Japanese Cucumber Salad

Japanese Cucumber Salad, or Sunomono, is a traditional dish known for its balance of tangy and sweet flavors. Made with thin cucumber slices soaked in rice vinegar, it delivers a light crunch and a refreshing taste that pairs beautifully with heavier entrees or serves as a palate cleanser. This salad is a go-to for minimalist, clean eating with authentic Japanese flair. Whether you’re enjoying it as a side dish or as part of a bento box, it’s a quick and easy way to bring a touch of elegance and nutrition to your table. The toasted sesame seeds and optional seaweed add depth and texture, turning a simple cucumber into a crave-worthy delight.

Full recipe:

Ingredients:

• 2 Japanese cucumbers (or Persian cucumbers), thinly sliced

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar

• 1 tablespoon sugar

• 1 teaspoon soy sauce

• 1 teaspoon sesame oil

• 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds

• Optional: thinly sliced wakame seaweed (rehydrated), for garnish

Directions:

1. Place the thinly sliced cucumbers in a bowl and sprinkle with salt. Toss gently and let sit for 10 minutes to draw out moisture.

2. After resting, squeeze the cucumbers gently to remove excess water, then set aside.

3. In a small bowl, whisk together rice vinegar, sugar, soy sauce, and sesame oil until the sugar is fully dissolved.

4. Add the cucumbers to the dressing and mix well to coat evenly.

5. Let the salad chill in the fridge for at least 10–15 minutes for the flavors to meld.

6. Serve cold, garnished with toasted sesame seeds and optional seaweed.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Resting Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes

Kcal: 60 kcal | Servings: 2 servings

Japanese Cucumber Salad (Sunomono): A Refreshing Classic Rooted in Tradition

Japanese Cucumber Salad, known as Sunomono (酢の物), is a light, refreshing dish that perfectly exemplifies the balance and elegance of Japanese cuisine. Made with thinly sliced cucumbers, rice vinegar, and a few staple ingredients, this salad is often served as a side dish or appetizer to cleanse the palate and awaken the taste buds. But Sunomono is far more than just a side salad—it’s a cultural expression, a health-forward recipe, and a flavor-packed companion to many meals. In this article, we’ll explore its origins, health benefits, why it’s a must-have in your culinary repertoire, and how to customize it to suit different preferences.

The Cultural and Historical Roots of Sunomono

The word Sunomono comes from su (酢), meaning vinegar, and mono (物), meaning things—literally translating to “vinegared things.” This style of dish has been part of Japanese cuisine for centuries, serving both as a preservation method and a way to highlight fresh ingredients through acidic balance. Historically, Japanese meals are composed of multiple small dishes, and Sunomono plays an important role in offering contrast—particularly with richer or saltier items. Its light, tangy flavor and crisp texture provide a palate-cleansing effect, making it a staple during multi-course meals (kaiseki) or even in humble home dinners.

Why This Recipe Is a Standout

1. Simplicity Meets Sophistication

One of the most appealing aspects of Sunomono is how minimal yet elegant it is. With just a few ingredients—cucumber, rice vinegar, sugar, soy sauce, and sesame—it achieves a balance of sweet, sour, and umami that’s deeply satisfying. It’s the kind of recipe that respects its ingredients and doesn’t overcomplicate the process.

2. Quick and Easy to Make

Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a kitchen novice, this recipe is nearly foolproof. From start to finish, it takes about 15 minutes to prepare, and requires no cooking. That makes it ideal for busy weeknights, quick lunches, or elegant last-minute dinner accompaniments.

3. Highly Customizable

Sunomono is versatile. While the classic version is made with cucumbers, you can easily add in other ingredients like:

• Wakame seaweed (rehydrated)
• Thinly sliced daikon radish
• Carrot matchsticks
• Cooked shrimp or octopus (Tako Sunomono)
• Fresh herbs like shiso or mint

This adaptability makes it easy to tailor the recipe to your tastes or whatever you have on hand.

