Quick & Easy Summer Salads to Beat the Heat

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© iStock / Getty Images Plus / Oksana Shyriaieva

Spicy Asian-style cucumber salad

For a refreshing, low-calorie side to grilled meats or fish, turn to this cool cucumber salad with a yummy kick. Thinly sliced cucumber ribbons are a perfect match for pungent ginger, spicy red Thai chili pepper and crunchy sesame seeds.

Ingredients for 4 servings

• 1 large English cucumber
• 1/2 inch (2.5 cm) piece of fresh ginger, peeled and cut into very fine slivers
• 1 red Thai chili pepper, seeded and very finely chopped*
• 1 tsp white sesame seeds
• 1 tsp black sesame seeds

Dressing

• 1/3 cup (80 ml) rice vinegar
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1 tsp sesame oil

Seasoning

• Salt, pepper

Instructions

1. Trim the ends from the cucumber and cut it into thin ribbons lengthwise using a mandoline slicer or a vegetable peeler. 
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the dressing ingredients until smooth and fully combined. 
3. Divide the cucumber ribbons evenly among 4 plates. Sprinkle with the red Thai chili pepper, then top with white and black sesame seeds. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Drizzle the dressing evenly over the salads, and serve immediately.

*If you can't handle spicy foods, omit the chili pepper.