Smashed Cucumber Salad

Name: Smashed Cucumber Salad
Prep time: 20 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 1 lb Persian cucumbers or Japanese cucumbers or English cucumbers; 1/2 tsp sea salt; 1½ tbsp soy sauce or tamari sauce or coconut aminos, for gluten free; 1½ tbsp rice vinegar; 2 tsp sugar; 2 tsp sesame oil; 2 garlic cloves minced; OPTIONAL: 1 tsp chili oil or more to taste; Sesame seeds and/or chopped cilantro for garnish

By Adeline

Published on July 19, 2025

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This smashed cucumber salad is a real kitchen game-changer. It’s light, super refreshing, and bursts with bright, savory flavors. The unique “smashing” technique makes the cucumbers soak up all that wonderful dressing.

I honestly make this salad all the time, especially when my garden is overflowing. It’s a fantastic side dish for almost any meal. Plus, everyone always asks for seconds!

Why I Love This Recipe

Oh, where do I even begin? This smashed cucumber salad holds a special place in my heart. It’s so incredibly quick for busy weeknights. Plus, it’s a total crowd-pleaser when friends come over. The vibrant flavors always impress. It genuinely feels like comfort in a bowl, but light and fresh! It’s just so versatile, going with almost anything.

Smashed Cucumber Salad Ingredients

The magic of this smashed cucumber salad really comes from its simple, fresh ingredients. Each one plays a part, creating a symphony of taste and texture. You’ll love how these pantry staples transform into something truly special!

Cucumbers: These are our star! Their cool crunch is simply unmatched.
Sea Salt: Helps draw out moisture; it makes the cucumbers extra crisp.
Soy Sauce: Adds that fantastic umami depth. It’s truly essential here.
Rice Vinegar: Provides a perfect tang, balancing the richness.
Sugar: Just a touch sweetens things up for balance.
Sesame Oil: Brings a lovely nutty aroma and flavor.
Garlic: Minced garlic offers a pungent, fresh kick.
Chili Oil (Optional): For a little spicy warmth, if you like it.
Sesame Seeds/Cilantro: These are for a pretty garnish and extra flavor.

Substitutions and Tips

I always say, recipes are just guidelines, my dears! Don’t be afraid to make them your own. If you don’t have Persian cucumbers, no worries! English or Japanese cucumbers work beautifully too. For a gluten-free twist, use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce. If you’re out of fresh garlic, a pinch of garlic powder will do the trick. And don’t forget, the chili oil is totally optional. It’s your kitchen, your rules! Exact quantities for this easy smashed cucumber salad are in the recipe card.

How to Make Smashed Cucumber Salad

Making this easy smashed cucumber salad is such a breeze. You’ll be amazed! Just follow these simple steps. Soon you’ll have a wonderfully refreshing side dish. It truly comes together so quickly.

Prepare the Cucumbers

First, rinse your cucumbers very well. Then, pat them completely dry with a towel. This really helps with the “smashing” part. Next, carefully slice off both ends of each cucumber. Now for the fun part: smashing! Using the flat side of a large knife, gently but firmly press down on each cucumber. You can use your palm or a rolling pin. Work your way along the entire length. This creates those lovely rough edges. They are perfect for soaking up flavor. Finally, cut the smashed cucumbers diagonally. Make them into bite-sized pieces. These irregular shapes are fantastic.

Salt and Sweat

Place all your prepared cucumbers into a large bowl. Sprinkle them evenly with sea salt. Toss everything together really well. Let them sit there for about 20 minutes. This step is super important. It’s called “sweating” the cucumbers. The salt draws out excess water. This makes them wonderfully crisp. This waiting time is perfect. You can get the dressing ready!

Whisk the Dressing

While your cucumbers are sweating, grab a small separate bowl. Pour in the soy sauce. Add the rice vinegar and sugar next. Drizzle in the sesame oil. Toss in the minced garlic. Now, whisk all these ingredients together. Whisk until the sugar completely dissolves. This creates a balanced, savory dressing. It’s truly the heart of this dish. You will just love its aroma.

Combine and Serve

Once the 20 minutes are up, drain your cucumbers. Don’t rinse them; just pour out the liquid. This little bit of saltiness is good. It adds to the overall flavor. Pour the delicious dressing right over the drained cucumbers. Stir everything gently to combine. Make sure every piece is coated. If you like heat, drizzle in some chili oil. Add as much as you like! Garnish with sesame seeds. A sprinkle of fresh cilantro is lovely too. Taste it and adjust. You might want more salt or a little more vinegar. You can serve it right away. Letting it marinate for 5-10 minutes is even better. The flavors really meld. Enjoy your amazing smashed cucumber salad!

How to Store Smashed Cucumber Salad

I always get asked about leftovers! If you happen to have any of this delightful smashed cucumber salad, don’t fret. Simply transfer it to an airtight container. Pop it right into your refrigerator. It will stay fresh and tasty there for about 3-4 days. Just give it a good stir before serving again. The flavors actually deepen over time!

Tips for Success

Choose firm, fresh cucumbers; they smash best.
Don’t skip the salting step; it prevents a watery salad.
Adjust the dressing to your taste; more sugar, less vinegar, etc.
Use good quality soy sauce for best flavor.
Freshly minced garlic makes a big difference.
Serve immediately for ultimate crispness.
Chili oil is optional but adds a great kick.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

Cutting Board: Essential for safe slicing.
Chef’s Knife: For smashing and cutting cucumbers. A rolling pin works too!
Large Bowl: To sweat and mix your cucumbers.
Small Bowl: Perfect for whisking the dressing ingredients.
Whisk or Fork: For blending your delicious dressing smoothly.
Measuring Spoons/Cups: For accurate ingredient amounts.
Colander or Sieve: To drain excess water from cucumbers.

Serving Suggestions

This salad is perfect with grilled chicken or fish.
Serve alongside rice as a refreshing side.
It pairs wonderfully with Asian-inspired dishes.
Try it with crispy tofu for a vegetarian meal.
It makes a great, light lunch all on its own.
Don’t forget a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this Smashed Cucumber Salad ahead of time?

You certainly can, but for the crispiest result, I recommend preparing the cucumbers and dressing separately. Combine them about 10-15 minutes before serving. This ensures the best texture for your smashed cucumber salad.

What are the best cucumbers for Smashed Cucumber Salad?

Persian cucumbers are my top pick, hands down! They have thin skin and very few seeds. Japanese and English cucumbers are also excellent choices. All these varieties give you that perfect crunch.

Can I adjust the spice level in this Smashed Cucumber Salad?

Absolutely! The chili oil is completely optional. Start with a small amount, like half a teaspoon. Then, add more to taste until it’s just right for you. Your smashed cucumber salad should be perfect.

Is this Smashed Cucumber Salad gluten-free?

Yes, it can easily be made gluten-free! Just be sure to use tamari or coconut aminos instead of regular soy sauce. They are fantastic gluten-free alternatives for your delicious smashed cucumber salad.

Conclusion

And there you have it! This easy smashed cucumber salad isn’t just a recipe. It’s an invitation to joy. It brings a pop of freshness to any meal. This simple dish truly tastes vibrant. I hope you love making it as much as I do. It’s truly a testament to simple ingredients. They create something truly special. So go on, give it a try tonight! Your taste buds will certainly thank you. This salad just proves cooking can be easy. And it can be incredibly delicious. What are you waiting for?