Print

Fresh Cucumber Salad with Dill and Toasted Sesame Seeds

fresh cucumber salad - featured image
Print Recipe

A refreshing and simple cucumber salad featuring fresh dill and toasted sesame seeds, perfect for summer days. Quick to prepare and packed with bright, crisp flavors.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 large English cucumbers or 3 medium Kirby cucumbers, thinly sliced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh dill, finely chopped
  • 3 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
  • ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • Optional: 1-2 green onions, thinly sliced

Instructions

  1. Toast the sesame seeds: Heat a dry skillet over medium heat. Add 3 tablespoons of sesame seeds and stir frequently for about 2-3 minutes until golden and fragrant. Remove from heat immediately to avoid burning. Transfer to a small bowl and set aside.
  2. Slice the cucumbers: Rinse and dry your cucumbers. Using a sharp knife or mandoline, slice them thinly (about 1/8 inch thick). If using regular cucumbers with thicker skin, peel partially or fully to reduce bitterness. Place the slices in a mixing bowl.
  3. Chop the dill and green onions: Finely chop 2 tablespoons fresh dill. If using green onions, slice 1-2 thinly, including some green tops for color. Add both to the cucumber bowl.
  4. Prepare the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons rice vinegar, 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil, 1 teaspoon sugar, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper until sugar dissolves and seasoning is well combined.
  5. Toss the salad: Pour the dressing over the cucumber and herb mixture. Gently toss using salad tongs or two large spoons, making sure every slice is coated but not bruised.
  6. Add toasted sesame seeds: Sprinkle the toasted sesame seeds over the salad and give it one last gentle toss just to distribute them evenly.
  7. Chill and serve: Ideally, let the salad rest in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld and cucumbers to release a bit of their natural juice.

Notes

Use a mandoline or sharp knife for thin, even slices to avoid sogginess. Toast sesame seeds carefully over medium heat, stirring constantly to prevent burning. Chill salad for 10-15 minutes before serving for best flavor. Drain excess cucumber juice if watery to avoid soggy salad. Dressing and toasted sesame seeds can be kept separate if preparing ahead to maintain texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: cucumber salad, fresh dill, toasted sesame seeds, summer salad, quick salad, vegan salad, gluten-free salad

Find it online: https://bitematrix.com/fresh-cucumber-salad-with-dill-and-toasted-sesame-seeds-easy-recipe-for-summer/