Cool Oriental Cucumber Salad Recipe
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 6
Calories per Serving: 99.5 kcal
Description:
This Cool Oriental Cucumber Salad is a refreshing and light dish with a delicate balance of Asian-inspired flavors. Combining crunchy cucumbers, pickled ginger, and creamy avocado, itโs perfect for a side dish or even as a light lunch. The recipe draws from many sources and brings together a harmonious blend of ingredients. You can easily adjust the acidity by using stronger vinegar if desired. Enjoy the crisp texture of cucumbers and the slight sweetness of the dressing, all topped off with a sprinkling of sesame seeds or peanuts.
Ingredients and Nutritional Information
| Ingredient | Quantity | Calories | Fat (g) | Carbs (g) | Protein (g) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Soy sauce | 2 tbsp | 18 | 0 | 1.8 | 2 |
| Pickled ginger | 1 tbsp | 2 | 0 | 0.4 | 0 |
| Sugar | 1/2 tsp | 8 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
| Garlic, minced | 1 clove | 4.5 | 0 | 1 | 0.2 |
| English cucumbers, peeled | 1/4 large (approx 75g) | 11 | 0 | 2.8 | 0.5 |
| Red onion, thinly sliced | 1 small (approx 70g) | 28 | 0 | 6.6 | 0.8 |
| Avocado, peeled and sliced | 1/2 medium | 120 | 11 | 6 | 1.5 |
| Sesame seeds | 1 tbsp | 52 | 4.5 | 2 | 1.6 |
| Peanuts, crushed (optional) | 2 tbsp | 166 | 14 | 6 | 7 |
- Total Calories per Serving: 99.5 kcal
- Fat: 6.9g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 340.3mg
- Carbohydrates: 9.2g
- Fiber: 3.3g
- Sugars: 3.1g
- Protein: 2.6g
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Dressing:
In a small container or jar, combine the soy sauce, pickled ginger, sugar, and minced garlic. Shake or stir well until the sugar is fully dissolved and all ingredients are well blended. Set aside. -
Refrigerate for Flavor:
Place the prepared dressing in the refrigerator for at least 1-2 hours to allow the flavors to meld together. This step helps develop a more robust and harmonious taste. -
Soak the Onion:
While the dressing is chilling, slice the red onion very thinly and place the slices into a bowl of ice water. Let the onion soak for about 30 minutes. This helps to reduce its sharpness and gives it a milder, crisper texture. -
Prepare the Cucumbers:
Peel the English cucumbers and slice them into thin rounds. Once done, place the cucumber slices in a large mixing bowl. -
Dry the Onion:
After soaking the onions, drain them from the ice water and pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This prevents them from watering down the dressing later. -
Toss the Cucumbers with Dressing:
Pour the chilled dressing over the cucumber slices in the bowl. Toss the cucumbers gently to ensure they are evenly coated with the flavorful dressing. -
Prepare the Avocado:
Peel and slice the avocado into thin slices or cubes, depending on your preference. Avocados add a rich, creamy texture to balance the crunch of the cucumbers and onions. -
Arrange the Salad:
For a more elegant presentation, you can arrange the cucumber slices, onion, and avocado slices individually on a serving plate. You can also choose to mix them together for a more casual serving style. -
Drizzle the Remaining Dressing:
If you prefer, drizzle the remaining dressing over the onion and avocado to ensure each component of the salad has a bit of the delicious dressing flavor. -
Add the Final Touches:
Sprinkle the salad with sesame seeds or crushed peanuts. Both options add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor to complement the freshness of the cucumbers and the richness of the avocado.
Tips for Success:
- Adjust the Acidity: If you prefer a stronger or tangier dressing, consider adding a bit more vinegar, or use rice vinegar for a lighter, sweeter flavor.
- Chill Before Serving: For a truly refreshing experience, chill the entire salad for an additional 30 minutes before serving.
- Variations: You can add other vegetables like carrots or bell peppers for more color and texture. A touch of fresh cilantro also adds a nice herbal note.
Keywords:
Asian, Cucumber Salad, Avocado, < 30 Mins
This recipe offers a delightful combination of flavors and textures that are perfect for a light meal or a side dish to your main course. The crunchy cucumbers, the mild sweetness of the pickled ginger, and the creamy avocado all come together in harmony with the sesame seeds or peanuts for that final satisfying crunch. Whether you’re serving it at a summer barbecue, a picnic, or simply enjoying it as a refreshing side, this Cool Oriental Cucumber Salad will be a hit!
