Bright, refreshing, and bursting with umami, this Japanese Cucumber Bean Sprout Salad is the ideal side dish for any meal. Thinly sliced Japanese cucumbers are paired with crisp, blanched bean sprouts and dressed in a tangy-sweet blend of soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Toasted sesame seeds and a sprinkle of green onion add layers of texture and aroma to this simple yet addictive dish. Ready in just 15 minutes, this low-calorie, vegan-friendly salad makes for a perfect accompaniment to grilled meats, sushi, or a light summer meal. Serve it fresh or chilled for an extra burst of flavorβitβs quick, healthy, and irresistibly delicious!
Wash the cucumbers thoroughly and slice them into thin rounds. If the seeds are large, remove them with a spoon before slicing.
Place the cucumber slices in a mixing bowl and sprinkle with 1 teaspoon of salt. Toss gently and let sit for 10 minutes to draw out excess moisture.
Rinse the cucumbers well under cold water to remove the salt, then drain and gently pat dry with a paper towel.
Bring a pot of water to a boil. Add the bean sprouts and blanch them for 1 minute. Drain immediately and rinse under cold water to cool. Shake off excess water.
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, sugar, and toasted sesame seeds to make the dressing.
Combine the cucumbers, bean sprouts, and chopped green onion in a large mixing bowl. Pour the dressing over the vegetables and toss gently to coat evenly.
Transfer the salad to a serving dish and garnish with additional sesame seeds if desired.
Serve immediately as a side dish or chill in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes for a more pronounced flavor.
Calories |
308 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 18.2 g | 23% | |
| Saturated Fat | 2.5 g | 12% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 6.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 3533 mg | 154% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 31.3 g | 11% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 6.5 g | 23% | |
| Total Sugars | 18.1 g | ||
| Protein | 12.6 g | 25% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 161 mg | 12% | |
| Iron | 4.4 mg | 24% | |
| Potassium | 925 mg | 20% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.