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Easy Crunchy Sesame Cucumber Salad with Rice Vinegar

crunchy sesame cucumber salad - featured image
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This refreshing cucumber salad is ready in 10 minutes and features a tangy-sweet rice vinegar dressing with nutty sesame oil. It’s the perfect side dish for barbecues, potlucks, or a quick weekday lunch.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 large or 3 medium cucumbers (English or Persian preferred)
  • 3 tablespoons rice vinegar (unseasoned)
  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar (or honey/maple syrup)
  • 2 tablespoons toasted white sesame seeds
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt (plus more for salting)
  • Optional: thinly sliced red onion, shredded carrots, chopped cilantro, red pepper flakes

Instructions

  1. Wash and slice the cucumbers into thin rounds (about 1/8-inch thick). For English cucumbers, leave the skin on; for regular cucumbers, peel and remove seeds.
  2. Place sliced cucumbers in a colander set over a bowl. Sprinkle with 1 teaspoon kosher salt and toss gently. Let rest for 15-20 minutes to draw out excess moisture.
  3. Rinse cucumbers thoroughly under cold water to remove salt. Pat dry with a clean towel or paper towels.
  4. In a small bowl, whisk together rice vinegar, sesame oil, soy sauce, and sugar until sugar dissolves.
  5. Place dried cucumber slices in a mixing bowl. Pour dressing over and toss to coat. Add sesame seeds and toss again.
  6. Transfer to a storage container or serving bowl. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 24 hours) before serving.

Notes

Don’t skip the salting step—it’s crucial for keeping cucumbers crunchy. For best flavor, make the salad 4-24 hours ahead. Toast sesame seeds in a dry pan for 2-3 minutes for extra nuttiness. Adjust sugar to taste.

Nutrition

Keywords: cucumber salad, sesame cucumber, rice vinegar salad, easy side dish, crunchy cucumber, Asian salad, vegan, gluten-free

Find it online: https://bakebeam.com/easy-crunchy-sesame-cucumber-salad-with-rice-vinegar/