This 5-Minute Sesame Cucumber Salad is a refreshing and flavorful dish made with thinly sliced Persian cucumbers and red onions tossed in a creamy sesame-tahini dressing. The combination of lime juice, olive oil, toasted sesame oil, and sesame seeds creates a rich nutty flavor balanced with a touch of sweetness from date syrup. Crisp, tangy, and slightly savory, this quick salad comes together in minutes and makes a perfect light side dish. Optional cilantro or hemp seeds can be added for extra freshness and a small protein boost.
Step-by-Step Instructions Here is the detailed process for preparing the salad:
Slice the vegetables:
• Thinly slice the fresh cucumbers and red onion. It is highly recommended to use a mandoline to get even, paper-thin slices (setting it to level 2 for the cucumbers and level 1 for the onion works best). If you do not have a mandoline, use a very sharp knife.
Mix the salad:
• Add the sliced cucumbers, onion, tahini, lime juice, olive oil, toasted sesame oil, sesame seeds, date syrup, salt, and cilantro (if using) into a small mixing bowl.
• Toss all the ingredients together.
• Taste the salad and adjust the flavors to your liking. Tip: The toasted sesame oil is strong, so you can start with a little less and add more if you want a heavier sesame flavor. You can also adjust the tahini and date syrup to taste.
Serve!
• Serve immediately while the salad is cold and crisp.
Additional Recipe Tips:
• Chill your cucumbers in advance: This ensures the salad is delightfully cold and crisp when you serve it. The cucumbers naturally soften once dressed, so starting with chilled cucumbers gives you the best texture and temperature.
• Storage: You can store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. However, the salad will get soggier the longer it sits in the dressing, so it is best enjoyed immediately.
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