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Layered cucumber salad in a jar featuring a zesty ginger and lime zest dressing with sesame seeds.

Refreshing Cucumber Salad In A Jar

Rebecca Blumer
Enjoy a crisp and vibrant cucumber salad in a jar, featuring a punchy ginger-lime dressing. This meal-prep staple stays snappy and flavorful for days, making it the perfect healthy side dish.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Chilling time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 10 minutes
Course Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine American, Asian-Inspired
Servings 2 Servings
Calories 95 kcal

Equipment

  • Mason jar
  • Mandoline slicer
  • Mixing Bowl

Ingredients
 

  • 2-3 small cucumbers thinly sliced (about 1 mm thick)
  • 0.5 small red onion thinly sliced
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 0.25 cup rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 clove garlic minced
  • 0.25 teaspoon red pepper flakes adjust to taste

Toppings:

  • 1 teaspoon black sesame seeds
  • 1 teaspoon white sesame seeds
  • 1 green onion thinly sliced

Instructions
 

Draw out moisture for lasting crunch

  • Place the sliced cucumbers in a bowl and sprinkle them evenly with salt.
  • Let the cucumbers sit for 5 to 10 minutes until you see moisture beading up on the surface.
  • Rinse the slices well with cold water, then pat them dry with paper towels until they are almost bone-dry.

Whisk the aromatic ginger-lime dressing

  • In a small bowl, whisk together the rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, brown sugar, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes until the sugar is fully dissolved.

Pack the jar and coat every slice

  • Add the prepared cucumber and red onion slices into a clean glass Mason jar.
  • Pour the prepared dressing over the top, ensuring all the vegetables are fully covered by the liquid.

Chill for quick-pickle flavor, finish with crunch

  • Seal the jar tightly and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to let the flavors develop and marinate.
  • Just before serving, sprinkle the salad with black and white sesame seeds and garnish with the sliced green onions.

Notes

Meal Prep Strategy: For the best texture, stack the dressing at the bottom and the cucumbers at the top if adding extra grains or proteins to your jar.
Ingredient Tip: Use Persian or English cucumbers to avoid peeling, as their thin skins provide a better crunch and more nutrients without bitterness.
Serving Suggestion: Let the jar sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before eating to allow the ginger and sesame aromas to fully bloom.
Nutrition information is estimated based on common ingredients and serving sizes and may vary.

Nutrition

Calories: 95kcalCarbohydrates: 14gProtein: 2gFat: 4gSaturated Fat: 0.5gSodium: 580mgPotassium: 280mgFiber: 1.5gSugar: 9gVitamin A: 8IUVitamin C: 12mgCalcium: 40mgIron: 0.8mg
Keyword cucumber salad in a jar, healthy salad, Meal Prep, quick pickling
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