Description
A refreshing and flavorful cucumber salad tossed in a vibrant dressing of sesame oil, soy sauce, honey, garlic, ginger, and lime juice, garnished with toasted sesame seeds and fresh cilantro. Perfect as a light side dish or appetizer that combines crisp textures with bold Asian-inspired flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 1 cucumber, sliced into thin rounds or half-moons
For the Dressing
- 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
- Honey, to taste (approximately 1 teaspoon)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon lime juice
Toppings
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Begin by preparing all your ingredients and setting them aside for easy access during the cooking process.
- Slice Cucumbers: Take the cucumber and slice it into thin rounds or half-moons, depending on your preference.
- Set Cucumbers Aside: Place the sliced cucumbers in a bowl and set them aside.
- Make Dressing Base: In a separate small mixing bowl, add 1/2 teaspoon of sesame oil.
- Add Soy Sauce: Next, add 1 tablespoon of soy sauce to the bowl with sesame oil.
- Add Garlic: Mince 1 clove of garlic finely and add it to the bowl with sesame oil and soy sauce.
- Add Honey: Add a small drizzle of honey to the mixture in the bowl, adjusting the amount to taste.
- Add Ginger: Grate 1 teaspoon of ginger and add it to the mixture of sesame oil, soy sauce, garlic, and honey.
- Season Dressing: Add 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper to the mixture and stir it well to combine all the ingredients.
- Dress Cucumbers: Pour the mixture over the sliced cucumbers, ensuring they are evenly coated.
- Toss Cucumbers: Toss the cucumbers gently to ensure all the slices are coated with the sauce.
- Add Toasted Sesame Seeds: Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of toasted sesame seeds over the cucumber mixture.
- Add Regular Sesame Seeds: Add another tablespoon of regular sesame seeds on top for added texture and flavor.
- Add Fresh Cilantro: Finely chop 1 tablespoon of fresh cilantro and sprinkle it over the cucumber mixture.
- Toss Again: Toss everything gently again to distribute the cilantro evenly.
- Add Lime Juice: Finish by squeezing 1 teaspoon of lime juice over the entire dish, adding a fresh burst of flavor.
- Final Toss: Give the cucumbers one final gentle toss to ensure all the ingredients are well mixed.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the cucumbers and adjust seasoning if necessary, adding more soy sauce, lime juice, or honey as desired.
- Serve or Chill: Serve immediately or refrigerate for a short while if you prefer it chilled.
Notes
- This salad is best served fresh but can be chilled for up to 2 hours for a cooler, more refreshing bite.
- You can substitute honey with agave syrup or maple syrup for a vegan-friendly option.
- For extra crunch, add thinly sliced radishes or chopped peanuts as a garnish.
- If you prefer less sodium, reduce the soy sauce amount or use low-sodium soy sauce.
