Smashed Cucumber Salad (Print View)

Zesty smashed cucumbers tossed with garlic, rice vinegar, chili oil and toasted sesame for a quick, crunchy vegan side.

# Components:

→ Vegetables

01 - 3 medium cucumbers (English or Persian preferred)
02 - 2 cloves garlic, finely minced

→ Seasonings & Condiments

03 - 1 teaspoon sea salt
04 - 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
05 - 1 tablespoon soy sauce (use tamari for gluten-free)
06 - 1–2 teaspoons chili oil (adjust to taste)
07 - 1 teaspoon sugar
08 - 2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil

→ Garnishes

09 - 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
10 - 2 scallions, thinly sliced
11 - Fresh cilantro leaves (optional)

# Directions:

01 - Wash and dry the cucumbers. Trim the ends, then cut each cucumber in half lengthwise.
02 - Place cucumbers cut-side down on a cutting board. Using the flat side of a large knife or a rolling pin, gently smash the cucumbers until they split and crack.
03 - Cut the smashed cucumbers into bite-sized pieces and transfer to a bowl. Sprinkle with sea salt, toss, and let sit for 10 minutes to draw out excess moisture.
04 - Drain any liquid released by the cucumbers.
05 - In a small bowl, whisk together the garlic, rice vinegar, soy sauce, chili oil, sugar, and toasted sesame oil.
06 - Pour the dressing over the drained cucumbers. Toss to coat evenly.
07 - Transfer to a serving platter. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds, sliced scallions, and cilantro if desired.
08 - Serve immediately, or chill for 10–15 minutes for enhanced flavor.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The cucumber’s crispness clings to every bold, tangy note of the dressing so each bite tastes like a summer wake-up call.
  • I keep coming back to this recipe because it takes less than 15 minutes, and the flavor’s big enough to steal the show at any meal.
02 -
  • Once, I forgot to drain the cucumbers, and the dressing tasted bland—make draining a non-negotiable step.
  • Smashing instead of slicing gives you jagged edges that soak up dressing better and look rustic, not messy.
03 -
  • Chilling the cucumbers before smashing gives an even better snap.
  • Try toasting your own sesame seeds—it’s a tiny step that boosts aroma and flavor.
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