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Crisp Asian Cucumber Salad with Tangy Rice Vinegar Dressing

crisp asian cucumber salad - featured image
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A refreshing and crunchy Asian cucumber salad featuring a tangy rice vinegar dressing with a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and umami flavors. Quick and easy to prepare, ideal for warm weather and light meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 large English cucumbers, thinly sliced
  • 3 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce (low sodium recommended)
  • 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
  • 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
  • 1 small clove garlic, minced
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, or to taste
  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
  • 1 green onion, thinly sliced

Instructions

  1. Wash and dry the English cucumbers. Slice them thinly, about 1/8 inch (3 mm) thick. Optionally halve the slices lengthwise for varied texture.
  2. Place cucumber slices in a colander, sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon salt, and toss gently. Let sit for 10 minutes to draw out excess water.
  3. Rinse cucumbers quickly with cold water to remove excess salt, then pat dry with paper towels.
  4. In a mixing bowl, whisk together rice vinegar, soy sauce, sugar, toasted sesame oil, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes (if using) until sugar dissolves.
  5. Add drained cucumbers and sliced green onions to the dressing. Toss gently but thoroughly to coat all slices.
  6. Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds over the salad. Cover and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes before serving to let flavors meld.
  7. Before serving, taste and adjust salt or vinegar if needed.

Notes

Salting and draining cucumbers is essential to prevent sogginess. Toast sesame seeds in a dry skillet for 1-2 minutes until golden for best flavor. The salad is best chilled for at least 15 minutes before serving. Variations include swapping soy sauce for tamari for gluten-free, adding fresh herbs like cilantro, or a splash of lime juice instead of rice vinegar. For a spicy kick, increase red pepper flakes or add toasted chili oil.

Nutrition

Keywords: cucumber salad, Asian cucumber salad, rice vinegar dressing, tangy salad, quick salad, summer salad, side dish, gluten-free, vegan

Find it online: https://ariaappetite.com/crisp-asian-cucumber-salad-recipe-easy-tangy-rice-vinegar-dressing-ideas/