If you love a salad that’s bursting with fresh, vibrant flavors and effortless crunch, then you are absolutely going to adore this Smashed Cucumber Salad Recipe. It’s that perfect summer side dish that comes together in just minutes, packing a punch of tangy, savory goodness with a hint of ginger and sesame aroma. The secret to this salad’s irresistible texture is smashing the cucumbers, which creates nooks and crannies that soak up all the delicious dressing. Trust me, once you try this, it will become your go-to salad for warm days, dinner parties, or even as a refreshing snack any time of year.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Smashed Cucumber Salad Recipe only requires a handful of simple, fresh ingredients that each play a crucial role in balancing flavor and texture. From cooling cucumbers to aromatic herbs and bold seasonings, every component is easy to find and brings the salad to life.
- 500g (1 lb) cucumbers (4 medium or 2 long cucumbers): They provide the crunchy, hydrating base that’s key to this salad’s refreshing bite.
- 3/4 tsp salt: Draws out excess water and enhances the cucumbers’ natural flavor.
- 2 tbsp coriander/cilantro, roughly chopped: Adds a bright, herbal note that lifts the dish.
- 1/4 cup green onions, sliced: Gives a mild sharpness and a splash of vibrant green color.
- 1.5 tbsp rice vinegar: Brings the essential tangy kick that brightens the salad.
- 2 tsp toasted sesame oil: Infuses a deep, nutty richness that’s unmistakably delicious.
- 1.5 tsp freshly grated ginger: Offers a zesty warmth that complements the other flavors perfectly.
- 2 tsp soy sauce: Adds umami depth and a touch of savory saltiness.
- 1/2 tsp sugar: Balances the acidity and rounds out the dressing’s flavor.
How to Make Smashed Cucumber Salad Recipe
Step 1: Smash the Cucumbers
Begin by giving those cucumbers a good bash! Using a heavy object like the smooth side of a meat mallet, rolling pin, or even a sturdy can, press firmly until the cucumbers crack open on the sides. This smashing technique is genius because it creates irregular chunks that soak up the dressing better and provide a delightful texture that’s far more interesting than just sliced cucumber.
Step 2: Chop Into Chunks
Once smashed, chop the cucumbers into roughly 2.5cm (1 inch) pieces. This size is perfect for easy eating, letting you enjoy every bite without overpowering the palate.
Step 3: Salt and Rest
Sprinkle the cucumbers evenly with salt and toss thoroughly. This step is crucial—letting the cucumbers rest for about 20 minutes draws out excess water, preventing your salad from being soggy while concentrating the flavors beautifully.
Step 4: Drain Excess Liquid
After the resting period, carefully drain the liquid that has accumulated. This keeps your salad crisp and ensures the dressing doesn’t get diluted, preserving every bit of taste in each mouthful.
Step 5: Prepare the Dressing
Whisk together rice vinegar, toasted sesame oil, freshly grated ginger, soy sauce, and sugar until completely blended. This dressing is the heart of the Smashed Cucumber Salad Recipe, marrying tanginess, nuttiness, and a gentle sweetness that complements the cucumbers perfectly.
Step 6: Combine and Garnish
Pour the dressing over the cucumbers, then sprinkle with the chopped coriander and sliced green onions. Toss everything gently to mix and serve immediately. The freshness of the herbs combined with the crunchy cucumbers and the flavorful dressing is simply unbeatable.
How to Serve Smashed Cucumber Salad Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Smashed Cucumber Salad Recipe, consider sprinkling some toasted sesame seeds on top for an extra nutty crunch or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes if you love a subtle heat. Fresh mint leaves also pair wonderfully for a refreshing twist.
Side Dishes
This salad is an incredible accompaniment to grilled meats, whether it’s a smoky BBQ chicken or juicy pork skewers. It also brightens up heavier meals like fried rice or noodle bowls by adding a crisp, light contrast that refreshes the palate.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this salad in individual clear glass bowls layered with extra herbs for beautiful color contrast. Or, plate it on a rustic wooden board alongside dipping sauces and steamed buns for a visually stunning appetizer platter. Its vibrant green hue makes it a crowd-pleaser every time.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate. The salad will stay fresh for up to 2 days; however, the cucumbers might release more water over time, so consider draining any excess liquid before serving again.
