Sushi-Style Avocado and Cucumber Salad with Sesame Dressing
A refreshing salad combining creamy avocado and crisp cucumber, tossed with a nutty sesame dressing inspired by Japanese flavors. This japanese-inspired salads ready in about 10 minutes blends toasted sesame oil, soy sauce, rice vinegar into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 220 calories and feeds 2, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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.
Ingredients
- 1 medium, diced into 1/2-inch cubes ripe avocado
- 1 medium, peeled and sliced into thin half-moons English cucumber
- 2 tbsp toasted sesame oil
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp honey
- 1 tbsp, toasted sesame seeds
- 2 tbsp thinly sliced scallions
- 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions
- Step 1: In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tbsp toasted sesame oil, 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, and 1 tsp honey until the dressing is smooth and well combined.
- Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 medium diced ripe avocado (1/2-inch cubes) and 1 medium peeled English cucumber sliced into thin half-moons.
- Step 3: Pour the sesame dressing from step 1 over the avocado and cucumber, gently tossing to coat without mashing the avocado.
- Step 4: Sprinkle 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds, 2 tbsp thinly sliced scallions, and 1/4 tsp salt over the salad. Toss once more lightly and serve chilled.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Sushi-Style Avocado and Cucumber Salad with Sesame Dressing take to make?
Total time is about 10 minutes (10 min prep + 0 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Sushi-Style Avocado and Cucumber Salad with Sesame Dressing?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Sushi-Style Avocado and 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 Sushi-Style Avocado and 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.
What goes well with Sushi-Style Avocado and Cucumber Salad with Sesame Dressing?
Japanese salads like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
