How long does it take to make Shiso and Cucumber Salad with Sesame Dressing?
This recipe takes approximately 15 min total.
15 min
· Serves 2
· Updated March 6, 2026
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Shiso microgreens are best added fresh as a finishing ingredient. This refreshing salad pairs crunchy cucumbers with the aromatic taste of shiso microgreens, dressed in a nutty sesame sauce. Inspired by the culinary creativity at Barley Swine.
This recipe takes approximately 15 min total.
Shiso microgreens work best as a fresh finishing ingredient, adding color, texture, and a just-cut flavor that stands out right before serving.
1 large cucumber, thinly sliced
1 cup shiso microgreens
2 tablespoons sesame oil
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 teaspoon rice vinegar
1 teaspoon honey or agave syrup
1 tablespoon sesame seeds
Salt and pepper to taste
In a large bowl, combine the cucumber slices and shiso microgreens.
In a small bowl, whisk together sesame oil, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper until well combined.
Drizzle the dressing over the cucumber and microgreens, tossing gently to combine.
Sprinkle sesame seeds on top before serving for added crunch and flavor.
Serve chilled as a refreshing side dish.
Inspired by Bryce Gilmore
Barley SwineShiso microgreens carry the same complex aromatic profile as mature shiso — anise, umami, and mild bitterness — and are used in Japanese and East Asian culinary traditions as a direct garnish substitute. Evidence on shiso specifically is limited; claims below reflect general microgreen research.
• Shiso and perilla microgreens contain volatile aromatic compounds responsible for their distinctive anise-like flavor.
moderate evidence• Nutrient and phytochemical content in shiso microgreens varies by variety and growing conditions.
strong evidence1. Assessment of Vitamin and Carotenoid Concentrations of Emerging Food Products: Edible Microgreens — Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 2012
2. Microgreens: Production, Shelf Life, and Bioactive Components — Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition, 2017