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Fresh Japanese-Style Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe with Easy Sesame Dressing

Japanese-style creamy cucumber salad - featured image
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A quick and easy Japanese-style creamy cucumber salad with a nutty sesame dressing, perfect for light meals or sides. This refreshing salad balances crisp cucumbers with a rich, creamy, and slightly sweet dressing.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 medium Japanese cucumbers, thinly sliced (or English cucumbers if unavailable)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
  • 3 tablespoons Japanese mayonnaise (such as Kewpie)
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
  • 1 teaspoon sugar or honey
  • Optional: ½ teaspoon grated fresh ginger

Instructions

  1. Rinse and thinly slice 2 medium Japanese cucumbers into rounds about 1/8-inch thick. Place in a medium bowl and sprinkle with 1 teaspoon salt. Toss gently and let sit for 10 minutes to draw out excess moisture.
  2. Drain off the liquid and gently press the cucumber slices with paper towels or a clean kitchen towel to remove remaining moisture.
  3. If using untoasted sesame seeds, toast 1 tablespoon in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently until golden and fragrant.
  4. In a small bowl or jar, combine 3 tablespoons Japanese mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil, and 1 teaspoon sugar or honey. Whisk or shake until smooth and creamy. Add ½ teaspoon grated fresh ginger if desired.
  5. Add the drained cucumbers back into the mixing bowl, pour over the creamy dressing, and toss gently but thoroughly to coat every slice.
  6. Sprinkle the toasted sesame seeds over the top and toss gently again. Serve immediately or chill for 10-15 minutes to let flavors meld.

Notes

Salting cucumbers is essential to remove excess water and keep the salad crisp. Use toasted sesame oil sparingly as it is very potent. Whisk or shake the dressing well to achieve a smooth consistency. Chill the salad before serving to let flavors meld. Variations include adding radishes, carrots, edamame, or fresh herbs like shiso or cilantro. Vegan substitutions include plant-based mayo and tamari instead of soy sauce.

Nutrition

Keywords: cucumber salad, Japanese salad, creamy cucumber salad, sesame dressing, quick salad, easy side dish, healthy salad

Find it online: https://sagestirs.com/fresh-japanese-style-creamy-cucumber-salad-recipe-with-easy-sesame-dressing/