Togarashi Cucumber Tomato Salad

Bright, Bold, and Cooling

This isn’t your average cucumber salad. It’s crisp, juicy, and comes with a little kick — just enough to wake up your taste buds and shake off whatever’s been weighing you down.

Our Togarashi Cucumber Tomato Salad is summer in a bowl: clean, colorful, and spiked with the bold Japanese-inspired heat of USimplySeason Togarashi. It starts with a simple technique — salting the cucumbers to draw out excess moisture — and ends with a light, punchy dressing of vinegar, sesame oil, and spice. Tomatoes add juicy sweetness, while a sprinkle of sesame seeds and green onion make it feel complete.

But here’s what we love most about it: this isn’t just a side dish. It’s a reminder that healthy food can be flavorful. That bold can be refreshing. That cooking for yourself doesn’t have to be complicated to be joyful.

Why it’s a keeper:

• Light, fresh, and full of umami

• Comes together in 15–20 minutes

• Naturally plant-based and gluten-free

• Pairs beautifully with grilled meat, tofu, or rice dishes

Perfect for:

• Quick lunches and weeknight dinners

• Cooling down spicy main courses

• Bringing to potlucks or picnics

📌 Yields: 4 servings as a side | ⏳ Prep time: 15–20 minutes (including salting time)

🧂 Ingredients:

• 2 large cucumbers, peeled and cubed
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved or quartered
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
• ½ teaspoon soy sauce or tamari
• ½–1 teaspoon USimplySeason Togarashi (adjust to taste)
• ½ teaspoon honey or sugar (optional)
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional)
• 1 green onion, thinly sliced (optional)

🥣 Instructions:

1. Prep & Salt the Cucumbers
   • Dice cucumbers into bite-sized cubes
   • Toss with ½ tsp salt and let sit in a colander or bowl for 10–15 minutes
   • Drain and pat dry with a clean towel or paper towel
2. Combine Salad Ingredients
   • In a large bowl, mix cubed cucumbers and cherry tomatoes
3. Whisk the Dressing
   • In a small bowl, combine rice vinegar, sesame oil, soy sauce, honey (if using), and Togarashi
   • Mix until well combined
4. Toss & Garnish
   • Pour dressing over salad and toss gently
   • Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onion if desired

🍽️ Flavor Tip:

Want it even bolder? Add a pinch more Togarashi on top just before serving!