Description
Bright, crisp, and full of flavor, this Japanese Cucumber Salad is the perfect quick side dish for hot days, light lunches, or weeknight dinners. It features crunchy cucumbers tossed in a savory-sweet dressing made with rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, and a touch of sugar. Finished with toasted sesame seeds, fresh herbs, and optional chili slices, this easy recipe fits right into healthy snack plans, quick lunch ideas, or summer dinner ideas. Naturally vegan and gluten-free, it’s ideal for just about any occasion when you need a refreshing food idea that’s done in under 15 minutes.
Ingredients
2 Japanese or Persian cucumbers
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1 teaspoon sugar
1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
1 red chili, thinly sliced (optional)
5–6 fresh mint or shiso leaves
1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
1. Wash and dry the cucumbers, then slice them diagonally or using a rolling cut for more surface area.
2. Sprinkle the cucumber slices with salt and let them sit for 10–15 minutes to draw out excess moisture.
3. Gently squeeze and pat dry the cucumbers to remove the released water.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, and sugar until fully dissolved.
5. Place the drained cucumbers into a bowl and pour the dressing over them. Toss well to coat.
6. Add toasted sesame seeds and toss again.
7. Garnish with sliced red chili and fresh mint or shiso leaves.
8. Chill in the fridge for 10–15 minutes before serving for the best flavor (optional).
Notes
Use Japanese, Persian, or English cucumbers for best crunch and minimal seeds.
Always salt and drain the cucumbers to keep the salad from getting watery.
Toast your sesame seeds just before using for a stronger aroma and flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-cook
- Cuisine: Japanese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 60
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 3.5g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: quick salad, cucumber salad, easy Japanese recipe, vegan side, refreshing summer dish