Sesame Cucumber and Avocado Salad
Crispy cucumber and creamy avocado perform a delicate dance with earthy notes of sesame in this most simple of salads. Thin-skinned varieties such as Persian or English cucumbers work best, as they are almost seedless with a robust flesh that stays crisp. But don’t worry if you only have access to seedy cucumbers: Peel them if their skins are thick, then cut them in half lengthwise and scrape out the seeds before slicing. No-cook and ready in a matter of minutes, this elegant salad can be dressed up according to your mood. It is a satisfying meal on its own, but it can also be served alongside cold soba noodles, or with brown rice and a fried or jammy egg on top.
Ingredients
- 2tablespoons toasted sesame oil
- 2tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
- 1tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 1/2teaspoons soy sauce or tamari
- 1/2teaspoon red-pepper flakes
- 2ripe avocados
- 1pound cucumbers (such as Persian or English), trimmed and thinly sliced
- 2green, red or purple scallions, trimmed and thinly sliced
- Kosher salt (such as Diamond Crystal) and black pepper
- Toasted sesame seeds, for topping
Directions
Make the dressing: Place the sesame oil, rice vinegar, sesame seeds, sugar, soy sauce and red-pepper flakes into a small bowl. Add 1 tablespoon of water and whisk until emulsified. Taste, and adjust seasonings. (Dressing should taste acidic, a little sweet and salty.)
When you’re ready to eat, prepare the salad: Halve the avocados and discard the pits. Using a small paring knife, carefully score the avocado flesh into 1/2-inch cubes, avoiding cutting through the skin. Use a large spoon to scoop out the avocado flesh (in one spoonful, if possible), as close to the skin as possible. Transfer avocado cubes to a large bowl and add the dressing; toss gently.
Add the cucumbers and scallions and toss everything together. Season with salt and black pepper, top with more sesame seeds, and serve immediately.
Nutrition
- Info
- Trans Fat: 0 gramsFat: 23 gramsCalories: 270Saturated Fat: 3 gramsUnsaturated Fat: 18 gramsSodium: 566 milligramsSugar: 6 gramsFiber: 8 gramsCarbohydrate: 17 gramsProtein: 4 grams