Zesty Shake Cucumber Salad (Printable Version)

Crisp cucumber slices in a tangy soy-sesame dressing with a spicy kick and fresh herbs.

# What You'll Need:

→ Vegetables

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

→ Dressing

03 - 3 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce
04 - 1 1/2 tablespoons rice vinegar
05 - 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
06 - 1 1/2 teaspoons sugar or honey
07 - 1 garlic clove, finely grated
08 - 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
09 - 1/2 to 1 teaspoon chili flakes, adjusted to taste

→ Garnish

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

# Directions:

01 - Wash and dry the cucumbers. Slice each lengthwise in half, then cut into 1/4-inch thick half-moon pieces.
02 - Place cucumber slices and scallions into a large resealable bag or container with a tight-fitting lid.
03 - In a small bowl, whisk soy sauce, rice vinegar, toasted sesame oil, sugar, grated garlic, grated ginger, and chili flakes until the sugar dissolves.
04 - Pour the dressing over the cucumber and scallions. Seal the container and shake vigorously for 30 seconds to coat evenly.
05 - Refrigerate for at least 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld before serving.
06 - Transfer to a serving bowl and sprinkle with sesame seeds and cilantro if desired.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It comes together in 10 minutes flat, which means you can make it the morning of a picnic and still have time for everything else.
  • The shake-in-a-bag method is genuinely fun and somehow makes the cucumbers taste fresher, crunchier, more alive.
  • It's the kind of side dish that disappears first at potlucks, even when there are fancier things on the table.
02 -
  • Don't skip the drying step after washing the cucumbers—water clinging to them will dilute the dressing and make everything taste bland.
  • The difference between slicing them into half-moons instead of rounds is that the curved pieces actually hold the dressing better and eat more tender.
  • If you're making this ahead for a party, dress the cucumbers right before serving, not hours before, or they'll get soft and weep liquid.
03 -
  • If your cucumbers are watery varieties, let them sit in the dressing for less time so they stay crisp instead of getting soft and soggy.
  • Toast your own sesame seeds in a dry pan for 30 seconds right before sprinkling them on—it wakes up the flavor and makes them taste nuttier.
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