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 - 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds - 2 green onions, finely chopped - Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish For this smashed cucumber salad, I love using fresh ingredients. The cucumbers give a nice crunch. The salt helps draw out moisture, making them crispier. Rice vinegar adds that tangy flavor, while sesame oil brings warmth. Honey sweetens the mix just right. Garlic adds a punch, and chili can spice it up. Finally, the sesame seeds and green onions give a nice finish. You can swap ingredients for dietary needs. Use apple cider vinegar instead of rice vinegar for a different taste. Try olive oil if you want to skip sesame oil. For a soy-free option, use coconut aminos. If you have a garlic allergy, leave it out or use garlic-infused oil. For those who avoid gluten, ensure your soy sauce is gluten-free. You can also make this salad vegan by skipping the honey or using maple syrup. This salad is low in calories. One serving has about 70 calories. Cucumbers are hydrating and provide fiber. They contain vitamins A and K. The sesame seeds add healthy fats and protein. Green onions are rich in vitamins C and B. Eating this salad helps you feel full and satisfied without extra calories. 1. Start by rinsing the cucumbers under cold water. This gets rid of dirt and grit. 2. Cut each cucumber in half lengthwise. Then, slice them into thick half-moons, about 1 inch wide. 3. In a large mixing bowl, add the cucumber slices. Sprinkle them with salt. 4. Use your hands to massage the salt into the cucumbers. Let them rest for 10-15 minutes. This step draws out excess moisture, making the salad crisp. 1. In a small bowl, combine rice vinegar, sesame oil, soy sauce, honey, and minced garlic. 2. Whisk the mixture together until all ingredients blend well. Make sure the honey dissolves fully. 1. Drain the cucumbers and pat them dry with paper towels. This removes the extra moisture. 2. Transfer the cucumbers to a clean mixing bowl. Smash each piece lightly using a rolling pin or the flat side of a heavy pan. This helps them absorb the dressing better. 3. Pour the dressing over the smashed cucumbers, ensuring even coverage. Toss gently so all cucumbers get coated. 4. Add sliced red chili, toasted sesame seeds, and chopped green onions to the bowl. Stir gently to mix everything without breaking the cucumbers. 5. For the best flavor, let the salad sit for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows all the flavors to meld. Enjoy creating this fresh, crunchy salad! For the complete details, see the Full Recipe. To get the best texture for your smashed cucumber salad, start by choosing firm cucumbers. The fresher, the better! When smashing, use a rolling pin or a heavy pan. Press down gently but firmly until the cucumbers flatten a bit. You want them to break but not turn mushy. This helps them soak up the dressing well. To avoid excess moisture, sprinkle salt on the cucumbers and let them rest for about 10-15 minutes. This step draws out extra water. After resting, pat them dry with paper towels. This keeps your salad crisp! Want to boost the flavors? You can add more spices! Try sprinkling in some crushed red pepper for heat or a dash of cumin for a warm touch. If you love garlic, add another clove or two. For maximum flavor, let the salad marinate for 5-10 minutes after mixing in the dressing. This allows the flavors to meld together nicely. You’ll taste the difference! This smashed cucumber salad pairs well with many dishes. Serve it alongside grilled meats, rice, or noodles. It also makes a great topping for rice bowls. For serving, keep it chilled. A cool salad is refreshing on hot days! Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves for a pop of color. You can also drizzle some leftover dressing over the top before serving. It adds an extra zing that everyone will love! {{image_4}} Smashed cucumber salad can take on many flavors from around the world. Different cuisines use unique spices and ingredients. For example, you can add fresh mint or dill for a Mediterranean twist. In Korean cuisine, you might use gochugaru, a spicy red pepper flake. This adds heat and a different flavor profile. Try incorporating these regional spices to make the salad your own. Seasonal vegetables can bring new life to your salad. In summer, add diced tomatoes or bell peppers for color and crunch. In fall, consider mixing in thinly sliced radishes or shredded carrots for a crisp texture. Adjust the dressing to match seasonal tastes. In winter, you might add a splash of citrus juice to brighten up the flavors. You can easily modify this salad to fit different diets. For a vegan option, use maple syrup instead of honey. This keeps the sweetness while making it plant-based. If you need a gluten-free version, substitute soy sauce with tamari. To lower sodium, use less salt and low-sodium soy sauce. These small changes can make the salad fit various dietary needs. Store your smashed cucumber salad in a glass or plastic container with a tight lid. This keeps it fresh and tasty. Use a container that is just the right size. Too much space can cause sogginess. To prevent sogginess, you can store the dressing separately. Mix it in only when you are ready to eat. This way, the cucumbers stay crunchy and fresh. The salad is best enjoyed fresh. It will stay good in the fridge for about 2-3 days. After that, the cucumbers may become mushy. Look for signs of spoilage. If the salad smells sour or looks slimy, toss it. Always trust your senses when checking food freshness. If you have leftover salad, don’t throw it away! You can use it in many ways. Add it to a sandwich for extra crunch. Try mixing it into a grain bowl with rice or quinoa. You can even fold it into an omelet for a fresh twist. The options are as endless as your creativity! For the full recipe, check earlier in the article. How to make the salad spicier? To add heat, use more red chili. You can also try crushed red pepper. If you love spice, add chili oil or fresh jalapeños. These options boost the flavor and heat of the salad. Can I make this salad ahead of time? Yes, you can make this salad a few hours in advance. However, it tastes best fresh. If you prepare it early, store it in the fridge in an airtight container. Just give it a quick toss before serving. What are the health benefits of cucumbers? Cucumbers are low in calories and high in water. They keep you hydrated and help with digestion. They also contain vitamins like K and C. Eating cucumbers may support skin health and weight loss. Is this salad suitable for a low-calorie diet? Absolutely! This salad is light and refreshing. It has few calories and is nutrient-dense. You can enjoy a big bowl without guilt. Plus, it helps you feel full thanks to its fiber content. How do I know when cucumbers are properly smashed? You want the cucumbers to be slightly flattened but still in pieces. They should feel soft but not mushy. This helps them soak up the dressing well. Can I use other types of cucumbers? Yes, you can use different varieties like English or Persian cucumbers. Each type adds a unique flavor and texture. Just make sure to adjust the smashing technique if needed. Enjoy experimenting with different options! Smashed cucumber salad is a crisp and vibrant dish. This salad shines with fresh flavors and simple steps. You only need a few common ingredients, making it easy for everyone. Key highlights include: - Crisp texture: The smashing process keeps cucumbers crunchy. - Bold flavors: A mix of vinegar, sesame oil, and honey gives it a punch. - Quick prep: You can whip this up in 30 minutes or less. For your step-by-step guide, refer to the instructions above. The process is straightforward and fun! You will enjoy mixing and matching flavors in this dish. The Crunchy Smashed Cucumber Salad is fresh and easy to make. We covered the ingredients, substitutions, and nutritional information. The step-by-step guide helps you prepare it perfectly. Tips on texture and flavor enhancements ensure you get the best taste. You can also explore variations and storage methods to keep your salad fresh. Enjoy this healthy dish as a side or a main. With these easy steps, you will impress everyone. Dive in and create your own delicious version!$

