Imagine a salad that's not just a side dish, but a flavor explosion that will transform your entire meal experience! This Cucumber Avocado Salad with Miso Sesame Dressing is your ticket to a culinary adventure that combines crisp textures, umami-rich flavors, and a stunning visual presentation. Perfect for hot summer days, health-conscious foodies, and anyone looking to elevate their salad game with a restaurant-quality dish you can easily make at home.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 15 mins
Cuisine: Asian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cucumber, sliced
- 1 avocado, diced
- 1/4 cup sesame seeds
- 2 tbsp miso paste
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
Instructions
- Wash the cucumber thoroughly and slice it thinly using a sharp knife or mandoline. Aim for uniform, translucent slices approximately 1/8 inch thick.
- Cut the avocado in half, remove the pit, and carefully dice the flesh into small, even cubes. To prevent browning, prepare the avocado just before serving.
- In a small mixing bowl, whisk together miso paste, rice vinegar, soy sauce, and sesame oil until the mixture is smooth and well combined. The dressing should have a creamy, emulsified consistency.
- Toast the sesame seeds in a dry skillet over medium heat, stirring constantly until they turn golden brown and become fragrant. This should take about 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat immediately to prevent burning.
- Gently combine the sliced cucumber and diced avocado in a serving bowl, being careful not to mash the avocado.
- Drizzle the prepared miso sesame dressing over the cucumber and avocado, tossing lightly to ensure even coating.
- Sprinkle the toasted sesame seeds over the salad just before serving to maintain their crunch.
- Serve immediately at room temperature for the best flavor and texture. The salad is best enjoyed fresh to prevent the cucumber from releasing excess water.
Tips
- Slice cucumber thinly and uniformly for the best texture and visual appeal. A mandoline can help achieve consistent, translucent slices.
- Prepare avocado just before serving to prevent browning and maintain its vibrant green color.
- Toast sesame seeds carefully - they can burn quickly! Keep stirring and watch for a golden color and nutty aroma.
- Use fresh, high-quality ingredients, especially for the miso paste and rice vinegar, to ensure the most authentic and delicious flavor.
- Serve immediately after dressing to maintain the salad's crisp texture and prevent the cucumber from becoming watery.
- For extra flavor, consider adding some finely chopped green onions or a sprinkle of furikake as a garnish.
- If you're meal prepping, keep the dressing separate and add just before serving to maintain the salad's freshness.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 10g
Protein: 6g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 0mg
