Sesame Soy Cucumber Tomato Salad

A Bright, Crunchy, Umami-Packed Summer Side

Tired of the same old summer salads? This Asian-Style Cucumber Tomato Salad with Sesame Soy Dressing is a refreshing change from the classic. It’s crisp, vibrant, and tangy—tossed in a bold dressing made from toasted sesame oil, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and garlic. Finished with sesame seeds and scallions, it delivers the perfect balance of savory, sour, and just a touch of sweetness.

Whether you’re serving it as a side to grilled meats, pairing it with noodles, or just looking for a quick weekday salad with Asian flair, this recipe is simple, satisfying, and unforgettable.

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🥗 Why You’ll Love This Salad

• ✅ No mayo, no dairy, no added sugar

• ✅ Vegan, gluten-free adaptable, and Whole30-friendly

• ✅ Ready in 10 minutes

• ✅ Great for meal prep, potlucks, or bento boxes

• ✅ Light, crunchy, and full of umami flavor

If you like flavors that pop, this is the salad for you.

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🛒 Ingredients

🥒 Fresh Produce

• 2 cups cucumbers, thinly sliced (Persian or English cucumbers work best)

• 1½ cups cherry or grape tomatoes, halved

• ¼ cup red onion or scallions, thinly sliced

• 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro or Thai basil (optional)

🍜 Sesame Soy Dressing

• 1½ tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)

• 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil

• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (unseasoned preferred)

• ½ teaspoon grated fresh ginger

• 1 garlic clove, minced

• ½ teaspoon maple syrup or honey (optional for balance)

• Crushed red pepper flakes, to taste (optional)

🌱 Garnishes

• 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds

• Sliced scallions or cilantro leaves

• Lime wedges for serving (optional)

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👨‍🍳 How to Make Sesame Soy Cucumber Tomato Salad

Step 1: Slice & Prep

Wash and dry all vegetables. Thinly slice the cucumbers, halve the tomatoes, and slice onions or scallions.

Tip: Use a mandoline for evenly sliced cucumbers and onions.

Step 2: Make the Dressing

In a small bowl or jar, whisk together soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, and optional maple syrup. Add red pepper flakes if you like a spicy kick.

Step 3: Toss the Salad

In a large bowl, combine cucumbers, tomatoes, and onions. Drizzle the sesame soy dressing over the vegetables and toss gently until evenly coated.

Let sit for 5–10 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.

Step 4: Garnish & Serve

Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and extra scallions or herbs. Serve with chopsticks for an authentic touch, and enjoy chilled or at room temperature.

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🍽️ What to Serve It With

This salad is an ideal match for:

• Grilled chicken, shrimp, or salmon

• Stir-fried noodles or fried rice

• Dumplings, gyoza, or sushi

• Cold soba or rice noodle bowls

• Asian-style BBQ or teriyaki dishes

Pro Tip: Use leftovers in lettuce wraps with tofu or sliced steak for a flavor-packed lunch!

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🧂 Flavor Tips & Substitutions

🔁 Ingredient Swaps

• No sesame oil? Use avocado or olive oil and a pinch of sesame seeds

• Low-sodium version? Use low-sodium soy sauce or tamari

• No rice vinegar? Substitute with white wine vinegar or lemon juice

🌶️ Make It Spicy

Add sriracha, chili oil, or thinly sliced Thai red chili for extra heat.

🥑 Add Creaminess

Cubed avocado pairs beautifully with the soy dressing and adds healthy fat.

🥕 Add Crunch

Shredded carrots, thinly sliced radish, or napa cabbage add extra texture.

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📦 Storage Tips

• Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days

• Cucumber may release water over time—simply drain off excess liquid before serving

• Best enjoyed fresh or within 24 hours for optimal crunch

💬 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is this salad vegan?

Yes! All the ingredients are plant-based. Just make sure to use maple syrup instead of honey if you’re strictly vegan.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Absolutely. Simply use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.

Can I prep this in advance?

Yes, but for best results, keep the dressing separate and mix just before serving. Cucumbers can get soggy if they sit too long in vinegar-based dressings.

What type of cucumber is best?

English or Persian cucumbers are ideal—they’re thin-skinned and have minimal seeds, making them perfect for raw salads.

What if I don’t like raw onion?

Try soaking the sliced onion in cold water for 5 minutes to reduce the bite, or use milder scallions or chives instead.

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🥢 Final Thoughts: A Salad That Sings with Umami

This Sesame Soy Cucumber Tomato Salad is a flavor-forward, texture-rich dish that brings something unexpected to the table. With just a handful of pantry staples and fresh veggies, you can create a salad that complements Asian-inspired meals—or stands on its own as a light, clean lunch.

It’s cool, crisp, tangy, and savory, with just enough heat and complexity to keep things interesting. Once you try it, don’t be surprised if it becomes a regular on your weekly rotation!