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Smashed Asian Cucumber Salad Recipe

Smashed Asian Cucumber Salad Recipe
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★★★★★

5 from 5 reviews

This Smashed Asian Cucumber Salad is a refreshing, crunchy, and tangy side dish perfect for warm weather or to complement Asian-inspired meals. Featuring crisp cucumbers tossed in a savory dressing of garlic, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and chili oil, this salad balances heat, acidity, and sweetness. Quick and easy to prepare, it’s garnished with toasted sesame seeds and green onions for added texture and flavor.

Ingredients

Scale

Cucumbers

  • 2–3 English cucumbers or Persian cucumbers
  • 1 tsp salt

Dressing

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1–2 tsp chili oil or red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1 tsp soy sauce or tamari
  • 1 tsp sesame oil
  • 1 tsp sugar (optional, to balance flavors)

Garnishes

  • 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
  • 2 green onions, sliced

Optional Add-Ons

  • Crushed peanuts for extra crunch
  • Fresh cilantro for brightness
  • A splash of lime juice for extra tang

Instructions

  1. Prep cucumbers: Wash the cucumbers thoroughly and cut each into halves or thirds depending on size. Gently smash each piece using the flat side of a knife or a rolling pin until slightly flattened but not broken apart. Then cut the smashed cucumbers into bite-sized pieces.
  2. Salt and drain: Sprinkle the cucumber pieces evenly with 1 teaspoon of salt. Let them sit for 10 minutes to draw out excess moisture. After resting, drain the liquid to keep the cucumbers crisp and refreshing in the salad.
  3. Mix dressing: In a small bowl, combine the minced garlic, chili oil or red pepper flakes if using, rice vinegar, soy sauce or tamari, sesame oil, and sugar. Whisk everything together until the sugar dissolves completely to create a balanced and flavorful dressing.
  4. Toss salad: Place the drained cucumbers in a large bowl and pour the dressing over them. Toss thoroughly to coat every piece with the flavorful dressing. This ensures the salad is evenly seasoned.
  5. Finish and serve: Sprinkle the toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions evenly over the salad. Optionally add crushed peanuts, fresh cilantro, or a splash of lime juice for extra texture and brightness. Serve chilled or at room temperature for maximum refreshment and taste.

Notes

  • Smash cucumbers just enough to release their flavor but maintain a satisfying crunch.
  • Make the salad 15–20 minutes ahead to allow the flavors to meld perfectly.
  • This salad pairs wonderfully alongside stir-fries, noodle dishes, or grilled proteins.
  • Adjust heat level by varying the amount of chili oil or red pepper flakes.
  • Use gluten-free tamari soy sauce if preparing for gluten-free diets.

Nutrition

Keywords: Smashed Asian Cucumber Salad, Asian cucumber salad, quick side dish, refreshing salad, healthy salad, vegan side dish, low calorie salad

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