Description
A refreshing, no-cook appetizer featuring crisp cucumbers tossed in a tangy sesame dressing. This gluten-free and vegan-friendly salad is perfect as a palate cleanser for heavy meals.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 large English cucumbers (about 600g), sliced into thin half-moons
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt
- 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds
- 1/4 cup (60ml) unseasoned rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons (30ml) low-sodium soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tablespoon (12g) white sugar
- 1 tablespoon (15ml) toasted sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon red chili flakes
- 2 stalks scallions, thinly sliced (optional)
Instructions
- Slice the cucumbers diagonally into thin half-moons (about 1/4-inch thick) and place them in a large bowl.
- Sprinkle the kosher salt evenly over the cucumbers and toss gently to coat. Let them sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes to draw out excess water.
- Drain the cucumbers in a colander and rinse briefly under cold water to remove excess salt. Shake off excess water and gently press with paper towels if extra crunch is desired.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the rice vinegar, soy sauce, sugar, toasted sesame oil, minced garlic, and red chili flakes until the sugar is dissolved.
- Return the drained cucumbers to the large bowl and pour the dressing over them. Add the toasted sesame seeds and sliced scallions (if using).
- Toss gently to coat the cucumbers evenly. Refrigerate for at least 10 minutes (or up to 2 hours) to allow flavors to meld before serving cold.
Notes
Do not skip the salting step; it is crucial for removing water and ensuring crunch. Use unseasoned rice vinegar for better control over sweetness and saltiness. If using regular cucumbers, peel and scoop out seeds to prevent watery salad. This salad improves in flavor after chilling for 1-2 hours.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of the recipe
- Calories: 45
- Sugar: 4
- Sodium: 280
- Fat: 2
- Carbohydrates: 6
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 1
Keywords: cucumber salad, sesame dressing, Asian appetizer, gluten-free, vegan, no-cook, healthy side dish, summer salad, palate cleanser