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  • The Main Dish
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Cucumber Sesame Salad

43 Comments

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Cucumber Sesame Salad is incredibly simple, and a fresh addition to any meal. A perfect combination of rice vinegar, sesame oil, soy sauce and a dash of sugar to balance all the ingredients together. Topped with sesame seeds and crushed red pepper flakes for a tiny zing of heat. Try this soon, you won’t be disappointed.
Cucumber Sesame Salad in black bowl and chopsticks

This recipe has a special memory for me because the first time I tried it was also the first time I met my husband’s family back when we were dating. Dave’s father Chet had a small collection of recipes that he personally took credit for and Cucumber Sesame Salad was one of those recipes. I think when I fell in love with Chet’s Rhubarb Crunch is when Dave’s parents fell in love with me. 

I was already familiar with cucumber salads made with vinegar, but the combination here of rice wine vinegar, sesame oil and soy sauce is more complex and almost earthy. A little sprinkle of sugar for sweetness and crushed red peppers for heat and this salad has every flavor sensation imaginable. I love to pair it with Sesame Chicken and Healthy Sweet and Sour Chicken, but Cucumber Sesame Salad is also delicious with any grilled meat or meatless main dish.

Cucumber Sesame Salad in black bowl with chopsticks

Since first tasting the original recipe, I’ve adapted ingredient quantities a little and I shortened the name. But the typed, original recipe is forever in my collection. Chet had a 1950ish manual typewriter (the original social media device) and he used it frequently to communicate with others, giving “trip reports” after special family vacations, and sharing WWII memories or debating politics with his two brothers. He also would type up recipes he was particularly proud of and if anyone exclaimed over a particular dish, they got their own copy, typed up just for them. Needless to say I have a few that he typed for me since I am a foodie after all… and I wasn’t in any way trying to butter up my potential future father-in-law.

Typed recipe of Cucumber Sesame Salad

Most recipes typed by Chet would finish with his signature “Enjoy!”. So, if you have original recipes from someone who has gone on before… I hope you continue to “enjoy” their company by making the dishes they took the time to share with you.

And after this little story, if you didn’t know it before, you have to know by now that sharing food with others is a wonderful way to pass on your legacy. Why not type up (or better yet, write up) a recipe that you’re proud of and give it to someone who you want to always remember you. Because I promise… they will.

Cucumber Sesame Salad in black bowl. One slice held with chopsticks

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5 from 10 votes

Cucumber Sesame Salad

Cucumbers may be peeled before slicing if that is your preference. Best served the day it's made. This cucumber salad is light and the perfect addition to any Asian dish or even at your favorite barbecue.
Course Salad
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Servings 5 servings
Calories 53
Author Good Dinner Mom

Ingredients 

  • 2 medium cucumbers, peeled if desired, sliced very thinly
  • 2 Tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 1 Tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1 Tablespoon sugar, or honey
  • 2 teaspoons soy sauce
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds
  • Crushed red pepper flakes to taste

Instructions

  • Slice 2 cucumbers and place on paper towel to remove some of the moisture
  • In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 Tablespoons rice vinegar, 1 Tablespoon sesame oil, 1 Tablespoon sugar, 2 teaspoon soy sauce, ½ teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds, add cucumbers. Stir to coat.
  • Taste and add more crushed red pepper flakes if desired.
  • The salad may be made up to 4 hours ahead of serving but should be served the day it is made.
Nutrition Facts
Cucumber Sesame Salad
Amount Per Serving
Calories 53 Calories from Fat 27
% Daily Value*
Fat 3g5%
Sodium 369mg16%
Potassium 163mg5%
Carbohydrates 5g2%
Sugar 4g4%
Protein 1g2%
Vitamin A 85IU2%
Vitamin C 3.9mg5%
Calcium 21mg2%
Iron 0.4mg2%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Recipe from The Late Chester T. Humeniuk, member of The Greatest Generation. Ever.
Cucumber Sesame Salad pinterest pin

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Published on May 6, 2015

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    Recipe Rating




  1. jill m says

    July 28, 2022 at 8:26 AM

    5 stars
    I love this recipe, so refreshing and light at the same time! Thank you for sharing!

