How to Make Cucumber and Ginger Ribbon Salad

Cucumber and Ginger Ribbon Salad is a light and refreshing salad that brings out the natural crispness of English cucumbers, gently elevated by a fresh ginger-sesame dressing that’s as nourishing as it is flavorful. The ginger offers digestive support, while the sesame seeds add a nutty depth.

Cucumbers may often be overlooked, but they’re incredibly hydrating and rich in trace minerals especially welcome during the warmer summer months when your body craves light, cooling foods. Here, I keep things beautifully simple: English cucumbers are shaved into thin, ribbon-like layers using a vegetable peeler, allowing the dressing to soak in effortlessly. Each bite is clean, crisp, and subtly complex. It’s a no-fuss dish that stands gracefully on its own or adds a refreshing contrast to any summer meal.

Total Estimated Cost: ~$2.30

Serves 2 | Prep Time: 15 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 English cucumber

• Light sprinkle of salt (for the ribbons)

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar

• ½ inch piece of fresh ginger, finely grated

• 1 teaspoon sesame seeds

• 1 teaspoon salt (for the dressing)

Method

1. Make the Vinaigrette: In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, rice vinegar, sesame seeds, and salt. Finely grate the ginger using a microplane or fine grater and whisk it into the dressing until well combined.

2. Prep the Cucumber: Using a vegetable peeler, shave the cucumber lengthwise into long, thin ribbons. Stop once you reach the watery core. Lightly sprinkle the cucumber with a pinch of salt.

3. Chop the Core: Using a sharp knife cut in to pieces, dice the remaining cucumber core into small cubes. Add these to the vinaigrette and toss to coat this creates a flavorful base layer.

4. Assemble the Salad: Gently layer the cucumber ribbons on top of the dressed cubes. If you're serving immediately, use clean hands or tongs to softly toss the ribbons into the vinaigrette until evenly coated.

Tip: To Make Ahead: refrigerate the salad without mixing the dressing into the ribbons. Toss gently just before serving to maintain the texture and freshness.