Smashed Cucumber Salad

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Smashed Cucumber Salad is refreshing, quick and easy. Made with smashed cucumbers tossed in an Asian dressing, this salad is flavor-packed!

When the weather starts heating up, one of my favorite snacks to turn to are cucumbers. They are so refreshing and can be used in so many different ways. Obviously, you can make Refrigerator Pickles. You can slice them and put them in water. And you can also use them in so many other recipes like Cucumber Salsa ,the ever classic Cucumber Tomato Salad and now this Smashed Cucumber Salad.

This salad is one of those dishes that I first tried out at a restaurant and was determined to try once I got home. It is the smashing of the cucumbers that really makes it. You see, by smashing the cucumbers some pieces will stay crisp and intact while others will lose their structure making it easier for them to soak up the savory dressing. That makes this salad full of flavor and texture. And it is delicious.

Let’s talk about what you’ll need to make it.

Smashed Cucumber Salad Ingredients:

• SEEDLESS CUCUMBERS: I used mini seedless Persian cucumbers to make this salad. They are great for it because the thin skin means you don’t have to peel them. They are also more crisp, and less watery than standard cucumbers.
• SOY SAUCE: Will add umami and saltiness to the dressing.
• RICE VINEGAR: Sweeter than distilled vinegar, rice vinegar adds a punch of acidity to the dressing.
• SESAME OIL: Brings a bit of nuttiness to the dressing. Keep in mind that a little goes a long way to with sesame oil.
• SUGAR: Adds a touch of sweetness.
• SALT
• GARLIC: Fresh minced garlic will work best for this recipe.
• CRUSHED RED PEPPER: Adds a touch of heat to the dressing which I like but is totally optional.
• FRESH GINGER: Adds a warm flavor to the dressing. Don’t substitute ground ginger, you won’t get the same flavor.
• CILANTRO: Optional but adds a bit of freshness.
• SESAME SEEDS: Add a but of crunch and nuttiness.

Step by Step Photos And Instructions:

Making Smashed Cucumber Salad is really easy! The hardest part will be “smashing” the cucumbers. I use the flat side of a meat mallet but you can also use the side of a knife to press down.

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• STEP #1: Prepare the dressing by whisking all of the ingredients together in a bowl. Set aside so the flavors can mingle while you prep the cucumbers.
• STEP #2: Place a small slit in the cucumber. Cut about 1/4 of the length of the cucumber and not all the way through.
• STEP #3: Use the flat side of a meat mallet or the side of a knife to gently press down the cucumbers until they smash and break into pieces (usually they’ll break into 4 long pieces).
• STEP #4: Place the cucumbers in a colander and sprinkle lightly with about 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Allow to drain for about 15 minutes to remove excess water. Pat dry with a paper towel.
• STEP #5: Use a knife to slice the cucumbers into 1/4 inch thick diagonal slices.
• STEP #6: Place the cucumbers, cilantro (if using) and sesame seeds in a bowl. Drizzle dressing over the top. Toss and serve.

Storage and Leftovers:

This salad is best eaten right when it is made. As soon as it is dressed, the cucumbers will start to break down and become soft. While you can eat leftovers, the texture will be different.

If you loved this Smashed Cucumber Salad, check out these other non-traditional Salad recipes:

Celery Salad makes celery the star of the show! Crisp and full of flavor!

Tomato Salad is one of my favorite things to do with fresh summer tomatoes. It’ll be yours too!

This Cold Green Bean Salad is packed with summer flavor. Tender beans and tomatoes are tossed with olive oil, garlic, basil, balsamic and parmesan.