This refreshing Japanese cucumber salad is quick and easy to make! With crispy cucumbers, a tasty dressing, and a hint of sesame, it’s perfect as a side dish or a light snack.
Honestly, who knew salad could be so crunchy and fun? I can eat a whole bowl by myself! Toss it in a little soy sauce and sesame seeds, and it’s a deliciously healthy treat.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cucumbers: Japanese cucumbers are preferred for their thinner skin and sweeter taste, but English cucumbers work well, too. If you need a quicker option, any regular cucumber can do. Just peel if the skin is thick.
Rice Vinegar: This gives the salad its signature tang. If you don’t have it, white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar can be decent substitutes, but adjust the quantity to taste.
Sugar/Honey: Adding a bit of sugar or honey balances the vinegar’s acidity. If you want a sugar-free option, try stevia or just omit it for a sharper taste.
Sesame Oil: This oil adds a nutty flavor. If you don’t have it, you can use olive oil or sunflower oil, though the taste will be different. Toasted sesame seeds are a must for crunch!
How Do You Properly Salting and Squeeze Cucumbers?
Salting cucumbers is a key step to ensure they don’t become watery in the salad. Here’s how:
- Slice cucumbers and place them in a colander. Sprinkle with salt and toss gently.
- Let them sit for about 10 minutes. This process will draw out moisture and keep your salad crispy.
- Afterward, gently squeeze the cucumbers to remove excess liquid before moving them to your mixing bowl. This ensures the dressing clings perfectly without getting soggy.
Taking this extra step will make your salad much more enjoyable and refreshing!
Easy Healthy Japanese Cucumber Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 2 Japanese cucumbers (or 2 English cucumbers), sliced into thin rounds
- 1 teaspoon salt
For the Dressing:
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon sugar or honey (optional for a touch of sweetness)
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1 clove garlic, minced (optional)
For Garnish:
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll spend about 10 minutes preparing the ingredients and making the salad. Plus, let it chill in the fridge for about 15 minutes to let those flavors blend together nicely. Altogether, the total time is about 25 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Cucumbers:
Place the sliced cucumbers in a colander and sprinkle with salt. Gently toss them to make sure the salt covers all of the slices. Let these sit for about 10 minutes. This will draw out extra moisture, keeping your salad crisp and fresh!
2. Squeeze and Combine:
After the cucumbers have rested, gently squeeze them to remove any excess liquid. Transfer the cucumbers into a mixing bowl, ready for the dressing!
3. Make the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, and sugar (if you’re using it). Add the red pepper flakes and minced garlic, mixing well to combine.
4. Dress the Salad:
Pour the dressing over the cucumbers and toss everything together until the cucumbers are well coated in that delicious mixture.
5. Garnish and Chill:
Sprinkle the toasted sesame seeds over the top and give it a light toss again. Now, cover the salad and place it in the refrigerator to chill for at least 15 minutes. Chilling enhances the flavors!
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Once it’s nice and chilled, serve your refreshing Japanese cucumber salad cold. It makes a great side dish or a light snack. Enjoy!
There you have it—a quick, healthy, and delicious cucumber salad that’s sure to please!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Regular Cucumbers Instead of Japanese or English Cucumbers?
Yes, you can! Regular cucumbers will work in this recipe, but make sure to peel them if the skin is thick and bitter. The crunchiness may differ slightly, but they will still be delicious!
How Long Can I Store Leftover Salad?
You can store leftover cucumber salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. However, the cucumbers will start to lose their crunch. If you want to keep it crispy, try to finish it within a day!
Can I Make This Salad Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the salad and dressing a few hours in advance. Just keep them separate until you’re ready to serve, then combine them to maintain the cucumbers’ crispiness.
What Can I Substitute for Rice Vinegar?
If you don’t have rice vinegar, you can use apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar as substitutes. Just adjust the amount to taste, as these vinegars can be more acidic!
