10-Minute Ginger Miso Cucumber Salad

Recipe By:

Juliette

Posted:

June 23, 2025

Updated:

June 23, 2025

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This 10-Minute Ginger Miso Cucumber Salad is a delightful dish that combines refreshing cucumbers with a flavorful miso dressing. Perfect for any occasion, this salad is not only quick to prepare but also packed with nutrients. The unique combination of sesame oil and ginger adds a distinctive taste, while the crunchy texture from edamame and carrots makes every bite enjoyable.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: This salad comes together in just 10 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
Flavorful and Nutritious: The blend of ginger, miso, and sesame oil creates a delicious dressing that enhances the freshness of the cucumbers.
Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy this salad on its own, as a side dish, or even as a topping for rice bowls.
Customizable Ingredients: Feel free to adjust the flavors by adding more or less ginger and miso to suit your taste.
Great for Meal Prep: This salad holds up well in the fridge, making it an excellent choice for meal prep.

Tools and Preparation

To make your cooking experience smoother, gather these essential tools before you start preparing your 10-Minute Ginger Miso Cucumber Salad.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Spiralizer (or knife)
Mixing bowl
Whisk
Measuring spoons

Importance of Each Tool

Spiralizer: This tool helps create beautiful cucumber noodles. If you don’t have one, you can use a knife to slice the cucumbers thinly.
Mixing bowl: A good mixing bowl is essential for combining ingredients evenly without spilling.
Whisk: A whisk makes it easy to blend the dressing ingredients until smooth.

Ingredients

This fresh cucumber salad comes together super quickly and has great flavor; slightly nutty from sesame oil and a tad spicy, balanced with delicate white miso. Edamame and carrots add texture, too!

For the Salad Base

2 large English cucumbers
1½ cups frozen shelled edamame (defrosted)
2 medium carrots (julienned)

For the Dressing

2½ tablespoons white miso
1½ tablespoons hot or warm water
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
1 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon finely grated ginger (peeled)
1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
1 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon sesame oil
2 teaspoons freshly squeezed lemon juice (from 1 lemon)
½ teaspoon tamari sauce (or soy sauce)

For Garnish

1 tablespoon toasted white and black sesame seeds (you can also just use one kind if you want!)
Optional: 1 sheet of nori (cut into small 1-inch long 1/8-inch wide strips.)

How to Make 10-Minute Ginger Miso Cucumber Salad

Step 1: Prepare the Cucumbers

Slice off the very top and bottom of each cucumber, then cut them in half cross-wise. Using a spiralizer with a wide ribbon blade, run each cucumber through it to create noodle-like strands. If you do not have a spiralizer, slice the cucumbers in half lengthwise, scrape out the seeds, and cut them into thin half-rounds.

Step 2: Toss the Veggies

In a mixing bowl, combine the cucumber ribbons or slices with the defrosted edamame and julienned carrots. Toss gently to mix all ingredients evenly.

Step 3: Make the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together the white miso and hot water until completely smooth. Add rice vinegar, grated ginger, honey or maple syrup, sesame oil, lemon juice, and tamari sauce. Whisk everything together until well combined. Taste the dressing and adjust sweetness or saltiness as needed.

Step 4: Combine Dressing and Salad

Pour as much of the dressing over the vegetable mixture as desired. Toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly with dressing. Depending on your cucumber size, you may want to add more dressing if needed.

Step 5: Garnish & Serve

Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds on top of your salad for added crunch. If desired, serve with strips of nori on top for an extra layer of flavor! Enjoy your vibrant 10-Minute Ginger Miso Cucumber Salad immediately!

How to Serve 10-Minute Ginger Miso Cucumber Salad

This 10-Minute Ginger Miso Cucumber Salad is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Here are some serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience.

As a Light Appetizer

Start your meal with this refreshing salad. It serves as a perfect palate cleanser before heavier dishes.

With Grilled Proteins

Pair the salad with grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu for a balanced and satisfying meal. The flavors complement the savory elements beautifully.

In Rice Bowls

Add the salad on top of rice bowls for added crunch and flavor. The miso dressing ties everything together nicely.