Health Benefits of Japanese Cucumber Salad

1. Hydration and Low-Calorie

Cucumbers are over 95% water, making this salad excellent for hydration. It’s also incredibly low in calories (about 60 kcal per serving), making it perfect for those watching their weight or seeking a light side dish that won’t overload a meal.

2. Rich in Antioxidants

The inclusion of rice vinegar, sesame seeds, and cucumbers means the dish provides small but beneficial amounts of antioxidants, which help combat oxidative stress in the body. Additionally, sesame seeds are a great source of healthy fats and minerals like magnesium and calcium.

3. Gut-Healthy Ingredients

Rice vinegar is fermented, and while it’s not a probiotic powerhouse like kimchi or yogurt, it still supports digestion. The acidity also helps balance blood sugar levels and can enhance nutrient absorption when consumed alongside other foods.

4. Naturally Gluten-Free and Vegan

Sunomono, in its basic form, is both gluten-free and vegan—perfect for those with dietary restrictions. Just ensure your soy sauce is a gluten-free variant like tamari if needed.

Key Ingredients Breakdown

Cucumbers

Japanese cucumbers are ideal for this salad because they’re thinner, seedless, and less watery than typical Western varieties. If unavailable, English cucumbers are a close substitute. The goal is to have crisp, non-bitter cucumbers that slice easily and absorb the dressing.

Rice Vinegar

This is the heart of the dressing—mild, slightly sweet, and less acidic than Western white vinegar. It enhances the natural flavors of vegetables rather than overpowering them.

Sugar

A touch of sugar balances the acidity and rounds out the flavor profile. In traditional Japanese cooking, sweet and sour elements are often used together to create harmony.

Soy Sauce & Sesame Oil

Just a bit of soy sauce deepens the umami profile, while sesame oil adds a nutty aroma that complements the freshness of the cucumber beautifully.

Sesame Seeds

Toasted sesame seeds not only add visual contrast but also bring texture and earthy flavor. They’re optional but highly recommended.

How to Serve Sunomono

Sunomono is typically served cold, making it ideal for summer meals or as a refreshing starter before warm dishes like grilled fish, miso soup, or rice bowls. Here are a few ways to incorporate it into meals:

• As an appetizer in a Japanese-style dinner
• As a light lunch paired with miso soup and edamame
• Alongside sushi or sashimi
• In a bento box
• With grilled tofu or teriyaki chicken for a fusion plate

Pro Tips for the Best Sunomono

• Slice Thinly: The thinner the cucumber slices, the better they absorb the dressing and maintain a crisp texture.
• Salt & Drain: Salting the cucumber and draining excess water helps keep the salad from becoming soggy.
• Chill Before Serving: Giving the salad time to chill intensifies the flavors and ensures a refreshing bite.
• Use Fresh, Quality Ingredients: Since the recipe is so simple, ingredient quality really makes a difference.

Sunomono Variations Worth Trying

1. Shrimp Sunomono – Add poached shrimp for protein and a seafood twist.
2. Octopus (Tako) Sunomono – Common in Japanese izakayas; chewy octopus slices enhance the umami.
3. Daikon & Carrot Mix – Offers color and additional crunch.
4. Mango Sunomono – For a sweet and fruity variation.
5. Chili-Spiked Sunomono – Add a bit of chili oil or red pepper flakes for heat.

Why You Should Add This Recipe to Your Repertoire

Whether you’re cooking for guests or meal-prepping for the week, Sunomono is a standout for several reasons:

• It’s visually appealing and brightens up any plate.
• It complements a wide range of main dishes.
• It’s quick, healthy, and budget-friendly.
• It introduces you to authentic Japanese flavors without needing hard-to-find ingredients or complex methods.

In short, it’s the kind of recipe that elevates your kitchen skills while keeping things simple.

Conclusion

Japanese Cucumber Salad (Sunomono) represents the best of what home cooking can be—healthy, flavorful, beautiful, and easy. It captures the essence of Japanese culinary philosophy: balance, seasonality, and simplicity. Perfect for hot days, light meals, or when you’re craving something tangy and crisp, Sunomono belongs in every home cook’s toolkit. Make it once, and it just might become your new go-to salad for any occasion.