Asian-Inspired Cucumber Salad (Sunomono)

/ Recipes, Salads, Side Dishes / By

Sometimes a rich, savory meal needs something light and refreshing alongside it. This Asian-inspired keto cucumber salad (sunomono) is one of my favorite ways to add a little crunch and acidity without adding many carbs.

Thinly sliced English cucumbers in a glass bowl with tangy dressing and red pepper flakes, prepared as a keto sunomono cucumber salad.

Asian-Inspired Cucumber Salad (Sunomono)

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Light, crisp, and tangy, this Asian-inspired keto cucumber salad makes a refreshing side dish for a variety of meals. A little toasted sesame oil adds depth without overpowering the sweet and tangy vinegar dressing.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Chilling time (optional) 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired, Japanese
Calories: 30
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb English cucumber very thinly sliced (about 1/16 inch)
  • 4 tbsp unseasoned rice vinegar
  • 2 tsp granulated monk fruit/erythritol sweetener blend or to taste
  • 1/2 tsp toasted sesame oil
  • 1/2 tsp soy sauce
  • 1 tsp sesame seeds optional
  • Pinch of salt
  • Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes optional

Equipment

  • Mandoline with hand guard (optional)

Method
 

  1. Slice (or use mandoline slicer with a hand guard), the cucumber into very thin rounds, approximately 1/16 inch (1.5 mm) thick.
  2. Sprinkle the cucumber slices lightly with a pinch of salt and let rest for 5–10 minutes. Gently squeeze or pat dry to remove excess moisture.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together the rice vinegar, monk fruit/erythritol sweetener, toasted sesame oil, and soy sauce until combined.
  4. Taste the dressing before adding the cucumber. Adjust the sweetener to taste if needed.
  5. Gently toss the cucumber slices with the dressing. Sprinkle with sesame seeds.
  6. Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes if desired. Serve after a brief chill, or refrigerate for approximately 1 hour for fuller flavor.

Nutrition

Calories: 30kcal

Notes

Estimated Nutrition — Per Side Serving (¼ of Recipe)

  • Calories: 30 kcal
  • Fat: 1.1 g
  • Protein: 0.9 g
  • Total Carbohydrates: 6.3 g
  • Fiber: 0.7 g
  • Net Carbs: 3.7 g

 

Nutrition Disclaimer

Nutritional values are estimates based on USDA reference ingredients and may vary by ingredient brands, substitutions, preparation methods, and serving sizes. Net carbs are calculated by subtracting fiber and estimated erythritol sugar alcohols from total carbohydrates. Calculations assume approximately 8 g erythritol in the full recipe; actual amounts depend on the sweetener blend used.

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What to Serve with Asian-Inspired Cucumber Salad

This cucumber salad pairs especially well with grilled salmon, shrimp, chicken, or beef. It’s also a refreshing side for sushi-inspired meals, lettuce wraps, and other savory dishes.

I particularly like serving it alongside homemade salmon nori cones. The cool, tangy cucumbers balance the richness of the salmon and cream cheese.