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- 4 medium cucumbers, thinly sliced - 1 carrot, peeled and julienned - 1/4 red bell pepper, thinly sliced - 2 green onions, finely chopped - 1/4 cup rice vinegar - 2 tablespoons soy sauce - 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup - 2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil - 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, finely grated - 1 clove garlic, minced - Salt and freshly cracked pepper to taste - 1/4 cup sesame seeds, lightly toasted I love the crunch of fresh cucumbers in this salad. Start with four medium cucumbers. Thinly slice them. You want them to be crisp and refreshing. Next, grab a carrot. Peel it and cut it into thin strips, called julienned. This adds color and crunch. For a pop of flavor, use a quarter of a red bell pepper. Slice it thinly too. Finally, chop two green onions. The green parts add a nice, mild onion taste. Now, let’s make the dressing. In a small bowl, mix rice vinegar and soy sauce. This gives a tangy base. Add honey or maple syrup for a hint of sweetness. Next, pour in toasted sesame oil for a nutty flavor. Don't forget about the fresh ginger! Grate a teaspoon of it and add to the mix. Lastly, mince one clove of garlic. This will add depth to your dressing. Season the dressing with salt and freshly cracked pepper. Taste it. Adjust as needed. To finish, sprinkle toasted sesame seeds over the salad before serving. They add a nice crunch and look great. Enjoy this fresh and colorful Asian Sesame Cucumber Salad! - Combine cucumbers, carrot, bell pepper, and green onions in a bowl. - Toss gently to mix ingredients evenly. First, take those fresh cucumbers and slice them thin. I love using medium cucumbers for this salad. They add a crisp bite. Next, peel and julienne the carrot. The bright orange color adds a nice touch. Then, slice the red bell pepper thinly. Finally, chop the green onions finely. When you toss all these veggies together, it creates a colorful mix. - Whisk rice vinegar, soy sauce, honey (or maple syrup), toasted sesame oil, ginger, and garlic in a bowl. For the dressing, you need to whisk together several tasty ingredients. Start with rice vinegar for a tangy kick. Add soy sauce for that savory depth. If you want sweetness, include honey or maple syrup. Next, pour in toasted sesame oil. It brings a nutty flavor that ties everything together. Grate fresh ginger and mince garlic to add a zing. Whisk until everything blends well. This dressing is simple but packed with flavor. - Pour the dressing over the vegetable mixture. - Toss gently to coat without crushing the cucumbers. Now comes the fun part. Pour the dressing over the vegetable mix. Use a spatula to toss gently. Make sure each piece gets coated nicely. Be careful not to crush those cucumbers. We want them to stay crunchy and fresh. - Add toasted sesame seeds and mix gently. - Season with salt and pepper to taste. - Cover and let marinate in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes. To finish the salad, sprinkle in the toasted sesame seeds. They add a delightful crunch. Give it a gentle mix to distribute them evenly. Now, season with salt and freshly cracked pepper to your liking. Once seasoned, cover the salad and let it chill in the fridge. Letting it marinate for 15 to 20 minutes allows the flavors to blend beautifully. You'll love how the salad tastes after it rests! You want your salad to look as good as it tastes. Serve it in a glass bowl or in cute individual dishes. This makes it more fun to eat. Garnish with extra sesame seeds and sliced green onions. This adds color and makes the dish pop. Letting the salad sit for a bit makes the flavor better. Cover it tightly to keep it fresh. I recommend at least 15-20 minutes in the fridge. This gives the cucumbers time to soak up the tasty dressing. Get your ingredients ready before you start. This makes assembly quick and easy. Use a mandoline to slice the cucumbers evenly. This ensures each bite is crunchy and fresh. {{image_4}} You can easily make this salad heartier by adding protein. Grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu works great. Each option brings a different flavor and texture. If you like a chewier bite, go for grilled chicken. Shrimp adds a sweet touch, while tofu is a fantastic plant-based choice. Feel free to switch up the veggies in your salad. Radishes add a spicy kick, while bell pepper gives a sweet crunch. Shredded cabbage can also add volume and a nice crunch. Mixing in different vegetables keeps the salad fresh and exciting. You can adjust the flavor to suit your taste. For a gluten-free option, replace soy sauce with tamari. It has a similar taste but is safe for those avoiding gluten. You can also experiment with vinegars. Try rice vinegar, apple cider vinegar, or even lime juice for a unique twist. Each vinegar brings its own flavor profile, making your salad truly your own. To keep your Asian sesame cucumber salad fresh, store it in an airtight container in the fridge. This helps preserve the crunchiness and flavor of the cucumbers and other veggies. For the best taste, enjoy the salad within 2-3 days. This time frame ensures you savor the vibrant flavors and crisp texture. After this period, the cucumbers may become mushy. You can prepare the veggies and dressing separately for longer storage. This way, you can mix them just before serving. It keeps the salad fresh and crunchy, ready to impress at any meal. Yes, English or Persian cucumbers work well too. They taste fresh and add crunch. Both types have thin skins and fewer seeds. This makes them perfect for salads. I love using them for a nice twist! Yes, if maple syrup is used instead of honey, it's vegan-friendly. This simple swap makes it suitable for everyone. Maple syrup gives a nice sweetness that blends well with the dressing. Consider adding nuts like peanuts or almonds for added texture. They bring a delightful crunch to the salad. You can also try adding crispy fried onions. This can enhance the flavor and give different textures. For detailed instructions on how to make it, refer to the Full Recipe section. You will find all the steps to create this tasty salad. Enjoy making it! This salad combines fresh veggies and a tasty dressing. You learned how to prepare, dress, and serve it. Letting it marinate boosts flavors. Feel free to customize it with proteins or other vegetables. Store any leftovers tightly to keep them fresh. Enjoy this vibrant dish over the next few days for the best taste! Simple, healthy, and fun to make. You now have all you need to create a delicious meal.

