Cucumber and Celery Salad with Sesame Dressing

Introduction

Cucumber and celery salad with sesame dressing is a light, refreshing dish that’s perfect for hot days or as a side to complement heartier meals. The crunchy texture of celery and the cool, hydrating nature of cucumbers pair beautifully with the nutty, slightly sweet sesame dressing. This dish is quick and easy to prepare, making it ideal for a simple lunch, a healthy snack, or a side for your favorite main course.

In this recipe, we’ll show you how to create a delicious sesame dressing that ties the ingredients together, bringing out the fresh and vibrant flavors of the cucumbers and celery.

Ingredients

For the salad:

• 2 medium cucumbers, thinly sliced
• 3 celery stalks, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons of sesame seeds (toasted for extra flavor)
• Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish (optional)

For the sesame dressing:

• 2 tablespoons of sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon of soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon of honey or maple syrup (optional for a hint of sweetness)
• 1 teaspoon of grated fresh ginger
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• A pinch of salt
• Freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Preparing the Vegetables

Start by washing the cucumbers and celery. Thinly slice the cucumbers into rounds or half-moons, depending on your preference. For the celery, slice it into thin pieces diagonally to add a bit of variety to the shape and texture. Once sliced, place the cucumbers and celery in a large mixing bowl.

Step 2: Toasting the Sesame Seeds (Optional)

If you want to enhance the flavor of the sesame seeds, lightly toast them in a dry skillet over medium heat. Stir them frequently for 2-3 minutes until they become golden brown and fragrant. Once toasted, set them aside to cool slightly.

Step 3: Making the Sesame Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together the sesame oil, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey (if using), grated ginger, and minced garlic. Add a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Whisk until the dressing is well combined and smooth.

Taste the dressing and adjust the flavors as needed. If you prefer a little more acidity, you can add a bit more rice vinegar. For a sweeter touch, add a little more honey or maple syrup.

Step 4: Tossing the Salad

Pour the sesame dressing over the sliced cucumbers and celery in the mixing bowl. Toss everything gently to ensure the vegetables are evenly coated with the dressing.

Once the salad is well mixed, sprinkle the toasted sesame seeds over the top for added texture and a nutty flavor. You can also garnish the salad with fresh cilantro or parsley for a pop of color and extra freshness.

Serving Suggestions

This cucumber and celery salad with sesame dressing is best served fresh, making it an ideal dish for a light lunch, picnic, or side to grilled dishes. The salad’s crisp texture and bright flavors make it a refreshing accompaniment to heavier meals like roasted vegetables or rice dishes.

The sesame dressing pairs well with the coolness of the cucumbers and the crunch of the celery, offering a satisfying combination of textures and flavors.

To further enhance this simple and versatile dish, consider a few additional options that can make it even more enjoyable and suitable for various occasions.

One idea is to experiment with different types of cucumbers. If you're used to the common slicing cucumber, you might want to try English cucumbers or Persian cucumbers. English cucumbers are seedless, making them a bit milder and easier to eat, while Persian cucumbers are smaller and crunchier, offering an extra burst of freshness in every bite.

Another way to elevate the dish is by playing with the texture of the celery. For a more interesting visual presentation and varied texture, you can try using a vegetable peeler to create thin celery ribbons. These delicate strips will add an elegant touch to the salad while maintaining that signature crunch. If you prefer a slightly softer texture, blanch the celery briefly by immersing it in boiling water for 30 seconds and then quickly transferring it to ice water. This will soften the celery just enough while preserving its vibrant green color.

If you're looking for more flavor depth, consider incorporating toasted sesame oil into the dressing. A small drizzle of toasted sesame oil can enhance the nutty aroma and flavor, making the dish more aromatic and rich. Additionally, if you like a bit of a kick, finely chop a mild chili pepper or add a small amount of freshly ground black pepper for a hint of spice.

Serving variations are another way to make this salad more interesting. For example, you could serve it as a topping for noodle bowls or grain bowls. Simply prepare some rice, quinoa, or soba noodles, and top them with this cucumber and celery salad along with additional toppings like sliced avocado, roasted vegetables, or even grilled meat or tofu. This turns the salad into a more substantial and complete meal, perfect for lunch or dinner.

Lastly, the presentation of this salad can be taken up a notch if you're serving it at a dinner party or special occasion. Consider serving it in individual bowls or arranging the cucumber and celery slices in a layered pattern on a platter. Garnish with additional sesame seeds or even a sprinkle of microgreens for an elegant touch that makes the dish feel a bit more sophisticated.

This cucumber and celery salad with sesame dressing can easily become a staple in your repertoire due to its adaptability and fresh flavors. Whether you're keeping it simple as a side dish or transforming it into a main feature with added ingredients, this salad offers plenty of room for creativity.

Tips and Variations

• Adding Extra Vegetables: For a more colorful salad, try adding thinly sliced radishes, bell peppers, or carrots. These vegetables will add even more crunch and flavor to the dish.
• Protein Addition: To turn this salad into a more substantial meal, you can add cooked shrimp, tofu, or grilled chicken for some added protein.
• Nutty Garnish: For an extra crunch, you can sprinkle chopped roasted almonds or peanuts over the salad in addition to the sesame seeds.
• Spicy Kick: If you enjoy a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha to the sesame dressing for a spicy version of this salad.
• Herb Substitutions: If you’re not a fan of cilantro or parsley, feel free to use other fresh herbs like mint or basil to change up the flavor profile.

Conclusion

Cucumber and celery salad with sesame dressing is a simple yet flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. The combination of crisp, refreshing vegetables and the nutty, tangy dressing creates a well-balanced and satisfying salad. It’s quick to prepare, light, and healthy, making it a go-to recipe for warm weather or whenever you’re in the mood for something fresh and delicious.

Try this recipe today and enjoy the vibrant flavors and textures that make this salad a favorite for any meal.