As a Picnic Dish

This salad travels well, making it an excellent choice for picnics or potlucks. Its vibrant colors and refreshing taste will impress your guests.

How to Perfect 10-Minute Ginger Miso Cucumber Salad

To ensure you create the best 10-Minute Ginger Miso Cucumber Salad, consider these helpful tips.

Choose Fresh Cucumbers: Use firm, fresh cucumbers for the best texture and flavor in your salad.
Adjust the Dressing: Taste your dressing before adding it to the salad and adjust sweetness or saltiness as desired.
Add Crunchy Toppings: Incorporate toppings like crushed peanuts or additional sesame seeds for extra crunch.
Serve Cold: Chill the salad in the fridge for about 10 minutes before serving to enhance its refreshing taste.
Experiment with Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or radishes for more color and nutrition.
Make Ahead: Prepare components separately in advance and combine them just before serving to maintain freshness.

Best Side Dishes for 10-Minute Ginger Miso Cucumber Salad

This cucumber salad pairs wonderfully with various side dishes. Here are some great options to consider:

Grilled Chicken Skewers: Marinated chicken skewers add protein and complement the salad’s flavors perfectly.
Steamed Rice: A simple bowl of steamed rice provides a neutral base that balances the bold flavors of the salad.
Sushi Rolls: Serve alongside sushi rolls for a fun, Asian-inspired meal that combines different textures and tastes.
Miso Soup: A warm bowl of miso soup enhances the meal’s theme while providing comforting warmth.
Edamame Hummus: Pair with edamame hummus and pita chips for a delicious appetizer that echoes the salad’s ingredients.
Tempura Vegetables: Crispy tempura adds crunch and another layer of flavor that complements the fresh cucumber salad.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making the 10-Minute Ginger Miso Cucumber Salad, it’s crucial to avoid some common pitfalls that can affect flavor and texture.

Ignoring the cucumber prep: Properly preparing the cucumbers is key. Slice them correctly to ensure they absorb the dressing well and maintain a pleasing texture.
Overdressing the salad: Adding too much dressing can make the salad soggy. Start with a little and taste as you go, adjusting to your preference.
Using cold ingredients: If you use frozen edamame straight from the freezer, it can cool down your dish too much. Make sure it’s fully defrosted for better flavor integration.
Skipping the taste test: Don’t forget to taste the dressing before adding it to the salad. Adjust sweetness or saltiness based on your preference for a balanced flavor.
Neglecting garnishes: Skipping sesame seeds or nori can take away from the visual appeal and texture of your salad. These garnishes add both crunch and flavor!

Refrigerator Storage

Store in an airtight container.
Keeps well for up to 3 days.
Separating dressing from salad is recommended for optimal freshness.

Freezing 10-Minute Ginger Miso Cucumber Salad

Not recommended for freezing as cucumbers lose their texture once thawed.
Edamame and carrots freeze well, but the overall dish is best fresh.

Reheating 10-Minute Ginger Miso Cucumber Salad

Oven: Not suitable for reheating; best served cold.
Microwave: Can warm edamame separately if desired, but avoid reheating whole salad.
Stovetop: Not recommended; this salad is best enjoyed fresh.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make 10-Minute Ginger Miso Cucumber Salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the salad up to a day in advance. Just store the vegetables separately from the dressing to keep everything crisp.

What variations can I try with this ginger miso cucumber salad?

You can customize it by adding proteins like grilled chicken or tofu. Feel free to experiment with different vegetables such as bell peppers or radishes!

How do I store leftover 10-Minute Ginger Miso Cucumber Salad?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days, keeping dressing separate until serving for freshness.

Is there a gluten-free option for this recipe?

Yes! Substitute tamari sauce instead of regular soy sauce, which makes this dish gluten-free while retaining its delicious flavor.

Final Thoughts

The 10-Minute Ginger Miso Cucumber Salad is a refreshing dish that packs a flavorful punch while being quick and easy to prepare. Its versatility allows for numerous customization options, whether you’re looking to add proteins or other veggies. Give this delightful recipe a try for your next meal!