This refreshing cucumber Asian salad is a light and vibrant dish that combines the crunch of fresh cucumbers with a flavorful dressing. Perfect as a side dish or a light lunch, it’s easy to prepare and packed with flavor.
The recipe features a blend of cucumbers, carrots, and a tangy sesame dressing, making it a delightful addition to any meal. You can customize it by adding ingredients like bell peppers or edamame for extra texture.
Vibrant Ingredients for a Refreshing Salad
The cucumber Asian salad shines with its simple yet vibrant ingredients. At the heart of this dish are thinly sliced cucumbers, which provide a crisp texture and refreshing flavor. Paired with julienned carrots, this salad not only looks appealing but also offers a delightful crunch with every bite.
Freshness is key, so selecting the best cucumbers and carrots is essential. Look for firm cucumbers with a bright green skin and vibrant orange carrots. These ingredients are not just visually appealing; they also contribute to the overall health benefits of the salad.
Flavorful Sesame Soy Dressing
The magic of this cucumber Asian salad lies in its dressing. A blend of rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, sugar, and grated ginger creates a harmonious balance of tangy and savory flavors. This dressing brings the salad to life, enhancing the natural taste of the vegetables.
Whisking these ingredients together in a small bowl allows for a quick and easy preparation. The sesame oil adds a nutty aroma, while the ginger provides a subtle warmth, making each bite a flavorful experience.
Preparation Steps Made Easy
Preparing this salad is a breeze, taking only about 15 minutes from start to finish. Begin by slicing the cucumbers and julienning or grating the carrots. The uniformity in size ensures that every bite is consistent, making it easier to enjoy the flavors together.
Once the vegetables are ready, toss them in a large bowl with the prepared dressing. This step is crucial, as it allows the flavors to meld beautifully, ensuring that every piece of cucumber and carrot is coated in the delicious dressing.
Garnishing for Visual Appeal
To elevate the presentation of your cucumber Asian salad, garnishing is key. A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds adds a delightful crunch, while chopped green onions introduce a pop of color and an extra layer of flavor.
These garnishes not only enhance the visual appeal but also contribute to the overall taste experience. The toasted sesame seeds provide a nutty flavor that complements the dressing, while the green onions add a fresh, crisp bite.
Serving Suggestions and Enjoyment
This salad is incredibly versatile and can be served as a side dish or a light lunch. It pairs wonderfully with grilled meats or can be enjoyed on its own for a refreshing meal. For those looking to add more texture, consider incorporating bell peppers or edamame.
For the best flavor, serve the salad immediately after preparation, or let it chill in the refrigerator for 15-30 minutes. This resting time allows the flavors to deepen, making each bite even more enjoyable.
Health Benefits of Cucumber Asian Salad
This cucumber Asian salad is not only delicious but also packed with health benefits. Cucumbers are low in calories and high in water content, making them a great choice for hydration. Carrots are rich in vitamins and antioxidants, contributing to overall health.
The dressing, while flavorful, is also light, allowing you to enjoy the salad without feeling heavy. With only about 80 calories per serving, this salad is a guilt-free addition to any meal.
Easy Cucumber Asian Salad Recipe
This cucumber Asian salad is made with thinly sliced cucumbers and carrots, tossed in a sesame soy dressing. The recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and serves 4 people.
Ingredients
- 2 large cucumbers, thinly sliced
- 1 large carrot, julienned or grated
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds, toasted
- Chopped green onions for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Vegetables: Thinly slice the cucumbers and julienne or grate the carrot.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, sugar, and grated ginger until well combined.
- Combine: In a large bowl, toss the sliced cucumbers and carrots with the dressing until evenly coated.
- Garnish: Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds and chopped green onions on top before serving.
- Serve: Enjoy the salad immediately or refrigerate for 15-30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Servings: 4 servings
- Calories: 80kcal
- Fat: 5g
- Protein: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 8g