Zesty Shake Cucumber Salad (Printable)

Crunchy cucumbers dressed in tangy soy-sesame sauce with a hint of heat. Perfect fresh side or snack.

# 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 - 1½ tablespoons rice vinegar
05 - 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
06 - 1½ teaspoons sugar or honey
07 - 1 garlic clove, finely grated
08 - 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
09 - ½ to 1 teaspoon chili flakes, adjusted to taste

→ Garnish

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

# Step-by-step Directions:

01 - Wash and dry cucumbers. Halve lengthwise, then slice into ¼-inch thick half-moons.
02 - Place cucumber slices and scallions into a large resealable bag or container with a tight-fitting lid.
03 - Whisk soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, sugar, garlic, ginger, and chili flakes in a small bowl until sugar dissolves.
04 - Pour dressing over cucumbers and scallions, seal container, and shake vigorously for 30 seconds to coat evenly.
05 - Refrigerate for at least 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
06 - Transfer to a serving bowl and sprinkle with sesame seeds and cilantro before serving.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It takes exactly ten minutes and somehow tastes like you actually tried.
  • The dressing is tangy and savory in a way that makes plain cucumbers feel fancy.
  • You can shake it in a bag like you're creating magic, which is deeply satisfying.
02 -
  • Don't skip the grating step for garlic and ginger—they blend into the dressing smoothly and won't leave chunks.
  • If you make this more than a few hours ahead, the cucumbers will start to soften, so timing matters for that perfect crunch.
03 -
  • Cut all your cucumbers to the same thickness so they absorb the dressing at the same rate and finish at the same time.
  • If you're serving this at a gathering, shake it right before serving rather than ahead of time—the last-minute action keeps everything crisp and wakes up the flavors.
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