Asian Sesame Cucumber Salad

Discover the refreshing Crunchy Asian Sesame Cucumber Salad that's perfect for any gathering! This vibrant dish combines thinly sliced cucumbers, carrots, and bell peppers with a flavorful sesame dressing, delivering a delightful crunch in every bite. With easy preparation and minimal ingredients, this salad is not just delicious but also a feast for the eyes.
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Ingredients
  

4 medium cucumbers, thinly sliced

1 carrot, peeled and julienned

1/4 red bell pepper, thinly sliced

2 green onions, finely chopped

1/4 cup sesame seeds, lightly toasted

1/4 cup rice vinegar

2 tablespoons soy sauce

1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup

2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil

1 teaspoon fresh ginger, finely grated

1 clove garlic, minced

Salt and freshly cracked pepper to taste

Instructions
 

Prepare the Vegetables: In a large mixing bowl, combine the thinly sliced cucumbers, julienned carrot, red bell pepper, and finely chopped green onions. Toss gently to mix the ingredients evenly.

    Make the Dressing: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the rice vinegar, soy sauce, honey (or maple syrup), toasted sesame oil, grated ginger, and minced garlic. Mix until all the ingredients are well combined and the dressing is smooth.

      Dress the Salad: Pour the delicious dressing over the prepared cucumber mixture. Using a spatula, toss gently to ensure that all the vegetables are evenly coated with the dressing. Be careful not to crush the cucumbers.

        Add Sesame Seeds: Sprinkle the toasted sesame seeds over the salad and mix gently once more to distribute the seeds without breaking them.

          Season to Taste: Taste the salad and season with salt and freshly cracked pepper according to your preference.

            Marinate: Cover the salad with plastic wrap or a lid and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 15-20 minutes. This resting time allows the flavors to meld beautifully while keeping the cucumbers delightfully crunchy.

              Prep Time: 15 min | Total Time: 35 min | Servings: 4

                - Presentation Tips: To make the presentation pop, serve the salad in a large glass bowl or in individual serving dishes. Garnish each serving with a sprinkle of additional sesame seeds and a few slices of green onion on top. For an extra touch of color and texture, consider placing the salad on a bed of mixed greens or serve alongside crispy wonton strips. Enjoy your vibrant and refreshing Crunchy Asian Sesame Cucumber Salad!