Sunomono (Japanese Cucumber Salad)

Name: Sunomono (Japanese Cucumber Salad)
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Yield: 4
Ingredients: Japanese or Persian cucumbers; 4 tbsp rice vinegar; 2 tbsp white sugar; 1 tbsp soy sauce; 1 tbsp sesame oil; a pinch of kosher salt; sesame seeds as many as you like

Easy no-cook cucumber side dish with sesame dressing.

PublishedMay 1, 2026

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Yields:

serving(s)

Prep Time:

10

Total Time:

1 10

Cal/Serv:

60

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Sunomono (Japanese Cucumber Salad)

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Sunomono, or Japanese cucumber salad, is a light, crisp, and refreshing side dish made with thinly sliced cucumbers tossed in a tangy-sweet rice vinegar dressing. A little soy sauce adds savory flavor, sesame oil gives it a nutty finish, and sesame seeds add a simple crunch. It is quick to prepare, but tastes best after chilling for 1 to 2 hours so the cucumbers can soak up all those bright, pickled-style flavors.

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Prep Time 10

Optional Longer Chill 1

Total Time 1 10

Servings: 4

Course: Appetizer, Side Dish

Cuisine: Asian, Japanese

Calories: 60

Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition

Ingredients

Japanese or Persian cucumbers
4 tbsp rice vinegar
2 tbsp white sugar
1 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp sesame oil
a pinch of kosher salt
sesame seeds as many as you like

Equipment

1 Cutting Board
1 sharp knife or mandoline
2 Mixing Bowls
1 spoon or whisk
1 food storage container or cover

Method

Slice the cucumbers thinly
Place them in a bowl, add a large pinch of kosher salt, and toss gently
Set aside, and in another bowl, combine the rice vinegar, sugar, soy sauce, and sesame oil
Stir until well combined
Add the sesame seeds to the cucumbers and toss gently
Pour the dressing over the cucumbers and toss until well combined, pressing at the end to distribute the juices.
Cover, and let sit in the refrigerator for at least 1 hours. You can let it sit for up to a day for a more pickled salad.
Enjoy with your favorite dinner, or eat it on its own as a delicious snack!

Nutrition

Serving: 87gCalories: 60kcalCarbohydrates: 6gProtein: 0.5gFat: 4gSaturated Fat: 0.5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gSodium: 252mgPotassium: 10mgFiber: 0.04gSugar: 6gCalcium: 2mgIron: 0.1mg