Crisp and Refreshing Cucumber Tomato Salad
Savory and Tangy Japanese-Style Cucumber Tomato Salad
I recreated a simple and delicious Japanese home-style side dish, ‘Cucumber Tomato Salad,’ that I tried during a trip to Japan last year. It’s not cooked with heat, making it perfect to enjoy throughout the summer. It’s easy to make and incredibly tasty! This recipe is a delightful way to savor the fresh flavors of vegetables. Learn how to make this refreshing and healthy salad that’s perfect for any meal.
Main Ingredients
- 1 cucumber
- 1 ripe tomato
- A pinch of sea salt (for salting the cucumber)
Dressing Ingredients
- 2 tsp sugar
- 2 tbsp toasted sesame seeds (freshly ground adds more flavor!)
- 2 tsp brown rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 2 tsp sugar
- 2 tbsp toasted sesame seeds (freshly ground adds more flavor!)
- 2 tsp brown rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp sesame oil
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Wash the cucumber and tomato thoroughly under running water. (If the tomato is small, using two is fine.) Gently scrape off the bumpy parts on the cucumber’s surface with the back of a knife for a smoother texture.
Step 2
Cut the washed cucumber in half lengthwise. Then, carefully slice out the seedy core with a knife. Removing the seeds helps prevent excess moisture and keeps the cucumber crisp.
Step 3
Slice the deseeded cucumber into pieces about 1.5 cm thick. Slicing them too thinly might make them mushy, so aim for a consistent, slightly thick cut.
Step 4
Sprinkle a pinch of sea salt over the sliced cucumbers and mix well. Let them sit for about 10 minutes to salt. This process draws out excess water, making the cucumbers crisper and allowing them to absorb flavor.
Step 5
After salting, the cucumbers will have released moisture. Gently press them with a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth to absorb the excess water. Be careful not to squeeze too hard, as this could break the cucumber slices.
Step 6
Transfer the blotted cucumber slices to a mixing bowl.
Step 7
Score the tomato in an ‘X’ shape at the top, then cut it in half. This scoring makes it easier to remove the seeds.
Step 8
Carefully scoop out the seeds from the cut tomato halves using a spoon or a small knife. Removing the seeds, which contain a lot of moisture, is key to a good salad texture and flavor.
Step 9
Now, let’s prepare the flavorful dressing. In a small bowl, combine all the dressing ingredients.
Step 10
For the best flavor, grind the sesame seeds just before using them. This preserves their rich aroma. Pre-ground sesame seeds can lose their fragrance.
Step 11
Whisk together the sugar, ground sesame seeds, brown rice vinegar, soy sauce, and sesame oil until well combined. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed to suit your preference.
Step 12
Add the prepared tomato pieces to the bowl with the cucumber slices. The combination of colors will look very appealing.
Step 13
Pour the prepared dressing over the cucumber and tomato mixture.
Step 14
Gently toss everything together using your hands or a spatula, ensuring the dressing coats all the ingredients evenly. Avoid vigorous mixing to prevent the vegetables from becoming mushy.
Step 15
Once everything is well combined and coated with the dressing, transfer the refreshing and delicious Cucumber Tomato Salad to a serving plate. It can be enjoyed immediately or chilled in the refrigerator for an even cooler treat.
