Try some other favorite cucumber recipes: Cucumber Sandwich Recipe, Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe, or Cucumber Feta Salad.
What Is A Smashed Cucumber Salad Anyways?
Smashing cucumbers is a popular Asian technique to make them extra tasty. When you smash them, they break open and soak up the dressing better, making every bite flavorful.
Just smash the cucumbers with something heavy, like a meat mallet or rolling pin, until they split open. It’s fun to do (my kids love it!), and you get a unique, crunchy, and delicious salad!
I adapted this recipe from Woks of Life and tweaked the dressing from my Asian Cucumber Salad. I’m obsessed with how this salad turned out!
Dressing Ingredients
Here’s what we’ve got adding loads of flavor to this Smashed Cucumber Salad:
- Rice Vinegar: Adds a light, tangy flavor.
- Salt: Brings out all the flavors!
- Oil: Look for toasted sesame oil instead of plain for a better flavor.
- Ginger and Garlic Paste: You can use fresh garlic and ginger, but the pastes make things quick and easy.
- Lite Soy Sauce: Adds a savory flavor without being too overpowering.
- White Sugar: Balances the vinegar and soy sauce. Feel free to adjust to personal preference.
- Toasted Sesame Seeds: Adds a nice crunch and a slight nutty flavor.
- Chili Oil or Red Pepper Flakes: Optional, for a kick of spice and more overall flavor.
Salad Ingredients
Keeping this Smashed Cucumber Salad super simple with only 3 ingredients. Feel free to add more herbs or extras like avocado, diced bell pepper, or shelled edamame.
- Cucumbers (English or Persian): Thin skins and fewer seeds make them perfect for this salad. They have a great flavor and crisp texture.
- Cilantro: Coarsely chop for a burst of fresh flavor. If you don’t like cilantro, use parsley instead.
- Green Onions: Slice thinly for a mild onion flavor. If you aren’t a fan, use basil instead.
How to Make Smashed Cucumber Salad
- Wash Cucumbers: Clean and dry the cucumbers.
- Smash Cucumbers: Lightly smash the cucumbers until they crack open. Cut into bite-sized pieces.
- Make Dressing: In a jar, mix rice vinegar, salt, oil, ginger, garlic, soy sauce, sugar, and sesame seeds. Shake well.
- Mix Salad: In a big bowl, combine the smashed cucumbers with cilantro and green onions.
- Add Dressing: Pour the dressing over the cucumbers and toss to mix.
- Serve: Add chili oil or red pepper flakes if you like. Enjoy right away.
Quick Tip
Discard the ends of the cucumbers (they are bitter). A slicing tool is perfect for getting things thin and even. (I use mine all the time when making Au Gratin Potatoes!)
Smashed Cucumber Salad Recipe Tips
- Smashing Cucumbers: Smash until they crack but still hold their shape.
- Dressing: Make the dressing ahead and let it sit for better flavor.
- Spice Level: Adjust chili oil or red pepper flakes to what you like. Start with a little and add more if needed.
- Freshness: Use the freshest cucumbers for the best flavor and crunch.
What To Serve With It
- Grilled Chicken or Fish: This salad goes well with grilled chicken or fish. Try it with simple lemon and Italian herb grilled chicken breast or grilled salmon.
- Rice or Quinoa: Serve the salad with a bowl of rice or quinoa. The grains will absorb the tasty dressing.
- Asian-Inspired Dishes: This salad is a great side dish for meals like stir-fried noodles, dumplings, or spring rolls.
- Make It More Filling: Sprinkle some crushed peanuts or cashews on the salad just before serving. This adds a nice crunch and more flavor, plus it’s more filling.
Storage
Store any leftover Smashed Cucumber Salad in a container in the fridge. For the best flavor and texture, eat on the same day.
More Easy Salad Recipes:
- Cucumber-Pepper Salad with a creamy avocado
- Cucumber Salad with an easy balsamic dressing
- Pesto Chicken Salad with roasted red peppers
- Teriyaki Chicken Salad with a 3-ingredient dressing
Smashed Cucumber Salad
Equipment
- Meat mallet see note 1
Ingredients
- 2 pounds cucumbers see note 2
- 1/4 cup coarsely chopped cilantro
- 1/4 cup thinly sliced green onions
Dressing:
- 1-1/2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil
- 3/4 teaspoon ginger paste
- 3/4 teaspoon garlic paste
- 2 teaspoons reduced-sodium soy sauce
- 2-1/2 teaspoons sugar
- 2 teaspoons toasted sesame seeds
- Chili oil or red pepper flakes, optional
Instructions
- Wash and dry the cucumbers. Chop the cilantro, and slice the green onions.
- Combine rice vinegar, salt, toasted sesame oil, ginger paste, garlic paste, soy sauce, sugar, and sesame seeds in a mason jar. Add the lid, and shake until combined.
- Place the flat side of a meat mallet against each cucumber on a cutting board. Lightly press with your other hand until the cucumber cracks open.
- Cut the smashed cucumbers into bite-sized pieces, about 1-inch in diameter.
- In a large bowl, mix the cut cucumbers with cilantro and green onions.
- Drizzle on the dressing and toss well to combine. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed.
- Serve with a drizzle of chili oil, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes. Best enjoyed the same day.
Video
Recipe Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Absolutely obsessed! Smashing it really does make it absorb the dressing better–which is delicious! Can’t get enough of this! Thanks Chelsea!