Quick Smashed Asian Cucumber Salad
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 35kcal
This Quick Smashed Asian Cucumber Salad is fresh, crunchy and ready in just 10 minutes. Smashed cucumbers are tossed with a simple soy, sesame, ginger and chilli dressing, making it an easy side for sticky meats, noodles, rice bowls and Asian-inspired dinners.
Ingredients
- 2 Lebanese (short/Persian) cucumbers
- 2 spring onions (scallions), finely sliced
- ½ tsp freshly grated ginger
- ½ tsp freshly grated garlic
- 1 tbsp rice wine vinegar
- 1 tsp light soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp honey
- 1 tsp sesame seeds
- 1 tbsp chilli oil or chilli oil crisp (or to taste, optional, see note 1)
Instructions
- Smash the cucumbers – Cut the cucumbers lengthways into quarters. Place them cut-side down on a chopping board and firmly press with the flat side of a large knife until cracked and slightly split (see note 2). Chop into small, bite-sized chunks.
- Mix and serve – Add the smashed cucumber to a bowl with the remaining ingredients and toss well to combine
Notes
Note 1 – Chilli oil or chilli oil crisp Either works here. Chilli oil crisp adds a little extra texture, while chilli oil gives you the heat without as much crunch. Brands vary considerably in spice level, so add it to taste. You can also reduce or omit it for a milder, kid-friendly version.
Note 2 – Smashing the cucumbers Preparing the cucumbers this way only takes a few extra seconds and creates rough edges that hold onto the dressing.
Make Ahead
This is a great salad to prep ahead for entertaining, but I recommend keeping the cucumbers and dressing separate until you’re ready to serve. Smash and chop the cucumbers and refrigerate them in an airtight container for up to 24 hours prior. Mix the remaining ingredients together and store separately in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Just before serving, pour the dressing over the cucumbers, toss well and serve.Leftovers
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within 24 hours. The cucumbers will soften and release some liquid as they sit, but they’ll still be delicious. Give everything a good toss before serving. This salad is best enjoyed cold and is not suitable for freezing.Nutrition Facts
Quick Smashed Asian Cucumber Salad
Amount per Serving
Calories
35
% Daily Value*
Fat
2
g
3
%
Polyunsaturated Fat
1
g
Monounsaturated Fat
1
g
Sodium
92
mg
4
%
Potassium
138
mg
4
%
Carbohydrates
4
g
1
%
Fiber
1
g
4
%
Sugar
4
g
4
%
Protein
1
g
2
%
Calcium
42
mg
4
%
Iron
1
mg
6
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
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