Cucumber salads aren’t just for summer, and here’s why! The popular health benefits of cucumbers go beyond nutrition and into beauty. Yes, beauty! And who doesn’t need food that tastes good, aids in digestion, but also offers overall hydration to muscles, connective tissue, hair, and nails. We all do! This salad can become your go-to for your-round health!
So what happens when you combine cucumbers with microgreens? It’s like a culinary boxing match, but luckily, these veggies are on the same team. Both offer different but equal nutritional components. For example, both cucumber and kale are known for their anti-inflammatory and hydrating properties. And when it comes to microgreens, they are small but pack a nutrient-dense punch. We're not saying they are superior to other veggies (or maybe we are!)...
For this Sesame Cucumber Salad, we key into some traditional Asian spices, like sesame, miso, ginger and rice vinegar, so every bite is as refreshing as the next. The flavors are naturally mild, but we’ve added tahini for some depth, and if you so choose, chili oil for some heat! We think it’s a game changer.
Another 'beauty' of this salad is also that it can be served as a side dish or main course; you decide. If you feel like grazing, double the quantity and enjoy a savory salad. And this dressing is shelf-stable, so you can make larger quantities and enjoy in future recipes. On the flip side, if you’re serving a large protein or a heavy casserole, this salad with its vinegar base will help your body break down foods and balance heavier meals.
With its curated ingredients, this salad is great to bring to parties. You can chat about the Asian-inspired secret ingredients, or brag about the skin and beauty benefits it offers. Your guests will enjoy it for all of these reasons.
This recipe serves 4 (remember you can double!)
Ingredients:
6 medium Persian cucumbers (about 1 lb.)
1 tsp. Diamond Crystal or ½ tsp. Morton kosher salt
1 garlic clove, finely-grated
¼ cup tahini
3 Tbsp. fresh lime juice
1 Tbsp. soy sauce
1 Tbsp. unseasoned rice vinegar
1 Tbsp. white miso
1 tsp. finely grated ginger
1 tsp. sugar
1 tsp. toasted sesame oil
Chili oil (for serving)
2 scallions, thinly sliced on a diagonal
1 tsp. toasted sesame seeds
1 clam Micro Kale Mix
Method:
1. Prep your Cucumbers: Cut cucumbers in half lengthwise, then slice ¼" thick on a deep diagonal into 2"-3" pieces. In a large bowl, toss cucumbers and salt. Cover and chill 1 hour. Then drain cucumbers. Feel free to give them a second rise if you see the white crystals come up from the salt sit.
2. Make your Dressing: Whisk garlic, tahini, lime juice, soy sauce, vinegar, miso, ginger, sugar, and sesame oil in a small bowl to combine. Whisk again. Pour dressing over cucumbers and toss well to coat. (did we put microgreens in the mix here or later?)
3. Transfer cucumber salad to a platter. Drizzle with chili oil for a little heat and top with scallions, sesame seeds and more Microgreens!
Enjoy this fun recipe video. If you’re looking for more salad inspiration, click the Salads Tab and bookmark some of our other favorite salad creations using Microgreens!
We hope you enjoy our Sesame Cucumber Salad with Micro Kale Mix! Let us know in the comments how it turns out for you!
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