Freezing
Freezing is not recommended for this Smashed Cucumber Salad Recipe because cucumbers have a high water content and will become mushy and lose their refreshing crunch once thawed.
Reheating
This salad is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature, so it does not require reheating. If your leftovers have been refrigerated, let them sit out for a few minutes to temper before serving.
FAQs
Can I use regular vinegar instead of rice vinegar?
While regular vinegar can work in a pinch, rice vinegar has a milder, slightly sweet flavor that complements the delicate cucumbers perfectly. Using it will keep your salad tasting authentic and balanced.
What if I don’t have a meat mallet or rolling pin to smash the cucumbers?
Any heavy, sturdy object like the bottom of a heavy glass or the side of a can works well. Just press firmly until the cucumbers crack open—the key is creating irregular textures for better dressing absorption.
Can I prepare the dressing in advance?
Absolutely! The dressing keeps well in an airtight container in the fridge for several days. Just whisk it again before drizzling over the cucumbers to refresh the flavors.
Is this salad spicy?
No, this Smashed Cucumber Salad Recipe is bright and refreshing with a subtle warmth from the ginger, but it is not spicy unless you add hot ingredients like chili flakes. It’s perfect for those who prefer gentle flavor profiles.
Can this recipe be made vegan?
Yes! This recipe is naturally vegan since it uses plant-based ingredients only. Just ensure your soy sauce is vegan-friendly, which it usually is.
Final Thoughts
You really can’t go wrong with this Smashed Cucumber Salad Recipe if you’re looking for an easy, flavorful, and refreshing dish. It’s wonderfully versatile, uses simple ingredients, and comes together in just minutes. I hope you give it a try soon and find it becomes as much of a favorite as it is in my kitchen!
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Smashed Cucumber Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 5 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A refreshing and easy-to-make Smashed Cucumber Salad featuring crisp cucumbers dressed with a tangy sesame-ginger dressing, garnished with fresh cilantro and green onions. Perfect as a light side dish or appetizer, this no-cook salad offers a vibrant combination of flavors and textures.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 500g (1 lb) cucumbers (4 medium or 2 long cucumbers)
- 3/4 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp coriander/cilantro, roughly chopped
- 1/4 cup green onions, sliced
Dressing
- 1.5 tbsp rice vinegar
- 2 tsp toasted sesame oil
- 1.5 tsp freshly grated ginger
- 2 tsp soy sauce
- 1/2 tsp sugar
Instructions
- Smash the Cucumbers: Bash the cucumbers using a heavy object like the smooth side of a meat mallet, rolling pin, pestle, or can until they split open on the sides. This breaks them up for better dressing absorption.
- Cut the Cucumbers: Chop the smashed cucumbers into 2.5cm (1 inch) chunks and transfer them to a bowl.
- Salt and Rest: Sprinkle the cucumbers with salt and toss thoroughly. Let them rest for 20 minutes to draw out excess water and enhance the flavor.
- Drain Excess Liquid: After resting, drain the liquid from the bowl to prevent sogginess.
- Prepare the Dressing: Whisk together rice vinegar, toasted sesame oil, grated ginger, soy sauce, and sugar until well combined.
- Toss and Serve: Drizzle the dressing over the cucumbers. Sprinkle chopped coriander and sliced green onions on top, toss gently, and serve immediately for optimal freshness.
Notes
- Use a heavy object to smash cucumbers instead of cutting to maintain their texture and enhance flavor absorption.
- Resting cucumbers with salt helps remove excess moisture and prevents the salad from becoming watery.
- Serve immediately after dressing for the freshest taste and crunch.
- For a spicier kick, consider adding a pinch of chili flakes or sliced fresh chilies.
- This salad is best eaten within the same day as cucumbers can become soggy over time.
