This Japanese-Inspired Cucumber Salad (oftentimes called “sunomono” in Japan) has actually been on my list of inspirations for the most longest time. Since the end of 2018 to be exact, when we visited Japan as part of our honeymoon. It is light, refreshing, and a perfect mix of tang – a litte bit sweet, a little bit sour. It also comes together in 5 minutes and is the perfect starter to most meals, appetizer, or refreshing side.
What You Will Find in This Post
- What is sunomono
- Tips to make this salad super deliciois
- Why cucumbers are good for us
- How to adjust this recipe to your individual dietary requirements
- Other cucumber-delicious recipes on the blog
What is Sunomono?
Sunomono is a traditional Japanese salad, which consists of thinly sliced vegetables. The most often used vegetable are cucumbers. But you could also use daikon radish, carrots or seaweed. Some versions are also made with seafood. Sunomono means “vinegard things”, which refers to the sauce that accompanies these salads, usually a mix of vinegar (rice), sugar, and soy sauce. Some people also use sesame oil. That perfect balance of sweetness and sour is what makes this dish so appealing. And spoiler alert: We are using a different vinegar, but still achieve the same taste.
Why Cucumbers are Good for Us
Delicious, light, and refreshing. Cucumbers are easy to source all year round, and actually they are also easy to grow, so consider that for your next spring and summer time. They contain some fiber, and plenty of both vitamin C, K, magnesium, potassium, and mangenese. Vitamin C is so great for our immune system, as it supports our health and is not a vitamin that our body produces. It is also a fantastic antioxidant, helps with the absorption of iron (particularly, when it comes from plant-based sources), and aids in the production of collagen. Vitamin C is always a good idea. In addition to these amazing micronutrients, cucumbers are also fantastic for hydration, as they contain about 96% of water. Cucumbers are never a bad idea – so enjoy!!
How to adjust this Japanese-Inspired Cucumber Salad to your individual dietary requirements
This recipe is gluten-free, nut-free, vegetarian, and vegan. It is also paleo-friendly, so can be enjoyed by everyone.
Other Cucumer-Delicious Recipes on the Blog
- Cooling Cucumber Soup
- Perfect Soba-Noodle Salad
- German Cucumber-Dill Salad
- Spicy Peanut Buttter Noodle Salad
- Refreshing Corn Salad with Lime Dressing
And that is it for this week! I hope you enjoy this easy and delicious salad as much as we did – both on our honeymoon and now regularly here at home. As always, do let me know what you think by leaving a comment below. I look forward to hearing from you!
Japanese-Inspired Cucumber Salad
3
servings5
minutesThis Japanese-inspired Cucumber Salad is made with crunchy, fresh cucumber and a tangy and sweet dressing. Delicious and super easy to make.
Ingredients
1 cucumber
2 tbsp sesame oil
1.5 tbsp apple cider vinegar
2/4 tsp salt
1 tbsp sesame seeds
How to
- Wash and finely cut the cucumber. Add to a salad bowl along with the sesame oil, apple cider vinegar, sesame seeds, and salt. Toss and serve immediately. The salad will lose massively in flavor when you let it sit for too long. Enjoy!!
