Sesame Ginger Cucumber Salad

$- 2 large cucumbers, thinly sliced - 1/4 cup sesame oil - 2 tablespoons fresh ginger, grated - 3 tablespoons rice vinegar - 1 tablespoon soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free) - 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup - 1/4 cup sesame seeds, toasted - 2 green onions, finely chopped - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish (optional) You can swap honey for agave syrup if needed. Use lime juice instead of rice vinegar for a zesty twist. If you want more crunch, add sliced bell peppers or radishes. For an extra kick, include a pinch of red pepper flakes. You can also garnish with chopped peanuts for added texture. This salad is low in calories yet full of flavor. Each serving contains about 120 calories. It has healthy fats from sesame oil and is rich in fiber from cucumbers. The ginger adds health benefits, like aiding digestion. You can enjoy this salad guilt-free while getting your daily veggies in a fun way. {{ingredient_image_1}} First, take two large cucumbers. Slice them thinly. You can use a sharp knife or a mandoline. Place the slices in a big mixing bowl. This step is key for a nice crunch in your salad. In another bowl, mix the dressing. Start with 1/4 cup of sesame oil. Add 2 tablespoons of fresh, grated ginger. Then, pour in 3 tablespoons of rice vinegar. Don’t forget 1 tablespoon of soy sauce or tamari. Add 1 tablespoon of honey or maple syrup for sweetness. Whisk it all together until smooth. Now, pour the dressing over the cucumbers. Toss them gently until all slices are coated. Next, add in 1/4 cup of toasted sesame seeds and 2 chopped green onions. Fold them into the cucumber mix. Season it with salt and pepper to taste. If you want it sweeter or tangier, adjust honey or vinegar. Let the salad sit for 10-15 minutes. This helps the flavors mix well. Enjoy your vibrant salad! To make the dressing pop, use fresh ginger. Grate it finely so it mixes well. The sesame oil gives a rich flavor. Be sure to whisk it well with rice vinegar and soy sauce. This mix brings a nice balance of sweet and tangy. If you want it sweeter, add more honey or maple syrup. For a tangier taste, just include more rice vinegar. Adjust the dressing to your liking for the best result. For extra crunch, use toasted sesame seeds. They add a nutty flavor and delightful texture. You can also add sliced radishes for a peppery kick. If you want more greens, toss in some shredded carrots. This salad is all about layers of flavor and texture. Mixing different veggies helps keep every bite exciting. Serve this salad in a clear glass bowl. This way, the bright greens and seeds shine. Before serving, sprinkle more sesame seeds on top. It gives a nice look and a bit more crunch. Don’t forget to garnish with fresh cilantro. It can brighten the dish and add fresh flavor. Enjoy your colorful, tasty salad that looks as good as it tastes! Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh cucumbers and ginger to enhance the flavor of your salad. Fresh ingredients will make a noticeable difference in taste. Adjust to Your Taste: Feel free to tweak the sweetness or tanginess of the dressing to match your preference. Add more honey or vinegar as needed for a personalized flavor. Let It Marinate: Allowing the salad to sit for at least 10-15 minutes before serving helps the flavors meld together beautifully, resulting in a more delicious dish. Presentation Matters: Serve the salad in a clear bowl to showcase its vibrant colors, and consider garnishing with extra cilantro or sesame seeds for visual appeal. {{image_2}} You can easily make this salad your own. Here are some fun ideas: - Add protein: Toss in cooked shrimp or grilled chicken for a heartier meal. - Include nuts: Chopped peanuts or almonds add crunch and flavor. - Incorporate other veggies: Try bell peppers, carrots, or radishes for more color. - Spice it up: Add some sliced jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat. While the sesame ginger dressing is tasty, you can switch it up. Here are a few options: - Peanut dressing: Mix peanut butter, lime juice, and a touch of soy sauce. - Miso dressing: Use miso paste, rice vinegar, and sesame oil for a unique twist. - Citrus vinaigrette: Combine orange juice, honey, and olive oil for a fresh flavor. You can change ingredients based on the season. This keeps your salad fresh and exciting: - Summer: Add fresh tomatoes or corn for a juicy touch. - Fall: Try adding roasted butternut squash for warmth and sweetness. - Winter: Include sliced radishes or citrus fruits for brightness on dull days. Feel free to explore these variations to suit your taste! Store any leftover sesame ginger cucumber salad in an airtight container. Keep it in the fridge. The salad stays fresh for about two days. The cucumbers may lose some crunch over time. To keep the salad fresh, it's best to store the dressing separately. Mix the dressing with the cucumbers just before serving. This helps maintain the texture and taste. If you notice excess moisture, drain it before serving. I do not recommend freezing this salad. The cucumbers will become mushy when thawed. If you want to enjoy it later, prepare the dressing and store it in the freezer. You can use it with fresh cucumbers when you are ready to eat. Yes, you can make this salad ahead of time. Prepare it up to an hour before serving. The flavors get better as they mix. Just store it in the fridge until you are ready to serve. If you plan to store it longer, wait to add the sesame seeds. They stay crunchy this way. To make this salad gluten-free, use tamari instead of soy sauce. Tamari is a great substitute that keeps the flavor. It works well with this dish and is safe for those with gluten issues. Check all your other ingredients too. Some rice vinegars may have gluten, so read the labels. This salad pairs well with many dishes. Try it with grilled chicken or fish for a light meal. It also goes great with rice or noodle dishes. For a full meal, serve it with spring rolls or a veggie stir-fry. The fresh taste of the salad complements these flavors nicely. This post covered the key steps to make a tasty Sesame Ginger Cucumber Salad. You learned about the ingredients, preparation, and even storage tips. Customizing with different dressings and toppings can elevate your salad. Remember to store leftovers properly to keep them fresh. With these insights, you can enjoy a delicious salad any time you want. Happy cooking!$

Sesame Ginger Cucumber Salad

A refreshing salad featuring thinly sliced cucumbers tossed in a flavorful sesame ginger dressing.

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Prep Time 15

Total Time 30

Course Appetizer

Cuisine Asian

Servings 4

Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients

2 large cucumbers, thinly sliced
0.25 cup sesame oil
2 tablespoons fresh ginger, grated
3 tablespoons rice vinegar
1 tablespoon soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
0.25 cup sesame seeds, toasted
2 green onions finely chopped
to taste salt and pepper
optional fresh cilantro leaves for garnish

Instructions

Begin by slicing the cucumbers thinly using a mandoline or sharp knife. Place them in a large mixing bowl.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the sesame oil, grated ginger, rice vinegar, soy sauce, and honey (or maple syrup) until well combined.
Pour the dressing over the sliced cucumbers and toss gently to coat all the slices evenly.
Add the toasted sesame seeds and chopped green onions to the cucumber mixture, gently folding them in to distribute throughout.
Season with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the sweetness or tanginess of the salad by adding more honey/maple syrup or rice vinegar if desired.
Let the salad sit for at least 10-15 minutes at room temperature or refrigerate for up to an hour to allow the flavors to meld together.
Before serving, give the salad another gentle toss and garnish with fresh cilantro leaves, if using.

Notes

Serve in a clear glass bowl to showcase the vibrant colors.

Keyword cucumber, ginger, salad, sesame