Fresh Japanese Cucumber Salad Recipe Easy Homemade Rice Vinegar Dressing
A crisp and refreshing Japanese cucumber salad with a tangy homemade rice vinegar dressing, perfect as a light side or quick lunch.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Cuisine: Japanese
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 medium Japanese cucumbers (or English cucumbers as a substitute)
- 3 tablespoons rice vinegar (seasoned or plain)
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
- Optional: 2 tablespoons thinly sliced red onion
- Optional: a pinch of chili flakes
Instructions
- Wash and slice the cucumbers thinly into rounds about 1/8 inch (3 mm) thick using a sharp knife or mandoline.
- Place the sliced cucumbers in a mixing bowl and sprinkle ½ teaspoon of salt over them. Toss gently and let sit for 10 minutes to draw out excess moisture.
- While cucumbers rest, whisk together 3 tablespoons rice vinegar, 1 tablespoon granulated sugar, and 1 teaspoon sesame oil in a small bowl or jar until sugar dissolves completely. Add chili flakes if desired.
- After 10 minutes, gently squeeze a handful of cucumber slices to remove excess water.
- Pour the dressing over the cucumbers and toss gently to coat evenly. Add thinly sliced red onion if using and mix.
- Sprinkle 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds over the salad and toss gently once more.
- Cover and refrigerate the salad for at least 15 minutes before serving to let flavors meld.
Notes
Salting cucumbers and letting them rest draws out excess water to keep the salad crisp. Squeeze cucumbers before adding dressing to avoid sogginess. Toast sesame seeds for enhanced flavor. Chill salad before serving for best taste. Optional additions include red onion, chili flakes, fresh herbs like shiso or cilantro, and spicy jalapeño or chili oil for heat.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About ½ cup per serv
- Calories: 50
- Sugar: 3
- Sodium: 230
- Fat: 3
- Saturated Fat: 0.4
- Carbohydrates: 5
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 1
Keywords: Japanese cucumber salad, rice vinegar dressing, easy cucumber salad, healthy salad, gluten-free salad, vegan salad, quick side dish