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Creamy cucumber salad with sesame seeds and herbs served in a bowl.

Creamy Sushi Cucumber Salad Recipe | Refreshing Asian-Inspired Side Dish

Make creamy sushi cucumber salad for a refreshing side dish. Crisp cucumber ribbons tossed in a creamy dressing with sesame seeds and herbs — light, cool, and perfect for sushi nights or healthy meals.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Appetizer, Light meal, Side Dish
Cuisine Fusion, Healthy comfort food, Japanese-inspired
Servings 4
Calories 120 kcal

Equipment

  • Cutting board & sharp knife
  • Vegetable peeler (for ribbons)
  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • Colander & paper towels

Ingredients
  

  • 2 English or Persian cucumbers, thinly sliced or ribboned
  • ½ tsp salt (for draining cucumbers)
  • 3 tbsp mayonnaise or Greek yogurt
  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1 tsp soy sauce
  • 1 tsp sesame oil
  • 1 tsp grated fresh ginger
  • 1 tbsp sesame seeds
  • 1 tsp nori flakes or furikake
  • Optional: 2 tbsp masago (fish roe), crab sticks, shrimp, smoked salmon, or avocado

Instructions
 

  • Prep cucumbers: Slice into thin rounds or ribbons. Place in colander, sprinkle with salt, and let sit 10–15 minutes. Pat dry.
  • Make dressing: In a bowl, whisk mayo or yogurt with rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, and ginger until smooth.
  • Toss salad: Add cucumbers to dressing and gently combine. Sprinkle sesame seeds, nori flakes, or furikake. Fold in optional proteins if desired.
  • Chill & serve: Refrigerate for 15 minutes to let flavors meld. Serve chilled with roasted seaweed sheets or as a side dish.

Notes

  • Make-ahead: Keep cucumbers and dressing separate until serving to avoid sogginess.
  • Variations: Add crab, shrimp, or avocado for sushi-roll flair.
  • Tip: Always drain cucumbers well for crisp texture and thick dressing.
 
Keyword creamy cucumber salad, Japanese fusion, low-carb sushi alternative, sushi cucumber salad