Asian smashed cucumber salad recipe
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Refreshing and full of flavor, this Asian smashed cucumber salad is done in just 10 minutes. Give this easy side dish a go, pair it with your favorite grilled chicken or baked fish, and enjoy a hustle-free summer family dinner.
The post has extra tips to make sure the recipe comes out amazing on your first try. If you're in a rush, use the link above to jump to the recipe card at the end! 👩🍳🔝
I like cucumbers, they are refreshing, crunchy, and can be prepared in so many different ways. From my reader’s favorite Asian Pickled cucumber salad to my favorite cucumber and avocado salad, ideas to prepare this crunchy vegetable are endless. That’s why today I am very excited to share my take on the popular TikTok smashed cucumber salad. Refreshing and full of flavor it can be done in 10 minutes.
Ingredients
Here is what you will need to make this easy recipe
A note about cucumbers 🥒 : My favorite cucumbers to use in this salad are the Lebanese cucumbers. They are small and sweet. But you can also use any regular cucumbers such as English cucumbers.
Find the full list of ingredients in the recipe card below 👇
How to make it
SMASH THE CUCUMBERS: place whole cucumber on a large cutting board and using a rolling pin, carefully smash cucumbers in 2-3 places, starting at the top of the cucumbers, and once they are smashed cut them into bite-sized pieces. Place cucumbers in a large bowl, sprinkle with a generous pinch of salt, mix and set aside.
MAKE THE SMASHED CUCUMBERS DRESSING: In a small bowl combine all ingredients and set aside.
ASSEMBLE: Drain the smashed cukes if you have any excess moisture. Add the dressing and mix well to combine. Arrange the cucumber pieces on a serving plate. Toss in green onions, mint, and cilantro leaves (coriander in Australia) along with sliced spring onions. Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and dried chili flakes. Drizzle with chili oil (optional) and serve.
TOP TIP 🔪 : If you don’t have a rolling pin, you can use a blade of a large knife to crush cucumbers. Just be careful not to cut yourself.
How to serve
This delicious salad makes a perfect side dish on a hot summer day. Serve it with grilled chicken, and try our delicious Asian chicken marinade. Or serve it with freshly cooked basmati or jasmine rice with honey ginger glazed chicken, it makes a great family dinner.
How to store
If you have some leftover salad, simply refrigerate it in an airtight container. The cucumber might get a little soggy the next day but it will taste delicious nonetheless.
❄️ This cucumber salad can not be frozen.
If you liked this quick pickle, make sure to try our other delicious Asian side dishes such as Gomae-Japanese spinach salad, Thai cucumber relish, and Asian crunchy salad.
Have you tried this recipe? If so, I'd greatly appreciate it if you could leave a star rating and share your thoughts in a comment. Your feedback means a lot to me, and it can also help others who are interested in trying it out. Thank you! 🌟👩🍳
Smashed cucumber salad recipe
Ingredients
- 3 Lebanese cucumber or a large English cucumber
- 1/4 cup cilantro leaves (coriander leaves in Australia)
- 1/4 cup mint leaves
- 2 spring onions finely sliced
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon dry chili flakes leave it out if making the salad for little kids.
Dressing
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce use tamari for gluten-free version
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon grated gignger
- 1/2 teaspoon sesame seed oil
- 1/2 teaspoon raw sugar
Instructions
Prepare the cucumbers
- Wash and dry the cucumbers. Cut off the ends and place the cucumber on a chopping board. Gently smash them, one by one, using the flat side of a meat mallet or a rolling pin. Sprinkle with salt, mix, and set aside.
Make the smashed cucumber dressing
- In a small mixing bowl combine the dressing ingredinets and set aside
Assemble
- If cucumbers have released too much moister, drain them.
- Arrange the cucumbers on a large serving plate, and toss in cilantro and mint leaves, along with sliced spring onions. Add the prepared dressing and mix well to combine.
- Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and dry chili flakes. Serve.