    Reply
  2. Trish says

    July 15, 2022 at 3:41 PM

    5 stars
    This cucumber salad is the best! During the summer there is usually a plethora of cucumbers and after making this salad there are now never enough! Everyone gobbles it up, light and refreshing…great for summer eating with grilled foods and corn on the cob!

    Reply
    • Sally Humeniuk says

      July 18, 2022 at 10:05 PM

      Trish, thanks so much for this nice comment! Such an easy recipe but I agree with you that it’s perfectly paired with summer grilling.

      Reply
  3. Van says

    January 5, 2022 at 3:11 PM

    5 stars
    Fast to make and I love it cold from refrigerator. Great recepie.

    Reply
    • Sally Humeniuk says

      January 5, 2022 at 5:08 PM

      Thanks, Van! I appreciate you taking the time to comment.

      Reply
  4. Dixosh says

    December 22, 2021 at 2:02 PM

    5 stars
    Thank you for this recipe! I used to make cucumber kimchi, but this is now my cucumber go-to. It is always a hit.

    PS: I actually prefer it after it has been in the fridge for a day. The flavors blend fabulously.

    Reply
    • Sally Humeniuk says

      December 24, 2021 at 8:46 AM

      Hi Dixie, Thanks for this wonderful comment! I’m so glad you like the recipe. Thanks for taking the time to write about it, it means a lot. 🙂

      Reply
  5. Ann Cromwell says

    February 11, 2021 at 12:46 PM

    is the rice vinegar the “seasoned” kind or unseasoned? I currently have just the seasoned kind (has sugar, salt) but can adjust the seasonings in the recipe to compensate.

    thanks

    Reply
    • Sally Humeniuk says

      February 11, 2021 at 1:12 PM

      Hi Ann, I have used both. If using the seasoned vinegar, maybe reduce the sugar in the recipe and taste it before adding more.

      Reply
  6. trish says

    June 21, 2020 at 1:03 PM

    5 stars
    This is a requested salad the family loves! Just wonderful!

    Reply
    • Sally Humeniuk says

      June 22, 2020 at 8:05 AM

      Thanks Trish! That’s so nice to hear. 🙂

      Reply
  7. Momo says

    July 15, 2019 at 8:06 AM

    5 stars
    I’ve made this several times for my go to side dish to pair with either Thai style chicken wings, roasted Char Sui pork belly or Laotion spiced sausage. It’s so simple and refreshing. I do add bird’s eye chili for extra heat. Thank you!

    Reply
    • Sally Humeniuk says

      July 15, 2019 at 2:17 PM

      Hi Momo! That is excellent to hear and I love the idea of adding some chiles for a little heat. Thanks so much for taking the time to stop by, it means a lot. 🙂

      Reply
  8. Nikki says

    January 20, 2019 at 2:08 PM

    5 stars
    Love, love, love this salad!

    Reply
  9. greg says

    July 6, 2018 at 4:33 PM

    Can’t wait to get home and make the Cucumber Sesame Salad….
    Would you please share the recipe for “Chet’s Rhubarb Crunch” ?

    Reply
    • Sally Humeniuk says

      July 6, 2018 at 6:34 PM

      Hello Greg! I hope you like the cucumber salad. I’ve been meaning to make the Rhubarb Crunch for awhile now and since you’ve asked, I’ll hopefully get it on very soon. 🙂

      Reply
  10. Tracey says

    February 26, 2018 at 11:52 PM

    5 stars
    made this dish with bacon wrapped jalopeno peppers!! delicious. I didn’t put sugar I used honey instead..YM

    Reply
  11. Clay says

    January 18, 2018 at 3:30 AM

    5 stars
    Outstanding

    Reply
  12. Shafriza says

    October 21, 2017 at 11:35 AM

    5 stars
    I made this today for lunch with some other thai curries. Everyone loved it and raved about it. Thank you soo much.

