• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
Comfy Belly
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipes
  • Recipe Collections
  • Shopping List
  • Sign In
  • Join
  • About
  • Newsletter

search icon
Homepage link
  • Recipes
  • Recipe Collections
  • Shopping List
  • Sign In
  • Join
  • About
  • Newsletter

×
Home » Gluten-Free

Smashed Cucumber Salad

Apr 2, 2024 (updated Jun 24, 2024) (Leave a Comment)

Asian Smashed Cucumber Salad image

You might think that a recipe based on one vegetable is not really a salad. However this Asian-inspired smashed cucumber salad has the flavor to hold up well as a side dish, appetizer, or refreshing snack.

Smashing the cucumbers breaks down the firmness and structure. The cucumbers are still crunchy with a bit of a tender center, which allows them to absorb the marinade. It marinates for about 10 minutes and then it's ready to serve. So it's definitely a quick and easy salad to add to a meal or make for almost instant gratification.

This recipe is in honor of Astro, my beloved furry sous chef and cucumber lover (2011 to 2024).

Asian Smashed Cucumber Salad smash image

Add to List Go to List Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Smashed Cucumber Salad

If you're not doing Tamari or soy, add an extra ¼ teaspoon of salt or to taste.
You can use the edge of a knife to smash the cucumbers as well. I just find the rolling pin method a bit faster and safer.
I kept this very basic however feel free to add sliced red onions, chili peppers, or other things with a bit of kick to them to play off the cool cucumbers.
Servings: 4 side servings
Calories: 97kcal

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds Persian cucumbers or English cucumbers
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 4 tablespoons white wine vinegar or rice vinegar, or other vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon Tamari gluten free
  • 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey
  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
  • 1 garlic clove peeled and minced
  • ¼ teaspoon red chili flakes optional for heat
  • 1 teaspoon graded ginger optional
  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds or everything bagel topping
US Customary - Metric

Instructions

  • Slice the cumbers into pieces.
  • Place the cucumber pieces on a cutting board and cover with plastic wrap.
  • Use a rolling pin or other tool with a flat side to gently smash the cucumber pieces. Make sure all of them are at least a bit smashed so they can easily absorb the marinade.
  • Place the cucumber pieces in a strainer and toss with a big pinch of salt. Place something heavy on top of the cucumbers to serve as a weight and place the strainer over a bowl. Let the cucumbers drain about 20 minutes at room tempeature or in the refrigerator until ready to dress and serve.
  • Add the remaining ingredients together with the cucumbers in a bowl and top with sesame seeds or everything bagel topping. I find this salad tastes better fresh but it can be stored in the refrigerator for a few days.

Nutrition

Calories: 97kcal | Carbohydrates: 13g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 0.5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 0.01g | Sodium: 405mg | Potassium: 375mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 275IU | Vitamin C: 7mg | Calcium: 65mg | Iron: 1mg
  • Facebook

Reader Interactions

Leave a reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




Primary Sidebar

Erica in kitchen

Welcome! I'm Erica, a cookbook author and writer. I offer whole food, grain-free, and gluten-free recipes, tips, and more. I'm passionate about food and the human microbiome. Also, I love vegetables.

Learn more

Recent comments

  1. Erica on Lemon Loaf {almond & coconut flour}August 6, 2025

    Hi Faye, some recipes, including this one, are for members only so you'll need to sign in first or sign…

  2. Faye on Lemon Loaf {almond & coconut flour}August 6, 2025

    Where is the recipe though

  3. Luis Kaj on Banana Bread {almond & coconut flour}August 3, 2025

    What is unhealthy about eggs? They are actually nature's perfect, complete food, contrary to long-held beliefs. They are an excellent…

  4. Erica on Zucchini Bread {almond flour}August 3, 2025

    Thanks, Nancy! Good to know this recipe works well with granulated sugar.

  5. Nancy leonard on Zucchini Bread {almond flour}August 3, 2025

    I just made this delicious recipes. I was worried about the texture with the almond flour.I added brown sugar instead…

  6. Erica on Banana Bread {almond & coconut flour}July 29, 2025

    Thanks Juliet! Love your toppings!

  7. Juliet on Banana Bread {almond & coconut flour}July 28, 2025

    Have just made this super easy delicious loaf!Sprinkled sunflower seeds and poppy seeds for extra crunch and minerals.Cut back honey.Rose…

  8. Erica on Berry Fruit Roll-UpsJuly 27, 2025

    Thanks, Jen! Great to hear!

  9. Jen Newland on Berry Fruit Roll-UpsJuly 27, 2025

    I love this recipe! It’s a simple and delicious snack that can give my grandchildren and they love it!

Footer

Footer

Stay in touch

  • Contact
  • Newsletter
  • About
  • Let's work together

Cookbooks

  • Cooking for the Specific Carbohydrate Diet
  • The Healthy Coconut Flour Cookbook
  • Everyday Keto Baking

Membership

  • Join
  • Account
  • Recipe Collections
  • Shopping List
Copyright © 2025 Comfy Belly | Erica Kerwien. All rights reserved.