🥒 Asian–Mediterranean Cucumber Salad

Crunchy • Tangy • Sweet • Herby

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🛒 Ingredients

For the Salad

• 2 large cucumbers (or 4–5 mini cucumbers), thinly sliced

• 1 tsp salt (for drawing out water)

• 2 green onions, sliced

• 1–2 tbsp fresh cilantro or parsley

• 1 tbsp sesame seeds (toasted)

• Optional add-ins:

  • Thin sliced red onion

  • Shredded carrots

  • Crushed peanuts or almonds

  • Fresh mint

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🛒 For the Dressing (Asian with Mediterranean notes)

• 1 tbsp soy sauce

• 1 tbsp rice vinegar or lemon juice

• 1 tbsp olive oil (Mediterranean touch)

• 1–2 tsp honey or date syrup

• 1 tsp sesame oil

• 1 small garlic clove, grated

• ½–1 tsp chili flakes or chili oil

• ½ tsp fresh ginger, grated

• Optional: ½ tsp dried oregano for fusion flavor

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🍽️ Instructions

1. Prep the cucumbers

1. Thinly slice cucumbers.

2. Sprinkle with 1 tsp salt and let sit 10 minutes.

3. Squeeze out excess water gently (keeps salad crisp).

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2. Make the dressing

Whisk together:

• soy sauce

• rice vinegar / lemon juice

• olive oil

• honey/date syrup

• sesame oil

• garlic

• ginger

• chili flakes

Taste → adjust sweet/salty/tangy as you like.

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3. Assemble the salad

Add to a bowl:

• drained cucumbers

• green onions

• cilantro or parsley

Pour dressing over and toss well.

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4. Finish

Top with:

• toasted sesame seeds

• crushed nuts (optional)

• fresh herbs

Let sit 5 minutes to absorb flavors.

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🌿 Serve With

• Grilled chicken or salmon

• Rice bowls

• Stir-fry dishes

• Mediterranean mezze

• Noodles or wraps