Name: Easy 5 Minute Asian Cucumber Salad Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 1 English cucumber (thinly sliced); 2 green onions (sliced); 1 tsp sesame seeds; 2 tsp rice vinegar; 1 tbsp sesame oil; 2 tsp fresh ginger (grated); 1 tsp sea salt

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Introduction

This Easy 5 Minute Asian Cucumber Salad is a refreshing and flavorful side dish. Crisp cucumber slices are dressed in a tangy sesame and ginger dressing, making it perfect for quick meals or as a light appetizer.

A white bowl filled with thinly sliced cucumber layers mixed with green herbs, topped with a scattering of light tan sesame seeds. A bronze spoon rests inside the bowl on the right side. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface, next to a small white dish holding more sesame seeds and a soft pink cloth draped to the left. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 English cucumber (thinly sliced)
2 tsp rice vinegar
1 tbsp sesame oil
2 tsp ginger (grated)
1 tsp sea salt
2 green onions
1 tsp sesame seeds

Instructions

Step 1: Using a mandolin or sharp knife, thinly slice the cucumber and add into a medium bowl.
Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together the rice vinegar, sesame oil, grated ginger, and sea salt to create the dressing. Pour the dressing over the cucumbers and toss to coat evenly.
Step 3: Add the sliced green onions and sesame seeds, then lightly toss the salad one more time to combine.
Step 4: Let the salad marinate in the dressing for 5 minutes to enhance the flavors, then serve.

Tips & Variations

For extra crunch, try adding thinly sliced radishes or shredded carrots.
Use a fresh cucumber for the best crisp texture and flavor.
Adjust the amount of ginger based on how spicy and aromatic you like your salad.
Swap sesame oil for toasted peanut oil for a slightly different nutty taste.

Storage

Store leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The cucumbers may release water over time, so give the salad a quick toss before serving again. This salad is best enjoyed fresh and cold, but can be served at room temperature if preferred.

How to Serve

A bowl of green cucumber salad has thin slices of cucumber layered evenly with bits of green herbs mixed in. Light brown sesame seeds are sprinkled on top, adding texture. The salad is in a white bowl sitting on a white marbled surface. A brass spoon rests inside the bowl on the right side. To the left of the bowl, there is a soft, wrinkled pink cloth, and at the bottom right, a small white bowl holds extra sesame seeds. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular white vinegar instead of rice vinegar?

While white vinegar can be used in a pinch, rice vinegar has a milder, sweeter flavor that complements the salad better. If substituting, use slightly less white vinegar to avoid overpowering the dish.

How do I make the cucumber slices thinner without a mandolin?

If you don’t have a mandolin, use a very sharp knife to slice the cucumber as thinly as possible. Chilling the cucumber beforehand can also help achieve cleaner, thinner slices.