Some of my favorite recipes are born on the busiest days, when dinner needs to be fast but still feel thoughtful. That’s exactly how this Japanese cucumber salad came to life. Inspired by my love for balanced, comforting meals, this Japanese cucumber salad dressing brings together crisp cucumbers and bright flavors in minutes. It’s easy to customize, gentle enough for the whole family, and perfect when you want something fresh without extra effort.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Japanese cucumber salad is everything I aim for when I’m cooking for real life: simple, fresh, and deeply satisfying without extra effort. This Japanese cucumber salad recipe comes together in minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights when you still want something homemade and nourishing. The crisp cucumbers paired with a classic Japanese cucumber salad dressing create a refreshing balance that works beautifully alongside rice bowls, grilled dishes, or one-pot meals.
You’ll love how flexible this dish is. The Japanese cucumber salad ingredients are easy to customize, whether you prefer it mild, slightly sweet with mirin, or turned into a Japanese cucumber salad spicy version with chili oil. It’s light enough for warm days yet comforting enough to serve with family dinners. Inspired by everyday home cooking, this recipe fits naturally into a routine built around comfortable, customizable dishes. It’s family-friendly, budget-conscious, and reliable, the kind of recipe you’ll come back to again and again for both casual meals and special occasions when you want something fresh, balanced, and effortlessly delicious.
Ingredients for This Recipe
This recipe keeps things simple while delivering clean, authentic flavor. Fresh cucumbers are the heart of this dish, bringing crunch and hydration that define a classic Japanese cucumber salad. Salting the cucumbers is essential, helping remove excess moisture so the salad stays crisp, not watery. The dressing balances tangy, sweet, and savory notes using pantry-friendly staples that come together quickly. Rice vinegar provides brightness, sugar softens the acidity, and soy sauce adds depth. Mirin introduces a gentle sweetness that rounds everything out, while sesame oil adds a subtle nutty aroma without overpowering the dish. Optional ingredients allow you to customize the texture and heat, making this Japanese cucumber salad recipe adaptable for both mild and spicy preferences. Every ingredient has a clear purpose, creating a light, refreshing side dish that pairs beautifully with everyday meals or special occasions.
🛒 Ingredients (Serves 4):
For the Salad:
3 Japanese cucumbers (or Persian cucumbers)
½ teaspoon salt
For the Dressing:
3 tablespoons rice vinegar
1 tablespoon sugar
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 teaspoon mirin
1 teaspoon sesame oil
Optional Add-Ins & Toppings:
1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
Pinch of red chili flakes
2 tablespoons rehydrated wakame seaweed
How to Make This Recipe
Making this Japanese cucumber salad is all about technique and balance, not complexity. Each step is designed to enhance texture and flavor while keeping the process fast and approachable. Salting the cucumbers first is crucial for achieving the crisp bite that defines an authentic Japanese cucumber salad recipe. The dressing is mixed separately to ensure the sugar fully dissolves, creating a smooth, well-balanced Japanese cucumber salad dressing. Combining everything gently helps the cucumbers absorb flavor without losing their crunch. This method keeps the salad light, refreshing, and perfectly seasoned, whether you serve it immediately or slightly chilled. With minimal prep and no cooking required, this recipe fits seamlessly into busy routines while still delivering classic Japanese flavors.
🛒 Steps:
Thinly slice the Japanese cucumbers using a sharp knife or mandoline for even texture
Place the sliced cucumbers in a bowl, sprinkle with salt, and gently massage to release excess moisture
Let the cucumbers rest, then squeeze and drain thoroughly for a crisp Japanese cucumber salad base
In a separate bowl, whisk rice vinegar, sugar, soy sauce, mirin, and sesame oil to create the Japanese cucumber salad dressing
Add drained cucumbers to the dressing and toss gently until evenly coated
Mix in wakame seaweed if using, enhancing the traditional Japanese cucumber salad flavor
Finish with sesame seeds or chili flakes for garnish and serve chilled or immediately
Expert Cooking Tips
Mastering this Japanese cucumber salad comes down to small details that make a big difference. Choosing the right cucumbers is key—Japanese cucumbers or Persian cucumbers deliver the crisp texture essential to an authentic Japanese cucumber salad recipe. Always salt and drain the cucumbers properly to avoid excess water, which can dilute the Japanese cucumber salad dressing. Balance is everything: adjust sugar and rice vinegar carefully to maintain the signature sweet-tangy flavor. Using mirin enhances depth, while sesame oil should be added sparingly to avoid overpowering the salad. These expert techniques ensure consistent flavor, crunch, and freshness every time you make this refreshing dish.
