How to Make the Perfect Million Dollar Cucumber Salad
Asian-Inspired · Easy · 10 min · 4 servings
This crisp and refreshing cucumber salad is tossed in a tangy sesame dressing with a hint of sweetness. It comes together in minutes and tastes like a restaurant-worthy side dish.
Why this recipe works
This Million Dollar Cucumber Salad recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 10 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 120 calories with 2g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 9 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 4 medium English cucumbers, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds
- 3 stalks green onions, thinly sliced
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Salt and Drain the Cucumbers
Slice the cucumbers thin and place them in a colander. Sprinkle with 1 teaspoon of salt, toss well, and let them sit for 5 minutes to draw out excess moisture. Pat dry with paper towels.
Step 2: Make the Dressing
In a large bowl, whisk together the rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, honey, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes until fully combined.
Step 3: Toss the Salad
Add the dried cucumber slices and sliced green onions to the bowl with the dressing. Toss everything together until the cucumbers are evenly coated.
Step 4: Rest and Marinate
Let the salad sit at room temperature for 5 minutes so the cucumbers can absorb the dressing flavors fully.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle the toasted sesame seeds over the top just before serving. Serve immediately for the best texture and crunch.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- rice vinegar → apple cider vinegar
- honey → maple syrup
- soy sauce → tamari for a gluten-free option
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Skipping the salting step results in watery and diluted dressing
- Using regular cucumbers without peeling makes the texture too tough
- Adding sesame seeds too early causes them to become soggy
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 120 calories, 2g protein, 10g carbs, 8g fat, 1g fiber.
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