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This Sesame Cucumber Salad combines cucumber, radishes and shrimp together in a toasted sesame oil. A light and healthy lunch option!
I never knew I could get so excited about cucumbers. CUCUMBERS. They’re not even the best vegetable. Or, at least I didn’t think they were until this salad! I mean, I’ve always been a fan, but rarely have I found myself indulging in a recipe where CUKES steal the show. If you’re looking for a healthy but supaaaa tasty way to eat cucumbers, this is it.
In fact, I actually ended up eating the entire salad myself. It’s a pretty decent size—definitely a good portion for two people—but it was one of those ‘ya snooze, ya lose’ type situations for Miguel. Sorry not sorry at all.
I mentioned last week that we are moving into our new apartment August 1 but that we have to be out of our current apartment by the 31st. Miguel and I both thought we could work something out—either stay in our current apartment until the 1st or move into our new apartment a day early, but as life would have it, that is not the case. Thank you, life. So, plan B is to get a moving truck and pack up all of our stuff and then stay with a friend for a night while our stuff stays in the truck. Not ideal, but it’s do-able. Man do I love moving. And by “love”, I obviously mean hate.
I think the reason I hate moving is because I’ve been doing it every year since I was 18, which is crazy! When I was in college I would move from dorm to dorm to apartment to other apartment and then I graduated and Miguel and I have already moved twice and this will be our third move. I’m not trying to sound whine-y, but I do think moving has the potential to be a fun thing if done not so frequently. Perhaps one day I shall know that feeling.
For now, I will sit in my apartment that is no longer going to be my apartment in just a few short weeks and stuff my face with cucumbers. Problem solved!
This salad combines cucumbers, radishes, onion, and shrimp (optional, but obviously recommended if you’re a seafood lover like myself), and is drizzled with sesame oil and rice vinegar for a super tasty salad! I used sesame oil AND toasted sesame oil--two different oils with different taste (both delicious of course!) The photos don’t do it justice because all of the oil went to the bottom of the bowl, but everything was covered in oil at one point. SO GOOD.
This is a great lunch option in my opinion—just throw it into a container and eat it on you lunch break. It would also be a great recipe to double or triple and take to a family gathering. ….because why bring cake or cookies when you could be THAT person who brings cucumber salad? Mhmmmm. Nom away, friends!
Ingredients
- 3 cups cucumbers thinly sliced
- ½ cup radishes
- ½ cup shrimp
- ¼ cup red onion
- ½ teaspoon sesame seeds
- 1 tablespoon cilantro
- Dressing:
- 2 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
Instructions
- Thaw shrimp and set aside (make sure you buy cooked shrimp, not raw).
- Slice cucumbers and radishes and dice onion and place in a bowl; add shrimp*, sesame seeds and cilantro.
- Pour dressing overtop and mix well.
- Enjoy!
Notes
Rohan Singh says
cucumbers are my favourite because they are good for summer as they are loaded with water and crucial nutrients which makes it different from other veggies and ideal for summer time. I know I'm going to love the taste of sesame cucumber salad recipe, which is different and unique.
Apartment story is funny, that you mentioned above.
Yvonne Rodgers says
The salad is great! I am eating salads every day and I would love to try this combination of products! Thanks for sharing! Good luck with the moving! At some point in my life I was changing homes all the time too. I actually think it is fun! 🙂 Until the moment you have children of course! 😛 All the best!!!
Meg @ Noming thru Life says
I love the use of sesame oil in this cuke salad. And poor Miguel, haha. Hey you make you claim it, lol! Enjoy your time with your feet up, or what of it you can, moving sucks. It's never enjoyable, just what's on the other end that is. May your boxes pack and unpack themselves, or some Harry Potter thing like that 😉
Erin says
hahah thank you!! I hope they pack and unpack themselves too 😀
Christina says
I despise moving too. Every time I move I'm like WHY do I have so many clothes? Like what possesses me to continue adding to my wardrobe because it is such a pain transporting all of this. And then I go shopping. Haha, well this looks deeelicious! Fact: I've never tried radishes. I need to hop on the radish train fo sho.
Erin says
Hahah I am the SAMEEEE way! Luckily moving helps me get rid of all the clothes I don't wear.
Sarah @ Making Thyme for Health says
I don't know what it is but I've been insanely excited about cucumbers too! I think it's because they're so refreshing and hydrating. My body is craving them like crazy! This salad looks like a tasty way to get my fix. I love that you ate the whole thing to yourself, haha!
And yes, moving sucks. I've done it as much as you have and it is such a pain. But I always look at it as an opportunity to get rid of things I don't need. It usually helps me feel more organized afterwards...or at least for a few months. 😉
Erin says
Good point--I alwayssss get rid of clothes and other junk I've managed to collect.
Beverley @ sweaty&fit says
i was the same with moving! literally did not stay in the same place for longer than 8 months for about 6 years. glad that i'm finally settled in one city.
also love how you added shrimp into this salad. saving this for later!
Erin says
Thanks! Yeah moving is so annoying--glad you finally got settled!
Shashi at RunninSrilankan says
Woa - shrimp and cucumbers and sesame sound so delicious together! I can definitely see how this salad can be comforting amongst all this moving! Gah - since I was 18, I think I've moved around maybe 8 or 9 times! I don't like it at all! I like to stay put and eat all the cucumber and shrimp salad I can!
Erin says
HAHA same here!
Kelly @ Kelly Runs For Food says
I love cucumber salads and this one looks especially good! I've lived in 3 different places since college, 3 when I was in college, so 6 moves in the last 12 years. I'm the worst at packing and usually just throw everything in those lawn/leaf trash bags. Canvas grocery bags are also very handy.
Erin says
Ughhh yes packing is the WORST, especially when you actually try to organize things, which I tryyyyy to do.