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–+ servings
Smashed cucumber and blackberry salad in a bowl.

Blackberry Ginger Cucumber Salad

I love a fruit paired with cucumber, because cucumbers in their own way are quite sweet (and also, technically a fruit!). This ginger dressing is sharp and sweet in a way that perfectly balances the cucumbers and berries, making them both the perfect level of refreshing and sweet. I always say fruit salads need more *umph* - and I like to think this recipe does just that. (Also, if you don't have berries, any kind of summer fruit is pretty great in this!).
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 1/2 recipe Five Spice Granola Bark, or 2 tablespoons white sesame seeds
  • 2 large cucumbers
  • Diamond Crystal kosher salt
  • 1 pound blackberries
  • 1 cup (1 oz) fresh mint
  • 1 cup (1 oz) fresh basil
For the creamy ginger dressing:
  • 1-inch knob ginger
  • 2 tablespoons white miso
  • 3 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions 

  1. First, prepare the sesame bark according to this recipe. If you are just using 2 tablespoons of sesame seeds, add them to a small pan over medium heat. Toast for 2-4 minutes, until they are fragrant and turning golden. Set aside.
  2. Slice 2 cucumbers lengthwise into quarters. Use the flat side of your knife to smash them, seed-side-down, until they are nicely crushed.
  3. Add the crushed cucumbers to a large strainer or sieve and season them with 1 teaspoon of kosher salt. Mix well and let them sit in the sink or over a bowl to drain.
  4. While the cucumbers are draining, wash and halve 1 pound of blackberries and add them to a large bowl. Tear in 1 cup of basil and 1 cup of mint.
  5. In a small blender, like a bullet or ninja, add 1-inch knob of ginger, 2 tablespoons of white miso, 3 tablespoons of lemon juice, 2 tablespoons of honey, and 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Blend until smooth. Taste and season with salt, but I find it never needs any.
  6. Now that the cucumbers have had time to drain, give them a few more big shakes in the sieve to get out any remaining water. Pat them lightly with a paper towel and add them to the bowl with the blackblerries.
  7. Pour in half of the dressing and mix. Add more dressing as desired, and top with the sesame bark or sesame seeds.
  8. Serve right away!
Serving: 1.5 cupsCalories: 204kcalCarbohydrates: 27gProtein: 4gFat: 10g