Smashed Cucumber Salad Recipe
The smashed cucumber salad recipe is a delightful addition to your summer side dish repertoire. By smashing the cucumbers rather than slicing them, an intriguing mixture of flavors is unlocked, turning the humble cucumber into a taste sensation. This simple yet mouthwatering salad, created by smashing cucumbers, is a refreshing dish you’ll want to prepare again and again. Whether for a light lunch or a refreshing side dish, cucumbers offer health benefits such as hydration and low calorie content, making them a perfect fit for a wellness-focused diet.
Yield: 6 Servings | Prep: 15 mins | Total: 1 hr 15 mins
Ingredients for the Smashed Cucumber Salad Recipe
– 2 English cucumbers
– 1 teaspoon sugar
– 1½ teaspoons salt, plus more as needed
– 2 cloves garlic, finely crushed
– 2 tablespoons seasoned rice vinegar
– 1 teaspoon soy sauce
– 1 teaspoon sesame oil
– Red pepper flakes to taste
– 2 teaspoons toasted sesame seeds
Instructions for Making the Smashed Cucumber Salad Recipe
1. Begin by washing and patting dry your English cucumbers. Place a cucumber on a sturdy, flat surface, such as a cutting board.
2. Using the side of a chef’s knife or a rolling pin, gently but firmly smash the cucumber. This action should create random cracks and splits but ensure that the cucumber remains mostly intact.
3. Cut the smashed cucumber into bite-sized pieces, approximately one to two inches long.
4. In a large bowl, combine the cucumber pieces with 1½ teaspoons of salt, ensuring each piece is well-coated. Let them sit for about 30 minutes to release excess water.
5. Meanwhile, in a small bowl, mix the crushed garlic, 1 teaspoon sugar, seasoned rice vinegar, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Adjust taste with more salt if necessary.
6. Drizzle the mixture over the cucumbers. Toss everything gently to combine.
7. Add red pepper flakes to taste, ensuring an even distribution throughout the salad for a slight spicy kick.
8. Lastly, garnish the salad with toasted sesame seeds.
9. Refrigerate the assembled salad for an additional 30 minutes if you have extra time for flavors to meld together fully, enhancing the taste even further.
Healthier Cooking Option
For a healthier twist, consider reducing the amount of salt used and opting for low-sodium soy sauce. This will maintain the flavor while ensuring a lower sodium intake, which is beneficial for heart health.
Why You’ll Love the Smashed Cucumber Salad Recipe
Firstly, the smashed cucumber salad recipe is incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect for those rushed summer days. Secondly, its hydrating properties make it a fantastic option for cooling down when temperatures rise. Moreover, its fresh, crunchy texture and umami flavors promise to tantalize your taste buds with every bite. Lastly, the simplicity of ingredients ensures that this salad is budget-friendly and accessible. Try this delightful, refreshing salad today and rediscover what you can do with cucumbers!
