The Best Easy Traditional Zucchini Sesame Salad

When I think simple, delicious, and loaded with flavors I always think of this easy naturally vegan warm zucchini side dish. Made with tender zucchini, Caramelized leeks, and spicy garlic drenched in soy sauce. It’s a super simple mouthwatering authentic Asian side dish.

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Let’s talk about the best easy traditional zucchini sesame salad side dish. This super simple recipe combines tender zucchini bites with sweet almost Caramelized soft leeks, all coated in a garlicky spicy soy sauce. It’s a straightforward recipe that only requires 3 main ingredients and a few spices to create a super tasty, budget-friendly, and completely cozy and comforting traditional Japanese dish. 

Sometimes I just crave easy, simple-to-cook healthy food that nourishes the soul as well as the body. And that’s when I turn to this easy zucchini sesame side dish. It’s my personal house favorite, go-to healthy quick dinner because it can be served with almost everything. The flavors fit with Everything. And I mean everything. From portobello steaks to my celeriac steaks this zucchini dish makes a great side to all of it.

Great mains to serve warm Japanese Squash Sesame Salad with

• My vegan schnitzel. Yum, is all I can say
• Vegan meatless meatballs
• My zucchini cakes
• Kidney bean skewers
• Beetroot burgers
• My vegan chickpea nuggets (vegan chicken nuggets recipe)
• Portobello steaks
• …and the list could go on because this warm salad is great with everything 

Or you can simply serve these delicious tender zucchini sesame bites topped over a bowl of rice. It’s a quicker than takeout and just as delicious dinner.

This is a recipe to keep in your recipe rotation forever. It’s just that good. So, let’s take a look at the simple ingredients you need to make this tasty squash side dish:

• Zucchini 
• Leeks
• Garlic
• Soy sauce or Tamari sauce (use Tamari sauce if you need a gluten-free option)
• Sea salt
• Sweet chili sauce 
• Sesame seeds 
• And that’s it. Amazingly, such a simple dish can taste so good. And that’s why it’s a house favorite recipe.

How to fry zucchini 

Fried or sautéed zucchini is one of the easiest and most delicious ways to prepare squash. Fried zucchini is tender almost succulent bites. And add the spicy salty garlicky sauce and crispy sesame seeds and this recipe is off the charts tasty.

Frying zucchini is easy…like, absolutely no-skills required straightforward. If you can heat a frying pan and cut zucchini into cubes then you can cook this easy Japanese Zucchini Dish. 

Just heat olive oil in a frying pan or wok and add the diced zucchini and leeks. Let the veggies cook at medium-high heat for 5 minutes while stirring occasionally until the leeks start to soften.

Next, add the minced garlic to the pan and season with salt and soy sauce. Top with the sesame seeds and mix everything together. Turn the heat down to a simmer and finally drizzle with sweet chili sauce. Stir to combine everything. Add more salt if needed and your delicious zucchini salad is ready to eat.

Serve and enjoy.

Frequently asked questions 

Is Asian zucchini sesame salad gluten-free?

Not if you’re using soy sauce. But it can easily become a gluten-free dish by substituting soy sauce with Tamari sauce which is gluten-free. Always check the ingredients list first to make sure the product you’re using is gluten-free.

Is this zucchini dish meal prep friendly?

Yes. You can easily make this zucchini salad in advance. It can be served both hot or cold so you have the option to serve it cold or reheat it before eating. The dish tastes great both hot and cold.

Can you freeze zucchini salad?

Yes. Zucchini is one of those vegetables that doesn’t mind being frozen. You just need to reheat the dish before serving if you choose to freeze it.

Is zucchini salad healthy?

Yes. Zucchini is very healthy and very low in calories. It makes zucchini a favorite on the Mediterranean diet, whole30, and any low-calorie diets out there. 

Zucchini is also a great source of nutrients and natural vegetable fibers.

Can I eat this zucchini sesame salad on the Mediterranean diet?

Yes. Everything in this recipe fits the requirements of the Mediterranean diet. Just substitute the soy sauce with tamari sauce for an even healthier option.