Fresh Asian Cucumber Sesame Salad Recipe: A Zingy Side Dish

Summer sizzles with this vibrant Asian cucumber sesame salad that bursts with refreshing crunch and tangy notes.

Cool cucumbers dance with nutty sesame seeds, creating a symphony of textures and flavors.

Each bite delivers a crisp, zesty experience that awakens your palate.

sesame oil and rice vinegar weave their magic through crisp vegetable slices.

Light, bright, and impossibly simple to assemble, this salad becomes an instant crowd-pleaser at any gathering.

Perfectly balanced and delightfully cool, it stands as a stellar side dish that complements grilled meats or serves as a standalone refreshment.

One taste, and you’ll understand why this salad is a summer sensation waiting to be savored.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 25 minutes

Cook Time: 0 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Calories: 80 kcal

Servings: 5

Asian Cucumber Sesame Salad Ingredient Essentials

• Seedless Cucumbers: Provides a refreshing, hydrating base with a delightful crunch, best when firm and bright green.
• Carrots: Adds vibrant color and sweet, earthy undertones, choose smooth, deeply colored carrots for maximum flavor.
• Sweet Pepper: Brings a mild, sweet complexity and beautiful color contrast, select peppers without blemishes or soft spots.
• Green Onion: Delivers a mild, sharp bite and fresh aroma, use only green tops for low FODMAP diets.
• Cilantro: Introduces a bright, herbaceous note that elevates the entire salad's freshness.

• Kosher Salt: Balances and intensifies the salad's natural flavors, helps draw out moisture from vegetables.
• Sesame Seeds: Provides nutty crunch and visual appeal, mix white and black seeds for interesting texture.

• Rice Vinegar: Creates tangy brightness and helps balance the dressing's overall flavor profile.
• Lime Juice: Adds zesty citrus punch and helps tenderize vegetables.
• Coconut Aminos/Soy Sauce: Contributes deep umami and salty complexity, choose gluten-free options if needed.
• Maple Syrup: Brings subtle sweetness and helps round out the dressing's sharp edges.
• Ginger: Introduces warm, spicy undertones with a zingy kick.
• Sesame Oil: Delivers rich, toasty essence that defines the salad's Asian-inspired character.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Provides optional heat and subtle warmth, adjust according to spice preference.

Tools for Asian Cucumber Sesame Salad

• Spiralizer or Julienne Peeler: Essential for creating cucumber and carrot noodles with ease.
• Colander: Perfect for draining excess moisture from cucumbers.
• Large Mixing Bowl: Ideal for combining all salad ingredients and tossing with dressing.
• Whisk: Great for blending dressing ingredients smoothly.
• Chef's Knife: Necessary for chopping sweet pepper and green onions.
• Paper Towels or Clean Dish Towel: Helps remove moisture from cucumbers.
• Measuring Spoons: Useful for accurately portioning salt and dressing ingredients.
• Cutting Board: Provides a stable surface for chopping vegetables.

Asian Cucumber Sesame Salad Prep Guide

• Cucumber Preparation

Grab fresh cucumbers and transform them into delicate spirals or thin strips using a spiralizer or julienne peeler. Sprinkle salt and let them rest to release extra moisture.

• Veggie Companions

While cucumbers drain, create colorful companions by shredding carrots and chopping sweet peppers into vibrant pieces.

• Zesty Dressing Magic

Whip up a tangy sesame-infused dressing that will dance with the fresh vegetables, blending rich flavors and aromatic notes.

• Moisture Removal

Gently pat cucumbers dry to ensure a crisp, refreshing texture that won’t dilute the spectacular dressing.

• Salad Symphony

Combine spiralized cucumbers, shredded carrots, and peppers in a beautiful bowl. Drizzle with the prepared dressing, creating a harmonious blend of textures and tastes.

• Finishing Touches

Sprinkle sliced green onions, sesame seeds, and fresh cilantro on top. Serve immediately to capture the salad’s peak freshness and vibrant flavors.

