Oh my goodness, have you ever tried a smashed cucumber salad? It’s seriously one of the most refreshing dishes you can whip up, especially on a hot day! The way those cucumbers are lightly smashed opens them right up to soak in all that delicious, tangy dressing. Trust me, the combination of rice vinegar, soy sauce, and sesame oil creates a flavor explosion that dances on your tongue! Plus, it’s super quick to make—just 15 minutes, and you have a crunchy, vibrant salad ready to brighten your meal. Whether you’re serving it as a side or enjoying it on its own, this smashed cucumber salad is bound to become a favorite!
Ingredients for Smashed Cucumber Salad
To make this delicious smashed cucumber salad, you’ll need just a handful of fresh ingredients. Here’s what you’ll grab:
- 4 medium cucumbers
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
These simple, wholesome ingredients come together to create a salad that’s not only refreshing but also packed with flavor!
How to Prepare Smashed Cucumber Salad
Get ready to make the easiest and most refreshing smashed cucumber salad! First things first, wash your cucumbers thoroughly and then cut them into halves or quarters. Now, here comes the fun part! Take a rolling pin or a heavy object (I sometimes use a skillet) and gently smash those cucumbers. You want them to crack a bit, not turn to mush—this helps them soak up that amazing dressing!
Once you’ve smashed them, sprinkle a teaspoon of salt over the cucumbers and let them sit for about 10 minutes. This step is key; it draws out excess moisture and enhances the flavor. After the cucumbers have rested, rinse them under cold water to get rid of the salt, then drain them well.
In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons of rice vinegar, 1 tablespoon each of soy sauce and sesame oil, and 1 minced garlic clove with 1 teaspoon of sugar until it’s well combined. Now, combine the rinsed cucumbers with the dressing, chopped green onions, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. Toss everything together until the cucumbers are evenly coated. Serve this salad immediately for the best crunch and flavor!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare—ready in just 15 minutes!
- Incredibly refreshing, perfect for hot summer days.
- Healthy and light, making it a guilt-free side dish.
- Versatile—great as a side or even a topping for rice or noodles.
- Packed with flavor from the tangy dressing and fresh ingredients.
- Vegan-friendly and suitable for various dietary needs.
- Fun to make and even more fun to eat!
Tips for Success
To ensure your smashed cucumber salad is absolutely perfect, here are some of my favorite tips! First, don’t be shy with the salt—just adjust it to your taste, especially if you prefer a less salty dish. If you like a little kick, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes or a dash of chili oil to elevate the flavors! For serving, it’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can chill it for a bit before serving to enhance those refreshing vibes. Also, feel free to mix in other veggies like bell peppers or radishes for a colorful twist. Enjoy every crunchy bite!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick look at the nutritional values for a serving of this delicious smashed cucumber salad. Keep in mind that these values are estimates, but they give you a good idea of what you’re enjoying:
- Calories: 80
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Cholesterol: 0mg
This salad is not only refreshing but also a guilt-free choice, allowing you to indulge while keeping your health in mind!
FAQ About Smashed Cucumber Salad
Got questions about this delightful smashed cucumber salad? I’ve got you covered! Here are some common ones I hear:
Can I make this salad ahead of time? While it’s best served fresh, you can prepare the dressing and smash the cucumbers a few hours ahead. Just combine them right before serving to keep that crunch!
What if I don’t have rice vinegar? No worries! You can substitute it with apple cider vinegar or even lemon juice for a tangy twist.
How can I adjust the spice level? If you like a bit of heat, feel free to add red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha to the dressing. It’s all about making it your own!
Can I use different vegetables? Absolutely! This salad is super versatile. Try adding bell peppers, carrots, or radishes for extra crunch and color!
Enjoy experimenting with flavors and making this salad uniquely yours!
Serving Suggestions
So, you’ve got this delicious smashed cucumber salad ready to go—now, what pairs well with it? I absolutely love serving it alongside grilled chicken or tofu for a light, protein-packed meal. It’s also fantastic with some crispy spring rolls or veggie dumplings, adding a refreshing crunch to your plate. If you’re feeling extra fancy, serve it with a bowl of jasmine rice or noodles to soak up all that tangy goodness. And don’t forget to add some sliced avocado on top for creaminess! Trust me, these combinations will elevate your meal to a whole new level!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
This smashed cucumber salad is truly best enjoyed fresh, as that’s when it’s at its crunchiest and most flavorful! However, if you happen to have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just keep in mind that the cucumbers may lose some of their crispness over time. I recommend giving it a quick toss before serving again to revive those flavors. As for reheating, there’s really no need—this salad is best served cold, so just enjoy it straight from the fridge! Happy munching!
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Smashed Cucumber Salad: 5 Flavors That Wow Your Tastebuds
A refreshing smashed cucumber salad with a tangy dressing.
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 4 medium cucumbers
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
Instructions
- Wash the cucumbers and cut them into halves or quarters.
- Smash the cucumbers lightly with a rolling pin or a heavy object.
- Sprinkle salt over the smashed cucumbers and let them sit for 10 minutes.
- In a bowl, mix rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, minced garlic, and sugar.
- Rinse the cucumbers under cold water and drain well.
- Combine the cucumbers with the dressing, green onions, and sesame seeds.
- Toss to coat evenly and serve immediately.
Notes
- Adjust the salt to taste.
- For a spicier version, add red pepper flakes.
- This salad is best served fresh.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-cook
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Vegan
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 80
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: smashed cucumber salad