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Viral Cucumber Salad: Sweet Sesame Rice Vinegar Crunch

A crisp, tangy cold side made from thinly sliced cucumbers and red onion tossed in a bright dressing of rice vinegar, sugar, and sesame oil.

  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 Large cucumbers (English or Persian, peel if skin is waxed or thick)
  • 1/4 Red onion, thinly sliced (soaked in cold water for 5 minutes to soften sharpness if desired)
  • 1/4 cup Rice vinegar (unseasoned)
  • 2 tablespoons Sugar (granulated)
  • 1 tablespoon Sesame oil (toasted)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon Sesame seeds (optional, toasted)
  • Cilantro or green onions, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Slice the cucumbers as thinly as possible to maximize dressing absorption.
  2. Slice the red onion thinly to match the cucumber thickness for even flavor distribution.
  3. Whisk the rice vinegar and sugar together until the sugar dissolves completely.
  4. Whisk in the sesame oil, then season with salt and pepper to build a balanced dressing.
  5. Add the cucumber and onion slices to the dressing and toss thoroughly to coat.
  6. Refrigerate the dressed vegetables for at least 15 minutes.
  7. Sprinkle sesame seeds over the salad just before serving and garnish with cilantro or green onions if desired.

Notes

Use a mandoline or sharp knife for uniform slicing. Adjust sweetness to taste while preparing the dressing.

  • Author: jayne
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Side Dish
  • Method: Refrigeration
  • Cuisine: Asian
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 60
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 220mg
  • Fat: 3.5g
  • Saturated Fat: 0.5g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 8g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 1g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: cucumber salad, summer salad, quick salad, side dish, healthy salad