Cucumber Salad with Savory Dressing

Name: Cucumber Salad with Savory Dressing
Total time: 15 min
Ingredients: 2 medium (about 1 pound) cucumbers; 2, finely minced garlic cloves; 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 tablespoon rice vinegar; 1 teaspoon sesame oil; 1/2 teaspoon sugar; 1/2 teaspoon salt; to taste optional: chili oil; for garnish optional: toasted sesame seeds

A crisp, refreshing cold appetizer featuring tender cucumber strips tossed in a balanced savory and tangy sauce. This classic Chinese dish comes together in minutes and makes a perfect side for any meal.

15 min

Easy

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Story

This simple salad showcases the natural crunch of cucumber paired with a flavorful dressing. The key is slicing the cucumber thin enough to absorb the sauce while retaining its satisfying bite. Serve immediately for the best texture, or let it marinate briefly for deeper flavor.

Ingredients

cucumbers 2 medium (about 1 pound)

garlic cloves 2, finely minced

soy sauce 2 tablespoons

rice vinegar 1 tablespoon

sesame oil 1 teaspoon

sugar 1/2 teaspoon

salt 1/2 teaspoon

optional: chili oil to taste

optional: toasted sesame seeds for garnish

Instructions

Prepare the cucumbers

Wash the cucumbers well. Cut off the ends, then slice lengthwise into thin strips or quarter them lengthwise and cut into bite-sized pieces. If the cucumbers are thick-skinned, you can peel them partially for a more tender bite.

Make the dressing

In a large mixing bowl, combine the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, sugar, and salt. Whisk until the sugar and salt dissolve. Add the minced garlic and stir to combine.

Combine and serve

Add the cucumber pieces to the dressing. Toss gently but thoroughly to coat each piece evenly. Let the salad rest for 2-3 minutes so the cucumbers can absorb the flavors. Drizzle with chili oil if desired and sprinkle with sesame seeds before serving.