Zesty Shake Cucumber Salad (Printable)

A refreshing cucumber dish with soy-sesame dressing and a touch of heat, perfect for a light side.

# 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 1/2 tablespoons rice vinegar
05 - 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
06 - 1 1/2 teaspoons sugar or honey
07 - 1 garlic clove, finely grated
08 - 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
09 - 1/2 to 1 teaspoon chili flakes, adjusted to taste

→ Garnish

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

# Directions:

01 - Wash and dry cucumbers. Slice lengthwise, then cut into 1/4-inch thick half-moon shapes.
02 - Place cucumber slices and sliced scallions into a large resealable bag or airtight container.
03 - Whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, toasted sesame oil, sugar, grated garlic, grated ginger, and chili flakes in a small bowl until sugar dissolves.
04 - Pour dressing over vegetables, seal the bag or container, and shake vigorously for 30 seconds to coat evenly.
05 - Refrigerate for a minimum of 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
06 - Transfer salad to a serving bowl, then sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped cilantro if desired.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • It's ready in 10 minutes but tastes like you spent way more time on it.
  • The shake-in-a-bag method means minimal dishes and maximum flavor.
  • One batch keeps in the fridge for days, getting tangier and more delicious as it sits.
02 -
  • Don't skip drying the cucumbers after washing—extra moisture will water down your dressing and make the whole thing flat.
  • The salad actually tastes better the next day as the cucumbers soften and the flavors marry together, so make it ahead without guilt.
03 -
  • Store the salad and dressing separately if you're making it more than a few hours ahead, then toss together just before serving to preserve maximum crunch.
  • Toast your sesame seeds in a dry pan for two minutes right before using—the smell alone will make you want to eat it immediately.
Return