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Smashed Cucumber Salad Recipe

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4.2 from 40 reviews

A refreshing and easy-to-make Smashed Cucumber Salad combining crispy cucumbers with a flavorful dressing of rice vinegar, toasted sesame oil, and aromatic ginger and garlic pastes, garnished with cilantro, green onions, and sesame seeds. This light, crisp salad is perfect as a side dish or a healthy snack, ready in just 15 minutes.

  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Salad Ingredients

  • 2 pounds cucumbers (see note 2)
  • 1/4 cup coarsely chopped cilantro
  • 1/4 cup thinly sliced green onions

Dressing Ingredients

  • 1-1/2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil
  • 3/4 teaspoon ginger paste
  • 3/4 teaspoon garlic paste
  • 2 teaspoons reduced-sodium soy sauce
  • 2-1/2 teaspoons sugar
  • 2 teaspoons toasted sesame seeds
  • Chili oil (or red pepper flakes, optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare: Wash and dry the cucumbers thoroughly. Chop the cilantro coarsely and thinly slice the green onions, setting them aside.
  2. Make the Dressing: Combine rice vinegar, salt, toasted sesame oil, ginger paste, garlic paste, reduced-sodium soy sauce, sugar, and toasted sesame seeds in a mason jar with a lid. Secure the lid and shake vigorously until all ingredients are well combined and sugar is slightly dissolved.
  3. Smash the Cucumbers: Place the flat side of a meat mallet on each cucumber on a cutting board and gently press with your other hand until the cucumber cracks open, creating a smashed texture that absorbs the dressing better.
  4. Cut: Cut the smashed cucumbers into bite-sized pieces, approximately 1 inch in diameter, for easy eating.
  5. Mix Salad: In a large bowl, combine the cut cucumbers, chopped cilantro, and sliced green onions. Drizzle the prepared dressing over the mixture and toss well to ensure everything is evenly coated.
  6. Season and Serve: Taste the salad and adjust seasonings if necessary. Serve immediately with an optional drizzle of chili oil or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for extra heat. This salad is best enjoyed the same day for optimal freshness and crunch.

Notes

  • Using fresh cucumbers is essential to maintain a crisp texture.
  • To smash cucumbers, a meat mallet or similar flat tool works best for cracking without completely crushing.
  • If ginger and garlic paste are unavailable, finely grated fresh ginger and minced garlic can be substituted.
  • The salad is best served same day to prevent sogginess.
  • For a spicier version, increase chili oil or red pepper flakes quantity to taste.
  • Author: ELLA
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Salad
  • Method: No-Cook
  • Cuisine: Asian
  • Diet: Low Fat

Find it online: https://ellarecipe.com/smashed-cucumber-salad-recipe/