Smashed Cucumber Salad

$- 2 large cucumbers - 1 teaspoon salt - 1 tablespoon rice vinegar - 1 tablespoon sesame oil - 2 teaspoons soy sauce - 1 teaspoon honey - 1 garlic clove, minced - 1 red chili, thinly sliced (adjust for heat) - 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds - 2 green onions, chopped - Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish To make the smashed cucumber salad, you need fresh ingredients. Cucumbers are the base. They give the dish its crunch and freshness. I like to use large cucumbers for this recipe. They provide more texture and flavor. Salt is essential in this dish. It draws out excess water from the cucumbers. This makes them crispier. Rice vinegar adds a tangy note. It balances the flavors well. Sesame oil gives a rich, nutty taste. Soy sauce adds umami, while honey brings a hint of sweetness. Minced garlic adds depth, and red chili gives a spicy kick. To finish, you sprinkle toasted sesame seeds and chopped green onions. They add a nice crunch and color. Don’t forget the fresh cilantro! It brightens the dish. You can find the full recipe above. Enjoy making this salad; it’s a delight! First, wash the cucumbers well under cold water. This step helps remove dirt and pesticides. Next, cut the cucumbers in half lengthwise. Then slice them into thick pieces. Aim for about one-inch chunks. Now it's time to salt the cucumbers. Place the cucumber pieces in a large bowl. Sprinkle one teaspoon of salt over them. Gently massage the salt into the cucumbers. Let them sit for 10-15 minutes. This process draws out excess water, making the salad crispier. After salting, drain the cucumbers and pat them dry with paper towels. Transfer the cucumbers to a clean bowl. Use a rolling pin or the bottom of a heavy pan to gently smash each cucumber piece. You want them slightly flattened, but not mushy. While the cucumbers rest, it’s time to mix the dressing. In a small bowl, whisk together rice vinegar, sesame oil, soy sauce, honey, and minced garlic. Mix until well combined. This dressing gives the salad a burst of flavor. Pour the dressing over the smashed cucumbers. Toss the cucumbers to coat them evenly. This step ensures every bite is full of flavor. Next, add the sliced red chili, toasted sesame seeds, and chopped green onions. Mix gently to distribute the dressing and toppings. Allow the salad to marinate for 5-10 minutes. This wait time helps the flavors blend together. The salad will be even tastier when served chilled. For full details, refer to the Full Recipe. To get the best smash on your cucumbers, start with fresh ones. Look for firm cucumbers with no soft spots. Cut them thick and give each piece a good smash with a rolling pin or a heavy pan. Aim for a nice, flat shape, but don’t crush them too much. You want them to hold together. To avoid mushy cucumbers, don’t smash them too hard. If you do, the water will seep out, making them soggy. After smashing, let them sit with salt. This extra step helps draw out moisture and keeps them crisp. Adding heat with chili can really boost the flavor of your salad. If you like it spicy, use a whole red chili. For less heat, just use half. Make sure to slice the chili thin so it mixes well. You can also add more ingredients for texture. Try mixing in diced bell peppers or shredded carrots. These add crunch and color. You can even toss in some nuts for a delightful surprise. Each ingredient brings its own flavor, making the salad even better. For more details, check out the Full Recipe. {{image_2}} You can easily switch some ingredients in this salad. For oils, consider using olive oil instead of sesame oil. It adds a different taste but still keeps things fresh. For vinegar, try apple cider vinegar if you want a tangy kick. This change can brighten the dish. If you want to make it a bit heartier, add proteins. Shrimp works great in this salad. Just cook it lightly and toss it in. Tofu is another excellent choice. It soaks up the dressing well and makes the dish filling. Making this salad in summer? Grab some fresh herbs like basil or mint. They add bright flavors that match the season. You can also toss in seasonal veggies like bell peppers or radishes. These add extra crunch and color. If you want to turn this salad into a main dish, make it a bit bigger. Add grilled chicken or fish on top. This way, it can be a complete meal, perfect for hot days. You’ll enjoy a crisp and tasty dish that feels light and refreshing. For the full recipe, check out the Crunchy Smashed Cucumber Salad. To keep your smashed cucumber salad fresh, store it in an airtight container. Make sure to remove any excess dressing before sealing. This helps avoid sogginess. Place the container in the fridge. The salad stays fresh for about 2 to 3 days. However, the texture can change over time. The cucumbers may lose some crunch, but the taste remains great. If you want to prepare this salad for a gathering, you can make it ahead of time. Just prepare the cucumbers and the dressing separately. Store the dressing in a small jar or bowl. This keeps the cucumbers crisp until serving. When you're ready, mix them together. Let it sit for about 10 minutes to blend the flavors. This way, you keep the salad fresh and delicious, just like in the Full Recipe. Can I use different types of cucumbers? Yes, you can use any cucumber type. English cucumbers work well. They have fewer seeds and a thinner skin. Regular cucumbers also work fine. Just make sure to wash them well. If you want, try Persian cucumbers for a sweeter taste. Is this recipe gluten-free? Yes, this smashed cucumber salad is gluten-free. The soy sauce can contain gluten, so choose a gluten-free brand. This way, you can enjoy all the flavors without worry. What to serve with smashed cucumber salad? You can serve this salad with grilled meats or fish. It pairs well with rice dishes, too. For a light meal, add it to a wrap or sandwich. The crunch complements many main dishes. Ideas for incorporating it into meals Use this salad as a topping for tacos. It adds a nice crunch and freshness. You can also mix it into grain bowls. Try adding it to a picnic spread for a refreshing touch. The options are endless! Smashed cucumber salad is tasty and easy to make. We covered the ingredients, preparation, and tips to enhance flavor. You can adjust the recipe with seasonal veggies or proteins. Remember to store leftovers properly for freshness. This salad adds a light crunch to any meal. Try it out for your next gathering or a summer dish. Enjoy exploring new flavors and making it your own!$