    Reply
    • sally says

      October 21, 2017 at 10:03 PM

      Hi Shafriza, I’m so glad the cucumber salad was a hit for you! Thanks for taking the time to comment. It means a lot.

      Reply
  13. Ashima says

    September 10, 2017 at 7:32 AM

    This is such a delightful recipe! I recently made it for my mother and it was a great way to introduce her to some Asian flavours..

    Thanks for sharing and thanks to your father in law as well! 🙂

    lots of love,
    Ashima

    Reply
  14. Sally Tieso says

    July 23, 2017 at 1:59 PM

    Just made these and they are sure to be a hit! Great for a hot summer day. Thanks so much:)

    Reply
    • Sally says

      July 23, 2017 at 5:52 PM

      Hi Sally, Thanks for taking the time to stop by and I’m glad you liked the cucumber salad! 🙂

      Reply
  15. Denise Weidler says

    June 3, 2017 at 3:16 PM

    Will rice vinegar work the same as rice wine vinegar, because I can’t find rice wine vinegar. Even our Asian store doesn’t have it. Thanks.

    Reply
    • Sally says

      June 3, 2017 at 3:25 PM

      Hi Denise, Yes actually Rice Vinegar is what I meant. All this time, I’ve had that mistake in the recipe. Thanks for the heads up. Changing now.

      Reply
      • Denise Weidler says

        June 7, 2017 at 1:48 PM

        Thankyou so much, Sally. I’ve been going nuts trying to find that. Even my Asian neighbors were going to look for it when they went to a bigger town.

        Reply
  16. Dee says

    May 22, 2017 at 10:10 PM

    Perfect quick dinner salad! My family loved it and I love no more wasted cucumbers!

    Reply
    • Sally says

      May 23, 2017 at 6:35 AM

      Thank you Dee! Glad you all enjoyed it. Thanks for taking the time to stop by.

      Reply
  17. Karen says

    May 5, 2017 at 4:34 PM

    Do you have to add the sugar?

    Reply
    • Sally says

      May 5, 2017 at 5:34 PM

      Hi Karen, Nope. Sugar totally optional. I many times leave it out (I should note that in the recipe).

      Reply
  18. karen says

    April 19, 2017 at 10:48 AM

    this looks phenomenal. definitely trying it out! thank you!!!

    Reply
  19. Jelaine says

    March 17, 2017 at 11:19 PM

    Definitely going to try this one!
    Would love Chets rhunarb crisp recipe!

    Reply
    • Sally says

      March 18, 2017 at 9:06 AM

      Hi Jelaine, Chet’s Rhubarb Crisp will be up in the next month or so. 🙂

      Reply
      • Jelaine says

        March 18, 2017 at 7:42 PM

        Awesome! Can’t wait.
        Love Rhubarb! My dad’s 95 WWII vet also.

        Reply
  20. Shamma says

    March 11, 2017 at 4:55 AM

    I tried this . It’s yumm ( kinda spicy for me) ??

    Reply
  21. Tessy says

    January 19, 2017 at 9:24 AM

    Nutritional values

    Reply
    • Sally says

      January 19, 2017 at 9:30 AM

      Tessy, I don’t count calories, etc. in most any of my recipes. I focus on good ingredients and build my menu that way. There are several sites on the internet that allow you to insert ingredients and quantities and they’ll calculate all the nutritional information for you. Simply search for terms like “recipe nutrition calculator”. Thanks for stopping by and have a great week.

      Reply
  22. Jackie says

    April 12, 2016 at 9:02 PM

    A go-to snack in the fridge. YUM!

    Reply
  23. Karen @ On the Banks of Salt Creek says

    May 8, 2015 at 9:08 AM

    Last summer I had so many cucumbers that I had to come up with creative ways to get them eaten. Pinning this because I will probably have a bunch this summer too.

    Reply
About Sally - Good Dinner Mom.

About Good Dinner Mom

My name is Sally and I love to be in the kitchen. Making fresh, unique dishes is my way of showing love for family and friends and I hope that here you’ll find recipes of both healthy and indulgent dishes that will inspire you to cook more at home while sharing some love of your own. more about me

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