Description
This refreshing Sesame Cucumber and Avocado Salad combines creamy avocados with crisp cucumbers, all brought together by a zesty sesame dressing. Perfect as a light side dish or a healthy snack, it features toasted sesame oil, rice vinegar, and a hint of spice from red-pepper flakes, delivering a flavorful balance of sweet, salty, and acidic notes.
Ingredients
Scale
Dressing
- 2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons soy sauce or tamari
- 1/2 teaspoon red-pepper flakes
- 1 tablespoon water
Salad
- 2 ripe avocados
- 1 pound cucumbers (such as Persian or English), trimmed and thinly sliced
- 2 green, red, or purple scallions, trimmed and thinly sliced
- Kosher salt (such as Diamond Crystal), to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Toasted sesame seeds, for topping
Instructions
- Make the dressing: In a small bowl, combine the toasted sesame oil, rice vinegar, toasted sesame seeds, granulated sugar, soy sauce or tamari, red-pepper flakes, and 1 tablespoon of water. Whisk the mixture until it is emulsified and well combined. Taste and adjust the seasonings if needed—the dressing should be a balanced mix of acidic, sweet, and salty flavors.
- Prepare the avocado: When ready to serve, halve the avocados and remove the pits. Using a small paring knife, score the flesh into 1/2-inch cubes carefully without cutting through the skin. Then, scoop out the avocado flesh with a large spoon as close to the skin as possible to keep the cubes intact. Transfer the avocado cubes into a large salad bowl.
- Toss with dressing: Add the prepared dressing to the avocado cubes and gently toss to coat evenly without mashing the avocado.
- Add cucumbers and scallions: Add the thinly sliced cucumbers and scallions to the bowl. Carefully toss all ingredients together, ensuring everything is well combined without breaking up the avocado.
- Season and serve: Season the salad with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Garnish with additional toasted sesame seeds on top for extra crunch and flavor. Serve immediately for the best texture and freshness.
Notes
- Use ripe but firm avocados to ensure easy cubing without becoming mushy.
- Persian or English cucumbers are preferred for their thin skins and fewer seeds, but regular cucumbers can be used with optional peeling.
- Adjust red-pepper flakes according to desired heat level.
- This salad is best served fresh to maintain crispness and avoid avocado browning.
- Can be paired well with grilled fish or chicken for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Asian-inspired
Keywords: sesame cucumber avocado salad, avocado salad, cucumber salad, vegan salad, Asian salad, sesame dressing
