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).
Smashed Cucumber Salad
If you're not doing Tamari or soy, add an extra ¼ teaspoon of salt or to taste.
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
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.
- Add the remaining ingredients together with the cucumbers in a bowl and marinate for at least 10 minutes.
- 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
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