Our Cucumber Salad is a light, crisp, and flavorful summer side dish. Thin cucumber slices are tossed in a bright soy-ginger dressing and finished with green onions and toasted sesame seeds. It’s dairy-free, incredibly simple, and takes about 10 minutes to prepare.
Best Cucumber Salad Recipe
This version swaps the usual creamy dressing for an Asian-inspired soy-ginger vinaigrette. The dressing is light but full of umami, and it pairs perfectly with crisp cucumbers. A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds and fresh green onions adds texture and brightness.
The salad is a great accompaniment to grilled or pan-seared proteins and works well with pork chops, beef with garlic sauce, a caprese sandwich, or chicken stir fry. It’s also an easy recipe to scale up for a potluck or summer barbecue.
What’s in Our Cucumber Salad?
Low-sodium soy sauce: The base of the dressing. For gluten-free or soy-free alternatives, use tamari or coconut aminos.
Sesame oil: Adds a toasty sesame note and helps bind the dressing.
Granulated sugar: Balances the savory and acidic components; substitute honey or agave if preferred.
Rice wine vinegar: Provides mild acidity and a slightly sweet tang.
Garlic and ginger paste: Convenient for quick mixing; finely minced fresh garlic and ginger work equally well.
English cucumbers: Ideal for salads because they are seedless with thin skins. Persian cucumbers can be used—peel and remove seeds if their skin is waxy.
Green onions and toasted sesame seeds: Optional but recommended garnishes that add color and crunch.
Tips
Salt the cucumbers: Sprinkle sliced cucumbers with a little salt and let them rest on paper towels for 5–10 minutes before dressing. This draws out excess moisture and helps the cucumbers stay crisp.
Add dressing just before serving: To preserve crunch, dress the salad shortly before eating rather than letting it sit fully dressed for long periods.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
How do you keep cucumber salad from getting soggy?
Salt the cucumbers and let them sit for 5–10 minutes to draw out moisture, then pat dry. Add the dressing right before serving to keep the slices crisp.
Are cucumbers peeled for salad?
English cucumbers have thin skins and can be left unpeeled. If using Persian or standard garden cucumbers with thicker, waxy skin, peel them for a better texture.
How do you cut cucumbers for salad?
Use a sharp knife or a mandoline for thin, even slices. A mandoline delivers uniform thickness, while a knife lets you vary shapes and thicknesses as desired.
What else can you add to a soy-ginger cucumber salad?
Popular additions include thinly sliced red onion, red pepper flakes, fresh dill, roasted chickpeas, a squeeze of lemon, crumbled feta, or halved cherry tomatoes.
How long does cucumber salad last?
Stored in an airtight container, the salad will keep 2–3 days, but the cucumbers will soften once dressed. For best texture, serve immediately or dress only the portion you plan to eat right away.
More Side Dish Recipes to Try
Ham and Cheese Stuffed Zucchini
Broccoli Salad
Cheesy Crumb Tomatoes
Herb Rice
Cucumber Salad Recipe
What You’ll Need
- ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons rice wine vinegar
- 2 teaspoons garlic paste (or finely minced garlic)
- 1 teaspoon ginger paste (or finely minced ginger)
- 2 English cucumbers, sliced about ¼-inch thick
- ½ cup green onions, chopped
- Toasted sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
How to Make It
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, sesame oil, sugar, rice wine vinegar, garlic paste, and ginger paste.
- Place the sliced cucumbers in a large bowl. Pour the dressing over the cucumbers, add the green onions, and toss gently to combine.
- Serve immediately, topped with toasted sesame seeds if desired.
Suggested Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Sharp knife or mandoline (for slicing)
Notes
- Calories listed are approximate and based on the ingredients in the recipe card for a 1-cup serving; actual values may vary.
- The total volume of salad will vary between 4 and 5 cups depending on cucumber size.