Sunomono: Refreshing Japanese Cucumber Salad, Quick Pickled (63) 2026

Japanese cooking goes far beyond sushi, and sunomono is proof of it. This light cucumber salad is a traditional dish you might find on any table in Japan, and it deserves a place on yours too.

It is fresh and full of nuance, with a lovely balance of flavors and textures thanks to a punchy dressing made from soy sauce and rice vinegar, two staples of Japanese cuisine. Preparing the cucumber the way we show you below keeps it crunchy and full of flavor.

Best of all, it comes together in about 15 minutes with no cooking at all, making it an ideal starter for a Japanese-style dinner or a cool side for any meal.

Ingredients for Sunomono

Serves 4 as a starter

• 1 Japanese or Dutch cucumber, about 270 g
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons sugar
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 80 ml rice vinegar
• Black sesame seeds

How to Make Sunomono Step by Step

1. Trim and Peel the Cucumber

First, cut the ends off the Japanese or Dutch cucumber and peel it on 4 sides, leaving strips of skin between the peeled areas as shown in the photo.

2. Slice It Very Thinly

Next, using a well-sharpened knife or a mandoline if you have one, slice the cucumber into very thin rounds and place them in a bowl.

3. Salt the Cucumber

Then add 1 teaspoon of salt and toss so the cucumber releases its water.

4. Mix the Dressing

Meanwhile, whisk together the 2 teaspoons of sugar with the tablespoon of soy sauce and the 80 ml of rice vinegar.

5. Combine and Rest

Separate the cucumber from the water it has released and drain it well. Then mix the dressing from the previous step with the cucumber and let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes.

6. Plate with Black Sesame

To finish, place the cucumber alone in a bowl, sprinkle a little black sesame on top, and this delicious Japanese starter is ready to enjoy.

Tips for the Best Sunomono

Choose the Right Cucumber

Japanese or Dutch cucumbers have thin skins and few seeds, which keeps the salad crisp and clean-tasting. If you only have a regular cucumber, peel it fully and scoop out the watery center before slicing.

Slice as Thin as You Can

A sharp knife or a mandoline gives you paper-thin rounds that soak up the dressing evenly. Thin slices also stay pleasantly crunchy instead of turning soft and limp.

Don't Skip the Resting Time

Salting draws out excess water so the dressing stays bright rather than diluted, and the short rest afterward lets the cucumber absorb the sweet-tangy flavors. Drain well again before serving so the salad isn't watery.

30 Top Recipes I Enjoy Cooking at Home

Like a lot of home cooks, I like having a balanced lineup ready to go: simple comfort dishes, well-known international plates, and desserts that make everyone happy.

On nights when I want something rich and indulgent, my picks tend to be this La Viña Molten Cheesecake recipe, this elegant Original French Crème Brûlée recipe, or a decadent Chocolate Mousse Cake recipe. And whenever something fruity and soothing sounds good, this classic French Tarte Tatin recipe is the one I keep coming back to.

For quick breakfasts and lighter plates, these fluffy Oatmeal and Banana Pancakes recipe are a regular in my rotation, along with a satisfying Stuffed Sweet Potato recipe and these fresh Eggs Stuffed with Avocado and Salmon recipe. And for a gluten-free staple to keep in the pantry, this simple Gluten-Free Rice Flour recipe is one I like to prepare.

When tapas and Mediterranean flavors are calling, I move between this bold Basque Tuna with Tomato recipe, crispy Patatas Bravas Air Fryer recipe, creamy Tirokafteri Greek Dip Sauce recipe, and refreshing Burrata Salad with Tomato and Pesto recipe. This crisp Italian Vitello Tonnato recipe is also a favorite of mine to serve when the occasion calls for something a bit more special.

For filling lunches and cozy dinners, these are the ones I always point people toward: this comforting Meatballs in Spanish Sauce recipe, traditional Meatballs in Almond Sauce recipe, rich Italian Bolognese Sauce recipe, and creamy Chicken Croquettes in Thermomix recipe. And if I'm after something even heartier, I'll bake this Greek Pastitsio Pie recipe, a rustic Potatoes and Squid Stew recipe, or the ultra-comforting French Boeuf Bourguignon recipe.

Street food and party-style plates are another mood I cook for often, and that usually means this juicy Homemade Chicken Doner Kebab recipe, crispy Salchipapas recipe, flavorful Mexican Pork Carnitas recipe, or these crunchy Korean Hobak Jeon recipe. These easy Air Fryer Zucchini Rings recipe are another one I like to set out as a no-fuss appetizer or snack.

And when I'm building drinks and a full spread for company, dinner often gets paired with this refreshing Original Cuban Mojito recipe, this bold Long Island Iced Tea recipe, or a pitcher of this fruity Bleeding Spanish Sangria recipe. To fill out the table, this tangy French Remoulade Sauce recipe works great on the side, and this striking Mediterranean Black Rice with Squid recipe makes a beautiful finish.

Additional Tasty Recipes the Whole Family Will Enjoy

After years of testing and fine-tuning recipes in my own kitchen, I've come to believe the strongest dishes rely on three things: simplicity, techniques you can trust, and serious flavor.

The recipes gathered here are the ones I genuinely keep coming back to—whether it's a fast meal just for me or something a little more special for friends and family.

On the dessert side, the rich and silky Orange Chocolate Mousse Recipe is one I reach for when I want something elegant without much effort. Another sweet favorite is the caramelized Trdelnik Slavic Pastry Recipe, inspired by the famous Central European chimney cake. If baking is your thing, knowing how to make syrup for better texture in desserts comes in handy, and my Inverted Sugar Recipe walks through exactly how I do it at home.

When something fresh and unfussy is what I'm after, I usually reach for the classic Italian Caprese Salad Recipe or a perfectly cooked Simple Poached Egg Recipe. For heavier comfort food, I'm quick to suggest the satisfying Meatball Sandwich Recipe, the creamy Russian Stroganoff Beef Recipe, and the quick weeknight go-to One Pot Pasta Recipe.

Traditional dishes from around the world are another thing I love to share, among them the authentic Sorropotún de Bonito Fish Stew Recipe, crispy Chilean Pumpkin Sopaipillas Recipe, and the classic Spanish Cochifrito Segovian Fried Pig Recipe.

Air fryer cooking is a category I turn to often too, since it saves time without sacrificing texture. The ones I make most include Air Fryer Pork Ribs Recipe, Air Fryer Chicken Thighs Recipe, Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes Recipe, Air Fryer Baked Potatoes Recipe, Air Fryer Peppers Recipe, Air Fryer Mixed Sandwich Recipe, Air Fryer Toasted Bread Recipe, and Air Fryer Hard-Boiled Eggs Recipe.

And for those steering clear of wheat, my comforting Gluten-Free Lasagna Recipe shows that a classic baked pasta can still be rich, cheesy, and deeply satisfying without any gluten.

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