Flavor Changes for Asian Cucumber Sesame Salad

• Cucumber Crunch Secrets: Maximize Flavor and Texture
• Salt Sweating Technique: Drawing out excess moisture prevents a watery salad, ensuring crisp and concentrated cucumber flavor. Pat cucumbers thoroughly to achieve the perfect crunch.
• Dressing Dynamics: Adjust the dressing's intensity by adding more rice vinegar for tanginess or sesame oil for deeper nutty undertones. Experiment with ratios to match your taste preferences.
• Protein Power-Up: Transform this light salad into a complete meal by adding grilled chicken, tofu, or shrimp. These protein additions create a more substantial and satisfying dish.
• Seasonal Swap-Ins: Replace sweet peppers with cucumber alternatives like radishes, daikon, or thinly sliced jicama during different seasons. Each vegetable brings a unique texture and subtle flavor profile.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare vegetables and dressing separately, storing them in airtight containers. Combine just before serving to maintain maximum freshness and prevent soggy ingredients.

How to Serve Asian Cucumber Sesame Salad

• Fresh Flavor Fusion: Pair this vibrant cucumber salad with grilled teriyaki chicken for a protein-packed meal that balances the cool, crisp vegetables with warm, savory meat.
• Summer Lunch Delight: Serve alongside cold soba noodles or as a refreshing side to sushi rolls, creating a light and satisfying Asian-inspired lunch that's perfect for warm days.
• Picnic Perfect Companion: Pack this salad in mason jars for an easy portable meal at outdoor gatherings, keeping the ingredients crisp and dressing separate until ready to enjoy.
• Veggie Bowl Booster: Transform the salad into a complete meal by adding quinoa or brown rice, topping with grilled shrimp or crispy tofu for extra substance and protein.

Asian Cucumber Sesame Salad Storage Tips

• Smart Storage Solutions: Keep leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Moisture control is key to maintaining crisp vegetable texture.
• Quick Meal Prep Hack: Prepare dressing and chop vegetables separately ahead of time. Store components individually to keep ingredients fresh and prevent soggy salad.
• Freezing Strategy: Not recommended for this salad. Cucumbers and peppers lose crunchiness when frozen, compromising the recipe's delightful texture and flavor profile.
• Serving Temperature Tip: Enjoy chilled or at cool room temperature. Remove from refrigerator 10-15 minutes before serving to let flavors fully develop and ingredients reach optimal taste.

Zesty Asian Cucumber Sesame Salad

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4.5 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Crisp cucumber slices shine in this Asian cucumber sesame salad, blending tangy rice vinegar with nutty sesame notes. Refreshing ingredients come together quickly, offering a light side dish you’ll want to serve alongside grilled meats or as a cool summer starter.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 large seedless cucumbers
• 2 large carrots
• 1 sweet pepper, chopped
• 1 green onion, sliced (green part only for low FODMAP)
• 1 tbsp sesame seeds, white or black
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tbsp freshly squeezed lime juice (about ½ lime)
• 1 tbsp coconut aminos (for paleo) or gluten-free soy sauce/tamari
• 1 tbsp maple syrup (can substitute with honey or sugar)
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• 1 tsp grated ginger
• 1 pinch red pepper flakes
• Additional salt to taste
• 2 tbsps cilantro, chopped

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Instructions

1. Preparing Vegetables: Use a spiralizer or julienne tool to transform cucumbers into delicate spirals, sprinkling salt to extract excess moisture. Simultaneously, spiralize carrots into elegant ribbons and finely chop sweet peppers.
2. Moisture Extraction: Allow cucumber noodles to rest in a colander for 5-7 minutes, then thoroughly pat dry with clean kitchen towels to ensure a crisp, fresh texture.
3. Dressing Creation: Whisk together sesame, vinegar, and seasoning components in a mixing vessel, crafting a vibrant and harmonious flavor profile.
4. Combining Elements: Consolidate cucumber noodles, carrot ribbons, and sweet pepper fragments in a spacious mixing bowl, gently cascading the prepared dressing to ensure even coating.
5. Final Presentation: Garnish with thinly sliced green onions, toasted sesame seeds, and fresh cilantro leaves. Serve immediately to preserve the salad’s crisp texture and maximize its aromatic complexity, presenting a refreshing Asian-inspired culinary experience.

Notes

• Moisture Management: Salt cucumber noodles and drain thoroughly to prevent watery salad and maintain crisp texture.
• Prep Efficiency: Spiralize vegetables simultaneously to save time and create elegant, uniform presentation.
• Dressing Technique: Whisk ingredients vigorously to emulsify flavors and ensure smooth, even coating on vegetables.
• Serving Strategy: Plate and garnish immediately to preserve freshness and maximize sensory experience with vibrant colors and textures.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Blending
• Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 80
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 300mg
• Fat: 4g
• Saturated Fat: 0.5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3.5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 11g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 0mg