Banchan-Style Cucumber Salad with Sesame Dressing

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A refreshing, crisp salad featuring thinly sliced cucumbers in a tangy-sweet sesame dressing, perfect as a side dish. This Korean-inspired salad recipe (vegetarian, vegan), ready in about 15 minutes, pairs Cucumber, Rice vinegar, Sugar into a side that holds its own next to almost any main — bright, balanced, and quick enough to slot into a weeknight plate. Each serving lands at about 50 calories and feeds 2, so it slots cleanly next to roasted proteins, grain bowls, or weeknight mains. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Serves 2 Korean cuisine 50 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, combine 2 medium peeled and thinly sliced cucumbers, 2 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tsp sugar, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes. Toss to coat and let sit for 10 minutes to draw out moisture.
  2. Step 2: Drain any excess liquid from the cucumbers, then add 1/2 tsp sesame oil and 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds. Toss again until evenly distributed.
  3. Step 3: Chill for 15 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld and the cucumbers to become crisp.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Banchan-Style Cucumber Salad with Sesame Dressing take to make?

Total time is about 15 minutes (15 min prep + 0 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Banchan-Style Cucumber Salad with Sesame Dressing?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep cucumber from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Banchan-Style Cucumber Salad with Sesame Dressing?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Banchan-Style Cucumber Salad with Sesame Dressing for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Banchan-Style Cucumber Salad with Sesame Dressing vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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