This Zucchini Sesame Salad is a light, flavorful, and refreshing side dish that’s perfect for any meal. Thinly sliced zucchini is tossed with a simple sesame dressing, made with soy sauce, sesame oil, and a hint of sweetness from sugar or honey. The toasted sesame seeds add a delightful crunch, while garlic and rice vinegar provide a tangy, savory kick. Ready in just minutes, this salad is the perfect complement to grilled meats, rice dishes, or enjoyed on its own as a healthy snack.
Ingredients:
- 2 medium zucchinis, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sugar (or honey)
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds, toasted
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped green onions (for garnish)
- Optional: Sliced radishes or carrots for extra crunch
Instructions:
- Prepare the Zucchini: Thinly slice the zucchinis using a mandoline or a sharp knife. If you’re using radishes or carrots for extra crunch, slice them thinly as well. Place the sliced zucchini (and any other vegetables) in a large bowl.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the sesame oil, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar (or honey), and minced garlic. Sample the dressing and modify the seasoning with salt and pepper to suit your taste preferences.
- Combine the Ingredients: Pour the sesame dressing over the sliced zucchini and toss gently to coat the vegetables evenly.
- Add Sesame Seeds: Sprinkle the toasted sesame seeds over the salad and toss again to distribute them throughout the dish.
- Garnish and Serve: Top the salad with chopped green onions and any additional garnishes like radishes or carrots. Serve immediately or let it chill in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Conclusion:
This Zucchini Sesame Salad is an easy, traditional recipe that brings together fresh zucchini and a tangy sesame dressing. The simplicity of the ingredients allows the natural flavors of the zucchini to shine while the sesame oil, soy sauce, and toasted sesame seeds add an authentic Asian-inspired touch. Perfect for a quick side dish or a healthy snack, this salad is a go-to for busy days or relaxed summer meals.
The Best Easy Traditional Zucchini Sesame Salad: A Refreshing Side Dish
Ingredients
- 2 medium zucchinis thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari for gluten-free
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sugar or honey
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds toasted
- 1 clove garlic minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped green onions for garnish
- Optional: Sliced radishes or carrots for extra crunch
Instructions
- Prepare the Zucchini: Thinly slice the zucchinis using a mandoline or a sharp knife. If you’re using radishes or carrots for extra crunch, slice them thinly as well. Place the sliced zucchini (and any other vegetables) in a large bowl.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the sesame oil, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar (or honey), and minced garlic. Sample the dressing and modify the seasoning with salt and pepper to suit your taste preferences.
- Combine the Ingredients: Pour the sesame dressing over the sliced zucchini and toss gently to coat the vegetables evenly.
- Add Sesame Seeds: Sprinkle the toasted sesame seeds over the salad and toss again to distribute them throughout the dish.
- Garnish and Serve: Top the salad with chopped green onions and any additional garnishes like radishes or carrots. Serve immediately or let it chill in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.