
Chill before serving to enhance flavor balance.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-cook
- Cuisine: Japanese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 80
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 1.5g
- Protein: 1.5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg