Description
This Smashed Asian Cucumber Salad is cool, crunchy, and bursting with bold flavor from garlic, soy sauce, and sesame. It’s a quick and refreshing side dish that comes together in just 15 minutes and pairs beautifully with grilled proteins, rice bowls, or Asian mains.
Ingredients
2 Persian cucumbers or 1 large English cucumber
1 teaspoon salt
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1 teaspoon sugar
1 teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
1 teaspoon sesame seeds
2 tablespoons chopped cilantro or mint
Instructions
1. Smash the cucumbers using the flat side of a knife or rolling pin until cracked. Cut into chunks.
2. Toss cucumbers with salt and let sit for 10 minutes to release moisture.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together garlic, rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, sugar, and chili flakes (if using).
4. Drain and pat dry the cucumbers, then toss with the dressing.
5. Add sesame seeds and chopped herbs. Chill for 10 minutes before serving.
6. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Garnish with more herbs or seeds and serve cold.
Notes
Smash gently: You want cracks, not mush. Too much smashing leads to soggy cucumbers.
Pat dry well after salting to keep the dressing vibrant, not diluted.
Adjust spice and sweetness to your taste—this salad is highly customizable.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 65
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 460mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: cucumber salad, asian cucumber salad, smashed cucumber, side dish, quick salad