Smashed Cucumber Salad

Smashed cucumber salad is light, refreshing and perfect for summer. You’ll be making this salad on a weekly basis as it’s so simple and delicious!

Smashing the cucumber results in a tastier salad as it absorbs the seasonings. Salting the cucumber helps with the crunch, intensifies dressing flavors and softens the skins.

For spice, you can also add red pepper flakes, chili sauce, or chili oil.

Smashed Cucumber Salad

Ingredients

5 Persian cucumbers or 2 English cucumbers

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 Tablespoon soy sauce

1 Tablespoon rice vinegar

1 teaspoon sesame oil

1 teaspoon sugar

2 garlic cloves, minced

Optional: red pepper flakes, chili oil, chili sauce or sesame seeds

Directions

Smash the cucumbers with rolling pin, knife or back of a wooden spoon and slice into bite sized pieces. Transfer to a strainer, sprinkle with salt and toss to combine. Set aside on a plate or sink for 15–20 minutes while you prep the dressing.

In a bowl, add soy sauce, rice vinegar sesame oil, sugar, garlic and optional ingredients such as red pepper flakes, chili oil or sesame seeds and mix together.

Transfer the cucumbers into the dressing bowl and toss to coat. Taste and adjust seasonings, if needed. You can eat it right away or let marinate for about 30 minutes before eating.