Zesty Shake Cucumber Salad (Printable)

Crunchy cucumbers tossed in a tangy soy-sesame dressing with a touch of heat.

# 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 - 1.5 tablespoons rice vinegar
05 - 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
06 - 1.5 teaspoons sugar or honey
07 - 1 garlic clove, finely grated
08 - 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
09 - 0.5 to 1 teaspoon chili flakes, adjust to taste

→ Garnish

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

# How To Make It:

01 - Wash and dry cucumbers, slice lengthwise, then into ¼-inch thick half-moons.
02 - Place cucumber slices and scallions in a large resealable bag or container with a tight-fitting lid.
03 - In a small bowl, whisk soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, sugar, garlic, ginger, and chili flakes 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 bowl and garnish with sesame seeds and optional cilantro before serving.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • It's ready in 10 minutes but tastes like you've been cooking all morning.
  • The shake method somehow makes the cucumbers taste more alive than any salad I've made by hand.
  • It keeps beautifully in the fridge, getting better as it sits, which means no last-minute panic.
02 -
  • If your cucumbers are chunky or seedy, they'll become mushy faster—English cucumbers are worth hunting for and staying loyal to.
  • The dressing tastes sharp and vinegary on its own, but trust that it softens once it hits the cucumbers and mellows through chilling.
03 -
  • Cut your cucumbers thinner than you think you need to—they soften slightly as they chill, and a thinner slice means better dressing distribution.
  • Toast your sesame seeds lightly in a dry pan before using them; the warmth releases their fragrance and makes the whole salad taste more intentional.
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