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As the sun warms the days and fresh produce fills markets, there's no better way to celebrate the season than with a vibrant and refreshing Crunchy Asian Cucumber Salad. This delightful dish offers a perfect balance of texture and flavor, making it an ideal accompaniment to a variety of meals or a stand-alone light lunch. The appeal of this salad goes beyond its crispness; it embodies the essence of summer eating—light, bright, and full of life.

Easy Asian Cucumber Salad

Refresh your meals with this Crunchy Asian Cucumber Salad Delight! Perfect for summer, this vibrant dish features crisp cucumbers, colorful carrots, and sweet red bell pepper, all tossed in a flavorful dressing of rice vinegar, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Add a touch of honey or maple syrup for sweetness and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for crunch. Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s a healthy, zesty side dish that will elevate any dinner or picnic!

Ingredients
  

2 large cucumbers, thinly sliced

1 carrot, julienned

½ red bell pepper, thinly sliced

2 green onions, chopped

1 tablespoon sesame seeds, toasted

¼ cup rice vinegar

2 tablespoons soy sauce

1 tablespoon sesame oil

1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup

1 clove garlic, minced

1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated

Salt and pepper, to taste

Fresh cilantro or parsley, for garnish (optional)

Instructions
 

Prepare the Vegetables: Start by washing and thinly slicing the cucumbers. You can use a mandolin for even slices. If desired, sprinkle a little salt on the sliced cucumbers and let them sit for about 10 minutes to draw out excess water, then pat dry.

    Make the Dressing: In a medium bowl, combine the rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, honey (or maple syrup), minced garlic, and grated ginger. Whisk until well combined. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.

      Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the sliced cucumbers, julienned carrot, sliced red bell pepper, and chopped green onions. Drizzle the prepared dressing over the vegetables and toss gently to combine.

        Add Toasted Sesame Seeds: Sprinkle the toasted sesame seeds over the salad and give it another gentle toss.

          Garnish and Serve: If using, garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley. Let the salad sit for about 10 minutes at room temperature to allow the flavors to meld before serving.

            Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes | Servings: 4