Discover the refreshing Crunchy Smashed Cucumber Salad that’s perfect for any meal! This easy recipe combines crisp cucumbers with a zesty dressing of rice vinegar, sesame oil, and a touch of honey. With just a few simple steps, you'll create a vibrant dish that’s bursting with flavor. Serve it at your next gathering or enjoy it as a healthy snack. Click through to explore this delightful recipe and impress your taste buds!

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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 preference)

2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds

2 green onions, finely chopped

Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish

Instructions

Begin by thoroughly rinsing the cucumbers under cold water. Cut each cucumber in half lengthwise, then proceed to slice them into thick half-moons, approximately 1 inch wide.

In a large mixing bowl, place the sliced cucumbers and generously sprinkle them with salt. Using your hands, gently massage the salt into the cucumber pieces to ensure even coating, allowing them to rest for 10-15 minutes. This process helps to draw out excess moisture.

Once the cucumbers have softened and released some water, carefully drain them and use paper towels to pat them dry, removing any excess salt.

Next, transfer the cucumber pieces to a clean mixing bowl. Using a rolling pin or the flat side of a heavy pan, gently smash each cucumber piece until they are slightly flattened yet still intact; this will help them to absorb the dressing better.

In a separate small bowl, combine the rice vinegar, sesame oil, soy sauce, honey, and minced garlic. Whisk everything together until the mixture is well-blended and the honey is fully dissolved.

Pour the dressing over the smashed cucumbers, ensuring it is evenly distributed. Gently toss the cucumbers to coat them thoroughly in the delicious dressing.

Add the thinly sliced red chili, toasted sesame seeds, and finely chopped green onions to the cucumber bowl. Stir gently to incorporate all the ingredients while maintaining the integrity of the smashed cucumbers.

For the best flavor, let the salad marinate for about 5-10 minutes before serving, allowing the ingredients to meld together beautifully.

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

- Presentation Tips: Serve the salad in a large, shallow bowl or an elegant platter. Garnish generously with fresh cilantro leaves for a vibrant touch. For an extra burst of flavor, drizzle any leftover dressing over the top just before serving. Enjoy this crispy and refreshing salad chilled!