If you are searching for a refreshingly crunchy, zesty, and incredibly easy-to-make salad, this Smashed Cucumber Salad Recipe is exactly what you need. Bursting with bright flavors and a perfect balance of tangy, savory, and aromatic notes, it’s a dish that never fails to impress whether served as a light side or a vibrant starter. The unique technique of smashing cucumbers not only enhances the texture but also allows the flavors from the dressing to soak deep into each chunk, creating a delightfully crisp and flavorful experience in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is key to nailing this salad’s distinct flavor profile. Fortunately, all of them are simple, fresh, and contribute uniquely to the dish’s overall appeal—from the cool crunch of the cucumbers to the nutty aroma of toasted sesame oil.
- 500g/1 lb cucumbers (4 medium or 2 long): The star of the dish, these provide a crisp, refreshing base with plenty of hydrating crunch.
- 3/4 tsp salt: Helps to draw out excess moisture and soften the cucumbers slightly for better flavor absorption.
- 2 tbsp coriander/cilantro, roughly chopped: Adds a fresh, herbaceous lift with a little citrusy zing.
- 1/4 cup green onions, sliced: Brings a mild, sweet onion flavor and appealing color contrast.
- 1.5 tbsp rice vinegar: Offers a gentle acidity that brightens the entire salad.
- 2 tsp toasted sesame oil: Infuses the salad with a deep, nutty aroma and richness.
- 1.5 tsp freshly grated ginger: Provides a subtle warmth and spicy kick to wake up your taste buds.
- 2 tsp soy sauce: Contributes umami depth and a hint of saltiness to balance the vinegar.
- 1/2 tsp sugar: Just a touch to balance the tangy and savory flavors.
How to Make Smashed Cucumber Salad Recipe
Step 1: Smash the Cucumbers
Begin by giving those cucumbers a good bash until they split open along the sides. Use a heavy object like the smooth end of a meat mallet, rolling pin, or even a sturdy can. This smashing technique breaks down their structure, allowing the dressing to soak in better and creating juicy, satisfying chunks bursting with flavor.
Step 2: Cut Into Chunks
Once smashed, slice the cucumbers into roughly 2.5cm or 1-inch chunks. This bite-sized approach ensures each piece is easy to eat but still retains a satisfying crunch.
Step 3: Salt and Rest
Sprinkle salt liberally over the cucumber chunks and toss everything together. Let them sit for about 20 minutes. This resting period draws out excess water, keeping the salad crisp but preventing it from becoming too watery when mixed with the dressing later.
Step 4: Drain the Liquid
After the cucumbers have rested, pour off the liquid that has collected in the bowl. This simple step helps maintain the salad’s ideal texture and prevents sogginess.
Step 5: Prepare the Dressing
Whisk or shake together rice vinegar, toasted sesame oil, grated ginger, soy sauce, and a pinch of sugar until well combined. This bright and savory dressing is what truly wakes up the crushed cucumbers with layers of flavor.
Step 6: Toss and Serve
Drizzle the dressing over the drained cucumbers, then sprinkle on the chopped coriander and sliced green onions. Give everything a gentle toss to ensure the dressing coats each chunk evenly. Serve immediately for that ultimate crisp freshness.
How to Serve Smashed Cucumber Salad Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance your Smashed Cucumber Salad Recipe by garnishing it with extra cilantro leaves or a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds. These little touches add bursts of freshness and texture, and make the salad look as inviting as it tastes.
Side Dishes
This salad is a fantastic accompaniment to grilled meats such as chicken, pork, or fish. It also pairs beautifully with Asian-inspired mains, adding a crisp, light counterpoint to rich, savory dishes.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress your guests? Serve the salad in individual small bowls or martini glasses for an elegant touch. You can also add a few thin slices of chili or a drizzle of chili oil on top for a spicy kick and vibrant color contrast.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store any leftover smashed cucumber salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Keep in mind the cucumbers may soften slightly and release more liquid over time, so enjoy it as fresh as possible for the best crunch.
Freezing
Freezing is not recommended for this salad since cucumbers have high water content; freezing will alter the texture and turn them mushy upon thawing.
Reheating
This salad is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature. There is no need to reheat, as warming it would compromise its fresh, crisp qualities that make the dish so delightful.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cucumbers?
Absolutely! English or seedless cucumbers work well too since they tend to be less watery and have fewer seeds, making them perfect for smashing and tossing in this salad.
Is it possible to make this salad vegan?
Yes, this recipe is naturally vegan since it uses no animal products. Just be sure to check your soy sauce to confirm it doesn’t contain any fish-based additives.
Can I add other vegetables or extras?
Feel free to get creative! Thinly sliced radishes, carrots, or even some crushed peanuts on top add wonderful texture and flavor dimensions to the salad.
How spicy is the salad? Can I make it spicier?
This salad is typically mild with a fresh zing from the ginger. If you like it spicy, add some red chili flakes or a splash of chili oil to taste.
What is the best way to smash cucumbers?
The easiest method is to lay the cucumber flat on a cutting board and use a rolling pin or a meat mallet’s smooth side to hit it firmly until it cracks open. This helps retain the cucumber’s structure but creates better surfaces for flavors to penetrate.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly joyful about this Smashed Cucumber Salad Recipe that makes it a standout in any meal. It’s fresh, flavorful, and incredibly simple to whip up, making it a go-to recipe for anyone craving a light yet satisfying dish. I encourage you to give it a try and enjoy the delightful crunch and vibrant tastes that only smashing a cucumber can deliver!
Print
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 combining crunchy cucumbers with a tangy and savory dressing of rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, and fresh ginger, garnished with cilantro and green onions. Perfect as a light side dish or appetizer.
Ingredients
Salad
- 500g (1 lb) cucumbers (4 medium or 2 long cucumbers)
- 3/4 tsp salt
Dressing & Garnish
- 2 tbsp coriander/cilantro, roughly chopped
- 1/4 cup green onions, sliced
- 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 until they split open on the sides using a heavy object like the smooth side of a meat mallet, rolling pin, pestle, or a can. This helps to break them up and absorb the dressing better.
- Cut into chunks: Cut the smashed cucumbers into 2.5cm (1 inch) chunks and place them in a bowl.
- Salt and rest: Sprinkle with salt and toss thoroughly. Leave the cucumbers to rest for 20 minutes to draw out excess water and enhance flavor.
- Drain liquid: After 20 minutes, drain the excess liquid from the bowl to prevent the salad from becoming soggy.
- Prepare dressing: Shake or whisk together rice vinegar, toasted sesame oil, freshly grated ginger, soy sauce, and sugar until well combined.
- Toss and garnish: Drizzle the dressing over the cucumbers, sprinkle with chopped coriander and sliced green onions, toss gently, and serve immediately for best freshness.
Notes
- Use cucumbers with thin skin like Persian or English cucumbers for best texture, or peel regular cucumbers if preferred.
- To toast sesame oil, gently warm sesame seeds in a dry pan until fragrant, then use the oil derived or purchase pre-toasted sesame oil for authentic flavor.
- For a spicier variation, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or sliced fresh chili to the dressing.
- Serve immediately to maintain the crisp texture; refrigerated leftovers may become watery.
