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Fresh Cold Cucumber Salad Recipe with Rice Vinegar and Sesame Oil

fresh cold cucumber salad - featured image

A quick and refreshing cold cucumber salad featuring rice vinegar and toasted sesame oil, perfect for warm weather and easy to prepare in under 15 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 medium English cucumbers
  • 3 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 clove garlic, minced (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Wash and dry the cucumbers thoroughly. Slice them thinly, about ⅛ inch (3 mm) thick. Use a mandoline slicer if available for uniform slices.
  2. Place the sliced cucumbers in a mixing bowl and sprinkle with ½ teaspoon of salt. Toss gently to coat evenly. Let sit for 10 minutes to draw out excess moisture.
  3. While cucumbers rest, whisk together 3 tablespoons rice vinegar, 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil, 1 teaspoon sugar, and minced garlic in a small bowl until sugar dissolves.
  4. After 10 minutes, drain off the excess liquid from the cucumbers carefully.
  5. Pour the dressing over the cucumbers and toss gently to coat all slices. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes if desired.
  6. Chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes to let flavors meld, or serve immediately.
  7. Just before serving, sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and toss gently.

Notes

Salt the cucumbers and let them sit for 10 minutes to draw out moisture and keep the salad crisp. Toast sesame seeds over low heat, stirring constantly to avoid burning. Dress cucumbers just before serving to maintain crunch. Use a mandoline slicer for uniform thin slices.

Nutrition

Keywords: cucumber salad, rice vinegar, sesame oil, cold salad, quick salad, summer salad, easy side dish, refreshing salad