Zesty Shake Cucumber Salad (Printer-Friendly)

A crunchy cucumber mix with soy-sesame dressing and hints of chili for a refreshing snack or side.

# What You'll Need:

→ Vegetables

01 - 2 large English cucumbers, ends trimmed
02 - 2 scallions, thinly sliced

→ Dressing

03 - 3 tbsp low sodium soy sauce
04 - 1½ tbsp rice vinegar
05 - 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil
06 - 1½ tsp sugar or honey
07 - 1 garlic clove, finely grated
08 - 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
09 - ½–1 tsp chili flakes, adjusted to taste

→ Garnish

10 - 1 tbsp sesame seeds (white or black)
11 - 1 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)

# How To Make It:

01 - Wash and dry cucumbers, slice each in half lengthwise, then cut into ¼-inch thick half-moon slices.
02 - Place cucumber slices and scallions in a large resealable bag or airtight container.
03 - Whisk soy sauce, rice vinegar, toasted sesame oil, sugar or honey, grated garlic, grated ginger, and chili flakes in a small bowl until sugar dissolves.
04 - Pour dressing over cucumbers and scallions, seal container, and shake vigorously for 30 seconds to coat evenly.
05 - Refrigerate the salad for at least 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
06 - Transfer to a serving bowl and sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped cilantro if desired before serving.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • It comes together in 10 minutes with zero cooking, making it perfect for when you're exhausted but want something fresh.
  • The dressing is so addictive that you'll find yourself making it just to keep in the fridge for weeknight dinners.
  • It stays crisp and flavorful even after sitting in the dressing, unlike most salads that wilt within minutes.
02 -
  • If you skip the drying step after washing, your dressing will dilute and taste watered down—take the extra 30 seconds with a kitchen towel.
  • Toasted sesame oil is potent, so resist the urge to add more than the recipe calls for or it becomes overwhelming and bitter.
03 -
  • Keep the sesame oil bottle in the back of the pantry where it stays cool—it oxidizes and turns bitter when exposed to heat and light, which would be tragic.
  • If you're taking this to a potluck and it needs to travel, pack the dressing separately and toss just before serving so the cucumbers stay maximum crisp.
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