How to Make Healthy Japanese Cucumber Salad

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Hey foodies! 🌿 Looking for a light, refreshing salad with a burst of flavor? This Healthy Japanese Cucumber Salad is the perfect option. With crisp cucumbers, tangy rice vinegar, and a hint of sesame, it’s a quick, nutritious, and absolutely delicious side dish. Let’s dive into how to make this Japanese-inspired salad!

Ingredients You’ll Need:

• 2 large cucumbers 🥒 (sliced thin)
• 1 tablespoon salt 🧂
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar 🍚
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce 🍜
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil 🌱
• 1 teaspoon honey 🍯
• 1 teaspoon sesame seeds 🍥
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of spice) 🌶️
• 1/4 cup thinly sliced green onions 🌿

Instructions:

Step 1: Slice the Cucumbers

Start by slicing the cucumbers thinly. You can use a sharp knife or a mandoline slicer to get even, thin slices. The thinness of the cucumber slices helps absorb the flavors from the dressing, making each bite crisp and flavorful.

Step 2: Salt the Cucumbers

Place the cucumber slices in a bowl and sprinkle with the tablespoon of salt. Gently toss them to coat evenly. The salt will help draw out excess water from the cucumbers, making them even more crisp. Let them sit for 15-20 minutes, then gently squeeze out any excess water with your hands or a clean kitchen towel.

Step 3: Make the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together the rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, and honey. This dressing is light, tangy, and slightly sweet, with a perfect balance of savory flavors. Add red pepper flakes if you like a little heat to your salad.

Step 4: Combine the Salad

After draining the cucumbers, add them to a large bowl. Pour the dressing over the cucumbers and toss gently to coat the slices evenly. Sprinkle the sesame seeds and sliced green onions on top, and give everything a final toss.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

The salad is ready to be served! This Japanese Cucumber Salad is best enjoyed immediately, but you can also store it in the fridge for a few hours to let the flavors meld together even more. It’s a perfect side dish for grilled meats, sushi, or even as a light, refreshing snack.

Why I Love This Japanese Cucumber Salad:

This salad is the perfect blend of lightness, freshness, and savory flavors. The cucumbers are crisp and cool, the dressing is tangy and a little sweet, and the sesame seeds add a lovely crunch. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make and packed with nutrients!

Amazon Affiliate Links for Your Ingredients & Tools:

• Cucumbers: Find fresh cucumbers here
• Rice Vinegar: Shop for high-quality rice vinegar
• Sesame Oil: Get the best sesame oil here
• Soy Sauce: Buy premium soy sauce
• Sesame Seeds: Shop for toasted sesame seeds

Final Thoughts:

This Healthy Japanese Cucumber Salad is perfect for when you need something light, refreshing, and full of flavor. It’s quick to make and pairs wonderfully with a variety of dishes, making it a must-try for anyone who loves fresh, simple salads. Enjoy it as a side or snack, and feel the refreshing crunch with every bite! 🥒🍴