Cool off with this delicious Crunchy Smashed Cucumber Salad! Combining crispy cucumbers with a flavorful dressing of sesame oil, rice vinegar, and hints of garlic and chili, this salad is perfect for summer picnics or a light meal. In just 30 minutes, you can create a refreshing dish that impresses. Click through to explore the full recipe and elevate your salad game today!

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Ingredients

2 large cucumbers

1 teaspoon salt

1 tablespoon rice vinegar

1 tablespoon sesame oil

2 teaspoons soy sauce

1 teaspoon honey

1 garlic clove, minced

1 red chili, thinly sliced (adjust for heat)

2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds

2 green onions, chopped

Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish

Instructions

Start by washing the cucumbers thoroughly. Cut them in half lengthwise and then into thick slices.

Place cucumber pieces in a large bowl and sprinkle with salt. Gently massage the salt into the cucumbers and let them sit for about 10-15 minutes to draw out excess water.

After the cucumbers have released some water, drain them and pat dry with paper towels.

Transfer the cucumbers to a clean bowl. Using a rolling pin or the bottom of a heavy pan, gently smash each cucumber piece until slightly flattened, but not falling apart.

In a separate small bowl, whisk together the rice vinegar, sesame oil, soy sauce, honey, and minced garlic until well combined.

Pour the dressing over the smashed cucumbers, and toss to ensure they are evenly coated.

Add the sliced red chili, toasted sesame seeds, and chopped green onions. Mix gently to distribute.

Allow the salad to marinate for about 5-10 minutes before serving to enhance the flavors.

Prep Time: 15 min | Total Time: 30 min | Servings: 4

- Presentation Tips: Serve the salad in a wide bowl or platter, garnished with fresh cilantro leaves on top for a pop of color. Drizzle with any leftover dressing before serving for extra flavor. Enjoy this refreshing dish chilled!