Smashed Cucumber Salad Recipe
Essen Paradies
This Smashed Cucumber Salad is a quick and flavorful dish with a perfect balance of crunch, spice, and tanginess. Made with fresh cucumbers, a savory garlic-soy dressing, and a hint of heat from chili oil, it’s an easy side that pairs well with any meal. Ready in just 15 minutes, this refreshing Asian-inspired salad is perfect for summer, meal prep, or a light appetizer.
Prep Time 15 minutes mins
Total Time 15 minutes mins
Course Appetizer, Side Dish
Cuisine Asian Inspired, Chinese
Servings 2 Servings
Calories 90 kcal
3 small cucumbers ½ tsp salt 2 cloves of garlic minced 1.5 tbsp rice vinegar 1.5 tbsp soy sauce 1 tsp brown sugar 1-2 tbsp chili oil adjust to taste 1 tbsp sesame oil 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
Rinse and dry the cucumbers.
Place them on a cutting board and use the flat side of a knife or a rolling pin to gently smash them until they break open.
Cut them into bite-sized pieces and transfer to a bowl.
Sprinkle the cucumbers with salt and let them sit for about 10 minutes.
This helps draw out excess water and enhances the flavor.
After 10 minutes, drain any liquid and pat them dry with a paper towel.
In a small bowl, mix the minced garlic, rice vinegar, soy sauce, brown sugar, chili oil, and sesame oil. Stir well to combine.
Pour the dressing over the cucumbers and toss to coat evenly.
Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds.
Let the salad sit for 5-10 minutes to absorb the flavors, then serve immediately.
Enjoy as a refreshing side dish!
Keyword Asian cucumber salad, chili oil cucumber, Chinese cucumber salad, smashed cucumber salad, soy sauce dressing, spicy cucumber salad, Summer salad