Japanese Cucumber Salad with Sesame-Miso Dressing

In a blender or food processor, blend the sesame paste, brown rice and white misos, mirin, vinegar and sesame oil until smooth. Transfer the miso dressing to a jar and refrigerate until chilled, at least 15 minutes.

Meanwhile, in a small skillet, toast the pine nuts over moderate heat, shaking the pan, until the nuts are golden, about 5 minutes. Transfer to a plate and let cool.

In a medium bowl, sprinkle the cucumbers with salt and refrigerate for 10 minutes. Add the lemon juice, olive oil and 1/4 cup of the miso dressing (reserve the rest for another use) and toss well. Garnish with the pine nuts and sesame seeds and serve.

The miso dressing can be refrigerated for up to 1 week.

Brown rice miso and white miso are both available on amazon.com.