Cucumber Salad with Miso Dressing

This refreshing Miso Cucumber Salad with Shallot & Roasted Peanuts transforms ordinary cucumbers into a sophisticated dish with complex flavors. The combination of crisp cucumbers, aromatic shallots, and crunchy peanuts creates a textural experience that perfectly complements the umami-rich miso dressing.

I discovered this recipe during a particularly hot summer when I was craving something refreshing yet substantial. The first time I served it at a backyard gathering, guests were asking for the recipe before they even finished their first serving.

Ingredients

• Fresh cucumbers: Preferably English or Persian varieties for fewer seeds and tender skin
• Salt: Drawing out excess moisture ensures crisp cucumber texture rather than watery salad
• Shallots: Offering a milder sweeter flavor than regular onions adding gentle bite
• Roasted peanuts: Providing essential crunch and a nutty depth that elevates the entire dish
• Fresh cilantro: Brightening the salad with herbal notes that complement the Asian flavors
• Orange juice: Adding natural sweetness and acidity that balances the salty miso
• White miso paste: Creating the umami foundation without overwhelming the delicate vegetables
• Sesame oil: Contributing a nutty aromatic quality that ties all flavors together
• Ground ginger: Delivering subtle warmth and digestive benefits
• Rice vinegar: Providing necessary acidity with a gentler profile than other vinegars
• Maple syrup: Optional but wonderful for balancing flavors if your orange juice lacks sweetness

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Cucumbers:

Peel cucumbers if desired though keeping some skin adds color and nutrition. Slice them into thin rounds approximately 1/8 inch thick for ideal texture. Place in a large bowl and toss thoroughly with salt making sure each slice gets a light coating. Allow to sit at room temperature for a full hour this salting process known as degorging removes excess moisture resulting in crisp rather than soggy cucumbers.

Drain and Dry:

After salting pour cucumbers into a colander and rinse well to remove excess salt. Pat thoroughly dry using paper towels or a clean kitchen towel. For best results use a salad spinner to remove maximum moisture. Return dried cucumber slices to a clean bowl.

Prepare Supporting Ingredients:

Slice shallots thinly into delicate rings or half moons. For the peanuts pulse in a food processor until roughly chopped maintaining some texture rather than grinding to powder. Finely chop fresh cilantro including tender stems for maximum flavor. Add all these ingredients to the bowl with the cucumbers.

Create the Dressing:

Combine orange juice miso paste sesame oil ground ginger rice vinegar and maple syrup if using in a blender or food processor. Blend until completely smooth and emulsified approximately 30 seconds. Taste and adjust sweetness or acidity as needed.

Assemble the Salad:

Pour the prepared dressing over the cucumber mixture. Toss gently but thoroughly to ensure every piece is coated with the flavorful dressing. The salad is best served immediately while the cucumbers maintain their crispness and the flavors are bright and fresh.

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The sesame oil in this recipe is my secret weapon. I discovered its transformative power years ago when experimenting with Asian flavors. Just a tablespoon brings warmth and depth that would otherwise require hours of cooking. My family now recognizes the distinctive aroma the moment I open the bottle knowing something delicious is coming.

Make-Ahead Tips

This cucumber salad can be prepared in stages for convenience and optimal texture. You can salt and drain the cucumbers up to a day ahead storing them well dried in the refrigerator. The dressing can also be made up to three days in advance and kept in an airtight container. However for best results combine all ingredients no more than 30 minutes before serving to maintain the crisp texture of the cucumbers and prevent the peanuts from softening.

Serving Suggestions

This versatile salad pairs beautifully with grilled proteins especially salmon or chicken with Asian flavors. It also makes an excellent side dish for spicy foods as the cool cucumbers provide balance. For a complete meal consider serving alongside steamed rice and teriyaki chicken or tofu. The bright flavors also complement rich dishes like tonkatsu or Korean fried chicken creating a satisfying contrast.

Cultural Context

This salad represents a wonderful fusion of Japanese and Southeast Asian culinary traditions. Miso a fermented soybean paste is a cornerstone of Japanese cooking providing the distinctive umami flavor. The addition of peanuts and cilantro brings in Southeast Asian influences creating a cross cultural dish that honors both traditions while creating something uniquely delicious. This type of cucumber preparation has roots in many Asian cuisines where salting vegetables before dressing them is a common technique to enhance texture.

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This salad is a flavorful and fun way to elevate cucumbers into something memorable. Try it today and impress your friends and family!

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Why do you salt the cucumbers before making the salad?

Salting the cucumbers draws out excess moisture, which prevents the salad from becoming watery and diluting the dressing. This technique helps maintain the crisp texture of the cucumbers while allowing them to better absorb the flavorful miso dressing.

→ Can I make this salad ahead of time?

While best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the components ahead of time. Salt and drain the cucumbers, prepare the dressing, and chop the peanuts in advance. Store separately in the refrigerator, then combine everything just before serving to maintain optimal texture and flavor.

→ What can I substitute for white miso paste?

If you don't have white miso paste, you could substitute with yellow miso (slightly stronger flavor) or a combination of tahini and soy sauce (1 tablespoon tahini plus 1 teaspoon soy sauce for each tablespoon of miso). The flavor profile will change slightly, but you'll still get that savory umami quality.

→ Is this cucumber salad gluten-free?

Yes, this salad is gluten-free as long as you use certified gluten-free white miso paste. Some miso pastes may contain barley or other gluten-containing ingredients, so always check the label if gluten is a concern.

→ What main dishes pair well with this cucumber salad?

This salad pairs beautifully with Asian-inspired main dishes like teriyaki salmon, grilled chicken with soy glaze, miso-glazed tofu, or rice bowls. Its refreshing quality also makes it a perfect complement to spicy dishes or as part of a larger spread of small plates.

→ Can I use a different type of nut instead of peanuts?

Absolutely! Roasted cashews, almonds, or even toasted sesame seeds would make excellent substitutes for the peanuts. Each will bring a different flavor and texture to the salad while maintaining that essential crunchy element.