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A white bowl filled with smashed cucumber salad garnished with cilantro, sesame seeds, and chili flakes, with a spoon resting inside. The bowl is on a wooden surface.

Smashed Cucumber Salad

Chef Jenn
I love how crisp, cool, and flavorful this Smashed Cucumber Salad is! With crunchy cucumbers, garlic, sesame oil, and a splash of vinegar or soy sauce, it’s a quick and refreshing side that’s perfect for warm days or pairing with spicy dishes. Light, zesty, and full of texture!
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Course Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine Asian
Servings 4 servings
Calories 68 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 large English cucumbers
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1 teaspoon sesame seeds toasted
  • 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro chopped
  • 1 green onion sliced

Instructions
 

  • Trim the ends of the cucumbers and slice them in half lengthwise. Using the flat side of a knife or a rolling pin, gently smash them until they crack open, then break them into bite-sized pieces.
  • Toss the smashed cucumbers with salt and let them sit in a strainer for 10 minutes to drain excess liquid.
  • Whisk together the minced garlic, rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, sugar, and red pepper flakes until well combined.
  • Add the drained cucumbers to a mixing bowl and pour the dressing over them. Toss well to ensure they are evenly coated.
  • Sprinkle the salad with toasted sesame seeds, chopped cilantro, and sliced green onions.
  • Serve immediately, or for even better flavor, let it chill in the fridge for at least 15 minutes before serving.

Notes

Chef Jenn's Tips

  • Use English cucumbers. They have a crisp texture with fewer seeds, making them the best choice for this dish.
  • Allow the salad to sit for a bit as this enhances the flavors as they meld together.
  • Sprinkle crushed peanuts or crispy fried shallots on top for extra texture.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 68kcalCarbohydrates: 8gProtein: 2gFat: 4gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gSodium: 841mgPotassium: 253mgFiber: 1gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 275IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 36mgIron: 1mg

A Note on Nutritional Information

Nutritional information for this recipe is provided as a courtesy and is calculated based on available online ingredient information. It is only an approximate value. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site cannot be guaranteed.

Keyword Asian cucumber salad, cucumber side dish, Refreshing summer salad, smashed cucumber salad
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