Zesty Shake Cucumber Salad (Printable)

Crunchy cucumbers mixed with scallions and a tangy soy-sesame dressing with a mild spicy kick.

# 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 - 1.5 tablespoons rice vinegar
05 - 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
06 - 1.5 teaspoons sugar or honey
07 - 1 garlic clove, finely grated
08 - 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
09 - 0.5 to 1 teaspoon chili flakes, to taste

→ Garnish

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

# Directions:

01 - Wash and dry cucumbers. Slice in half lengthwise, then cut into quarter-inch thick half-moon slices.
02 - Place cucumber slices and scallions into a large resealable bag or container with a tight-fitting lid.
03 - Whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, sugar, grated garlic, ginger, and chili flakes in a small bowl until sugar dissolves.
04 - Pour dressing over cucumbers and scallions in the bag or container. Seal tightly and shake vigorously for 30 seconds to coat evenly.
05 - Refrigerate for at least 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
06 - Transfer salad to a serving bowl. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped cilantro if desired before serving.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • It requires zero cooking and comes together in 10 minutes, which means more time enjoying food and less time sweating in the kitchen.
  • The shake method is oddly satisfying and guarantees every slice gets coated in that addictive tangy-nutty dressing.
  • It stays crisp and refreshing even on the hottest days when nothing else sounds appealing.
02 -
  • Don't skip drying your cucumbers after washing—water on the surface weakens the dressing and makes everything taste diluted instead of punchy.
  • The shake method is not just for fun; it creates an emulsion that coats every piece evenly, which hand-tossing can never quite achieve.
03 -
  • Make the dressing up to a day ahead and store it separately, then combine with cucumbers just before serving if you want maximum crunch.
  • If you're taking this to a gathering, pack the dressing separately and shake everything together right before people eat—the presentation of the shake moment is half the appeal.
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