Smashed Cucumber Salad

$- 2 large cucumbers - 1 teaspoon salt - 2 tablespoons rice vinegar - 1 tablespoon sesame oil - 1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce - 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice - 1 garlic clove, minced - 1 teaspoon honey or agave syrup - 2 green onions, sliced - 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds - Fresh cilantro for garnish - Sriracha for heat - Chopped bell peppers for crunch - Avocado for creaminess To make my smashed cucumber salad fresh and tasty, I use these key ingredients. The cucumbers are the star of the dish. They add crunch and freshness. I like to use large cucumbers for this recipe. They have more water and taste better. The salt helps draw out excess moisture from the cucumbers. This step makes the salad crispier. Rice vinegar gives the salad a nice tang. Sesame oil adds a rich, nutty flavor. Low-sodium soy sauce enhances the taste without making it too salty. I also add fresh lime juice for brightness. The garlic brings in a strong flavor. Honey or agave syrup adds a touch of sweetness. Green onions give a nice bite, while toasted sesame seeds add a delightful crunch. Finally, fresh cilantro makes the salad pop with color and taste. You can also make it your own with optional ingredients. Adding Sriracha gives a spicy kick. Chopped bell peppers add more crunch. If you want creaminess, diced avocado works well, too. These ingredients help you create a salad that’s just right for you. For the complete recipe, make sure to check the Full Recipe section. - Wash the cucumbers well. - Cut off both ends of the cucumbers. - Smash each cucumber gently using a knife or rolling pin. - Cut the smashed cucumbers into bite-sized pieces. - In a bowl, combine rice vinegar, sesame oil, soy sauce, lime juice, minced garlic, and honey. - Whisk the mixture until it blends well. - Put the cut cucumbers in a bowl and sprinkle with salt. - Let them sit for 10 minutes to draw out water. - After 10 minutes, gently press the cucumbers to release more water. - Discard any excess liquid. - Pour the dressing over the cucumbers and mix to coat evenly. - Add sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds. - Mix well before serving. - Let the salad marinate for 15 minutes to enhance the flavors. - Just before serving, garnish with fresh cilantro for added flavor. For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe. - How to choose the right cucumbers Pick firm cucumbers that feel heavy. Look for smooth skin without spots or wrinkles. English cucumbers are great for this salad. They have fewer seeds and are less bitter. - Importance of salting cucumbers Salting the cucumbers draws out water. This step is key for a crunchy salad. Let them sit with salt for about 10 minutes. This helps the salad stay crisp and flavorful. - Allowing salad to marinate After mixing in the dressing, let the salad rest. A 15-minute marination boosts the flavor. It gives time for the cucumbers to soak up the dressing. - Adding fresh herbs Fresh herbs like cilantro or mint can brighten the dish. Chop them finely and mix them in. They add a burst of freshness. - Experimenting with different acids (like lemon juice) While rice vinegar is great, try lemon or lime juice for a twist. Each acid gives a different taste. Adjust based on your preference for tanginess. - Adjusting sweetness levels with honey/agave If you like a hint of sweetness, add honey or agave. Start with a teaspoon and taste. You can always add more if you want it sweeter. {{image_2}} You can use different types of cucumbers for this salad. English cucumbers are long and thin. They have fewer seeds and a thin skin. They add a nice crunch. Regular cucumbers are shorter and thicker. They have more seeds and a thicker skin. You can also try pickling cucumbers. They are small and crunchy. They make your salad extra crisp and tasty. You can easily change some ingredients in this salad. For a vegan option, replace the honey with agave syrup. This keeps the salad sweet without using animal products. If you need a gluten-free version, switch the soy sauce for tamari. Tamari tastes similar but has no gluten. You can make your smashed cucumber salad even better. Adding nuts like peanuts or cashews gives a nice crunch. Just chop them up before mixing. You can also add proteins like tofu or chicken. This makes the salad heartier and more filling. It’s a great way to boost flavor and nutrition. To store leftovers, place your smashed cucumber salad in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh and tasty. Use glass or plastic containers with secure lids. Avoid using metal containers, as they may react with the dressing. You can keep the salad in the fridge for about three days. After that, the cucumbers may become too soft. Look for signs that the salad has gone bad, such as a sour smell or a change in color. If it looks slimy or has a strange odor, it's best to throw it away. Enjoy your Smashed Cucumber Salad from the Full Recipe! Smashed Cucumber Salad is a light and refreshing dish. It combines smashed cucumbers with a tasty dressing. This salad has roots in Asian cuisine, often served in Chinese meals. The smashing technique gives the cucumbers a unique texture. It allows the cucumbers to soak up the flavors of the dressing. You can enjoy it as a side or a main dish. Yes, you can make this salad ahead of time. However, it’s best to marinate it for only a short time. Allowing it to sit for 15 minutes helps the flavors mix well. If you wait too long, the cucumbers may get soggy. Store the salad in the fridge until you’re ready to serve. You can pair Smashed Cucumber Salad with many dishes. It goes great with grilled meats or fish. You can also serve it with rice or noodles for a light meal. This salad works well as a refreshing side dish or a main dish. Feel free to enjoy it any way you like! For the Full Recipe, check out the instructions above. This blog post covers all you need for a great Smashed Cucumber Salad. We discussed fresh ingredients, step-by-step prep, and helpful tips for flavor and texture. Remember, choose your cucumbers wisely. Factor in marination time for the best taste. Don’t hesitate to try variations or add ingredients to suit your taste. With these tips, you’ll create a delicious, refreshing salad that impresses every time. Enjoy making it your own!$

Discover the refreshing taste of Smashed Cucumber Salad with this easy recipe! In just 30 minutes, you can create a vibrant dish featuring crunchy cucumbers tossed in a zesty dressing. Packed with flavors from garlic, sesame oil, and lime juice, this salad is perfect for warm days or as a side dish. Don't miss out on this delightful recipe that’s sure to impress! Click to explore and elevate your salad game!

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Ingredients

2 large cucumbers

1 teaspoon salt

2 tablespoons rice vinegar

1 tablespoon sesame oil

1 tablespoon soy sauce (low-sodium)

1 tablespoon fresh lime juice

1 garlic clove, minced

1 teaspoon honey or agave syrup

2 green onions, sliced

1 tablespoon sesame seeds (toasted)

Fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions

Start by washing the cucumbers thoroughly. Cut off the ends and then smash each cucumber using the flat side of a knife or a rolling pin until it's slightly broken but still holding its shape.

Cut the smashed cucumbers into bite-sized pieces and place them in a large bowl.

Sprinkle the salt over the cucumbers and let them sit for about 10 minutes to draw out excess water. This helps improve the texture of the salad.

Meanwhile, in a separate bowl, whisk together the rice vinegar, sesame oil, soy sauce, lime juice, minced garlic, and honey until well combined.

After 10 minutes, press the cucumbers gently to release more water, then discard any excess liquid.

Pour the dressing over the smashed cucumbers and toss to coat evenly.

Add the sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds to the salad, mixing well.

Let the salad marinate for about 15 minutes before serving to enhance the flavors.

Garnish with fresh cilantro just before serving for a pop of color and flavor.

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