Bright, crisp, and ready in minutes, this Japanese Cucumber Salad is a refreshing side that brightens any meal. Light rice vinegar and sesame oil give refreshing umami without weighing things down, and it pairs beautifully with grilled proteins or simple rice bowls for quick weeknight dinners. Try a creamy variation for extra richness like this creamy cucumber salad for a new twist.
Why You’ll Love This Japanese Cucumber Salad
- Bright, tangy flavor with toasted sesame aroma
- Ready in about 20 minutes—perfect for quick meals
- Great for meal prep and keeps well as a chilled side
- Family-friendly and easy to adjust for spice or sweetness
- Light, low-calorie option that pairs with many mains
Ingredients Needed
- Veggies
- 2 large cucumbers
- Sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- Seasoning
- 1 tablespoon salt
- Toppings (optional)
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds
- Chopped green onions
For a heartier, street-food inspired version try the street corn creamy cucumber chicken salad as inspiration.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Slice the cucumbers thinly and place them in a bowl; sprinkle 1 tablespoon salt over the slices and let sit about 15 minutes to draw out moisture.
- While cucumbers sit, whisk rice vinegar, soy sauce, sugar, and sesame oil in a small bowl until sugar dissolves.
- Rinse the cucumbers under cold water, then drain and gently squeeze out excess water.
- Add the cucumber slices to the dressing and toss thoroughly to coat each slice.
- Sprinkle sesame seeds on top and garnish with chopped green onions if desired.
- Chill for 10–15 minutes or serve at room temperature.
Serving Suggestions Japanese Cucumber Salad
- Serve alongside grilled salmon or teriyaki chicken for a balanced meal.
- Spoon over steamed rice bowls for a crisp contrast.
- Top with crushed peanuts or furikake for extra texture.
- Pair with cold noodles or chilled tofu for a light lunch.
- Bring as a refreshing side to picnics or potlucks.
Tips for Success Japanese Cucumber Salad
- Salt the cucumbers to remove excess water; this keeps the dressing from getting diluted.
- Pat cucumbers dry to maintain crisp texture.
- Adjust sugar and soy to taste for sweeter or saltier notes.
- Toast sesame seeds briefly for deeper flavor.
- For a protein pairing, serve with Amazing 15-minute apple walnut chicken salad to make it a full meal.
Variations
- Make it spicy: add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of chili oil.
- Add vegetables: thinly sliced radish or shredded carrot brightens color and crunch.
- Add protein: toss in shredded rotisserie chicken or chilled shrimp for a simple main.
- Make a creamy version: fold in a little mayonnaise or plain yogurt for richness.
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Japanese Cucumber Salad
This bright and crisp Japanese Cucumber Salad is a refreshing side dish, featuring light rice vinegar and sesame oil. Ready in about 20 minutes, it's perfect for quick meals.
Ingredients
Veggies
- 2 large large cucumbers Sliced thinly
Sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
Seasoning
- 1 tablespoon salt For drawing moisture out of cucumbers
Toppings (optional)
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds For garnishing
- Chopped green onions For garnishing
Instructions
Preparation
- Slice the cucumbers thinly and place them in a bowl; sprinkle 1 tablespoon salt over the slices and let sit for about 15 minutes to draw out moisture.
- While cucumbers sit, whisk rice vinegar, soy sauce, sugar, and sesame oil in a small bowl until sugar dissolves.
- Rinse the cucumbers under cold water, then drain and gently squeeze out excess water.
- Add the cucumber slices to the dressing and toss thoroughly to coat each slice.
- Sprinkle sesame seeds on top and garnish with chopped green onions if desired.
- Chill for 10-15 minutes or serve at room temperature.
Notes
Salt the cucumbers to remove excess water; this keeps the dressing from getting diluted. Pat cucumbers dry to maintain crisp texture. Adjust sugar and soy to taste for sweeter or saltier notes. Toast sesame seeds briefly for deeper flavor.