💡 Expert Tips:
Use Japanese cucumbers for the best crunch and traditional Japanese cucumber salad texture
Slice cucumbers evenly to help the Japanese cucumber salad dressing coat each piece
Salt and drain cucumbers thoroughly to prevent a watery Japanese cucumber salad recipe
Dissolve sugar fully in the vinegar for a smooth, balanced Japanese cucumber salad dressing
Add sesame oil lightly to maintain clean, fresh flavor
For a spicy Japanese cucumber salad, finish with chili flakes or chili oil just before serving
Chill briefly to enhance flavor without softening the cucumbers
FAQs
What is Japanese cucumber salad called in Japanese cuisine?
Japanese cucumber salad is commonly known as sunomono, a traditional Japanese cucumber salad made with vinegar-based dressing. This light dish is popular as a refreshing side that balances richer meals.
What ingredients are used in a Japanese cucumber salad recipe?
Classic Japanese cucumber salad ingredients include Japanese cucumbers, rice vinegar, sugar, soy sauce, mirin, and sesame oil. Optional additions like wakame seaweed or sesame seeds enhance flavor and texture.
How do you keep Japanese cucumber salad from getting watery?
To prevent a watery Japanese cucumber salad recipe, always salt the cucumbers first, let them release moisture, and squeeze them dry before adding the Japanese cucumber salad dressing.
How long does Japanese cucumber salad last in the refrigerator?
Japanese cucumber salad is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours while maintaining flavor and crunch.
Want more sweet and savory recipes like this? Follow us on Facebook for daily dinner ideas, cooking tips, and behind-the-scenes moments from Eminent Recipes.
See how others are plating this dish on Instagram! Tag your version with #Eminentrecipes and get featured.
Love collecting recipes? Don’t miss our latest pins on Pinterest—perfect for saving your favorite meals in one spot.
Creamy Cucumber Shrimp Salad – Refreshing Seafood Salad Recipe
No-Bake Blueberry Chia Seed Pie – Quick, Healthy & Delicious Dessert
Korean Cucumber Salad Recipe – Quick, Sweet, and Spicy Side Dish
Orange Velvet Cake Recipe – Moist, Soft, and Bursting with Citrus Flavor
This Japanese cucumber salad is a perfect example of how simple ingredients can create something truly refreshing and satisfying. With its crisp texture and balanced Japanese cucumber salad dressing, this dish fits effortlessly into everyday meals while still feeling special. Whether you’re following a classic Japanese cucumber salad recipe or customizing it with spice, sesame oil, or wakame, it’s a reliable side that never disappoints. Quick to prepare, family-friendly, and full of clean flavor, this Japanese cucumber salad is one you’ll return to again and again for both busy weeknights and relaxed gatherings.
Print
Japanese Cucumber Salad (Sunomono)
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A light, crisp, and refreshing Japanese cucumber salad made with thinly sliced cucumbers tossed in a sweet-tangy vinegar dressing. Known as Sunomono, this simple dish balances acidity and subtle sweetness, making it the perfect side for sushi, grilled meats, or rice bowls.
Ingredients
🛒 Ingredients (Serves 4):
For the Salad:
3 Japanese cucumbers (or Persian cucumbers)
½ teaspoon salt
For the Dressing:
3 tablespoons rice vinegar
1 tablespoon sugar
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 teaspoon mirin
1 teaspoon sesame oil
Optional Add-Ins & Toppings:
1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
Pinch of red chili flakes (for spicy Japanese cucumber salad)
2 tablespoons rehydrated wakame seaweed
Instructions
📝 Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Cucumbers
Wash cucumbers and slice very thin using a knife or mandoline. Place in a bowl, sprinkle with salt, and gently massage. Let sit for 10 minutes, then squeeze out excess moisture and drain.
Step 2: Make the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together rice vinegar, sugar, soy sauce, mirin, and sesame oil until the sugar dissolves.
Step 3: Combine
Add cucumbers (and wakame, if using) to the dressing. Toss gently until evenly coated.
Step 4: Chill & Serve
Refrigerate for 5–10 minutes. Garnish with sesame seeds and chili flakes before serving.
Notes
- Authentic Flavor: Japanese cucumbers give the best crunch, but Persian cucumbers work well too.
- Less Watery Salad: Salting the cucumbers is key—don’t skip it.
- Make It Spicy: Add chili oil (rayu) or sriracha to the dressing.
- Make Ahead: Best served within 24 hours, chilled.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: No cooking
- Category: Side Dish / Salad
- Method: No-Cook / Tossed
- Cuisine: Japanese 🇯🇵