Craving a refreshing, lightning-fast dish that'll transport your taste buds to Asian culinary paradise? Look no further than this Cold Sesame Cucumber Noodle Salad - the ultimate summer cooldown that's about to become your new obsession! Imagine spiralized cucumber noodles dancing with a bold, nutty sesame dressing that packs more flavor punch than you'd ever expect from a 15-minute recipe. Whether you're a health enthusiast, a quick-meal lover, or just someone who wants to impress dinner guests with minimal effort, this salad is your secret weapon.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 15 mins
Cuisine: Asian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- Cucumbers
- Sesame oil
- Soy sauce
- Rice vinegar
- Garlic
- Sesame seeds
- Green onions
- Red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Begin by preparing the cucumbers. Rinse them under cold water and pat them dry with a clean towel. Using a spiralizer or a julienne peeler, create noodle-like strands from the cucumbers. If you do not have either tool, you can simply slice the cucumbers into thin strips.
- Once the cucumbers are cut into noodles, place them in a large mixing bowl. Sprinkle a pinch of salt over the cucumbers and let them sit for about 5 minutes. This will help draw out excess moisture from the cucumbers, ensuring your salad remains crisp.
- While the cucumbers are resting, prepare the dressing. In a small bowl, combine 3 tablespoons of sesame oil, 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, and 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar. Mince 1-2 cloves of garlic and add them to the dressing mixture. Whisk everything together until well combined.
- After the cucumbers have released some moisture, gently squeeze them to remove any excess liquid. This step is crucial to prevent the salad from becoming watery.
- Pour the dressing over the cucumber noodles in the mixing bowl. Toss gently to ensure that all the cucumber strands are evenly coated with the dressing.
- Next, add 1-2 tablespoons of sesame seeds to the salad for added texture and flavor. If you enjoy a bit of heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes to taste. Toss the salad again to incorporate these ingredients.
- Finally, chop a few green onions and sprinkle them over the top of the salad for a fresh, vibrant garnish. You can also save some for serving if desired.
- Transfer the Cold Sesame Cucumber Noodle Salad to a serving dish or individual bowls. This dish can be served immediately, but it also tastes great after chilling in the refrigerator for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Enjoy your refreshing Cold Sesame Cucumber Noodle Salad as a light appetizer or a side dish with your favorite Asian-inspired meal!
Tips
- For the crispiest cucumber noodles, remove excess moisture by salting and gently squeezing them before dressing.
- Use a spiralizer or julienne peeler for perfect noodle-like cucumber strands. If you don't have these tools, careful knife skills work too!
- Toast your sesame seeds beforehand for an extra nutty flavor boost.
- This salad tastes even better after chilling for 10-15 minutes, allowing flavors to meld.
- Feel free to add protein like grilled chicken or tofu to make it a complete meal.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to control the heat level according to your preference.
- Fresh ingredients are key - use the freshest cucumbers and garlic you can find for maximum flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 120kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
