Heart-Healthy Sunomono (Japanese Cucumber Salad)

Refreshingly crisp and irresistibly light, this Heart-Healthy Sunomono (Japanese Cucumber Salad) is a delightful fusion of tradition and wellness. Featuring crunchy Japanese or Persian cucumbers, a tangy sodium-free rice vinegar dressing, and a hint of natural sweetness, this recipe is a perfect low-calorie, low-sodium side dish for any meal. The addition of toasted sesame seeds and optional fresh herbs like dill or shiso enhances both flavor and texture, creating a vibrant and nutritious complement to your table. Ready in just 15 minutes with no cooking required, this easy sunomono salad is ideal for health-conscious food lovers seeking a quick, flavorful dish. Serve chilled and enjoy its refreshing simplicity! Perfect for “healthy Japanese recipes,” “low-sodium side dishes,” and “quick cucumber salads.”

Nutriscore Rating: 74/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:0 mins

Total Time:15 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 3 small (Japanese or Persian cucumbers recommended) cucumber
• 3 tablespoons rice vinegar (unseasoned, sodium-free)
• 1 teaspoon low-sodium soy sauce or tamari
• 1 teaspoon sugar or natural sweetener (such as stevia or monk fruit)
• 0.125 teaspoon salt (optional, pinch only)
• 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds
• 1 teaspoon fresh dill or shiso leaves (optional, finely chopped)

Directions

Step 1

Wash the cucumbers thoroughly and pat them dry.

Step 2

Trim the ends of the cucumbers, then slice them very thinly into rounds. If using English cucumbers, you may wish to peel them first.

Step 3

In a medium mixing bowl, combine the cucumber slices with a pinch of salt (if using) and gently massage for about 1-2 minutes. This step helps release excess water from the cucumbers.

Step 4

Transfer the cucumbers to a fine-mesh sieve or colander and let them sit for 5 minutes to drain. Pat them dry gently with a clean kitchen towel or paper towel.

Step 5

In a small bowl, whisk together the rice vinegar, low-sodium soy sauce or tamari, sugar or natural sweetener, and (optional) fresh dill or shiso leaves.

Step 6

Add the dried cucumber slices to the dressing and toss gently to coat evenly.

Step 7

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 10 minutes to let the flavors meld.

Step 8

Before serving, sprinkle the salad with the toasted sesame seeds. Serve chilled as a light side dish.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(357.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	78.6

Total Fat 1.5g	0%
Saturated Fat 0.3g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.1g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 415.4mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 16.0g	0%
Dietary Fiber 1.8g	0%
Total Sugars 9.2g
Protein 2.7g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 71.5mg	0%
Iron 1.3mg	0%
Potassium 488.8mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 15.3%

Protein: 12.2%

Carbs: 72.5%