Best Easy Smashed Cucumber Salad Recipe

Cucumbers are smashed to create jagged edges that catch a garlicky chili-vinegar dressing. This fresh, vegetarian salad is ultra low calorie and a beloved family appetizer for weight loss and healthy eating.

Cook 15 min Difficulty EASY 45 kcal
#vegetarian #low carb #diabetic friendly #mediterranean
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Ingredients
Main ingredients
  • English cucumbers 2 pieces
  • Garlic cloves 2 cloves
  • Scallions 2 pieces
Seasonings/Sauce
  • Rice vinegar 2 tbsp
  • Soy sauce 1 tbsp
  • Toasted sesame oil 1 tsp
  • Chili oil 1 tsp
  • Salt 0.5 tsp
  • Sugar 0.5 tsp
Nutrition summary
Carbohydrates 7 g 63%
Protein 2 g 18%
Fat 1.5 g 19%
Serving size 100g
Cooking steps
  1. 1

    Cut both ends off the cucumbers, then lay them on a cutting board. Smash each cucumber gently with the side of a chef’s knife or rolling pin until cracked; this creates rough edges for dressing absorption.

  2. 2

    Slice the smashed cucumbers into bite-sized pieces and transfer to a colander. Sprinkle with salt, toss, and let drain for 10 minutes to remove excess moisture.

  3. 3

    While cucumbers drain, finely mince the garlic cloves and thinly slice the scallions. Prepare the dressing by combining rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, chili oil, sugar, and minced garlic in a large mixing bowl.

  4. 4

    Pat the drained cucumber pieces with paper towels to remove surface water, then add them to the bowl with the dressing. Toss well to evenly coat all pieces.

  5. 5

    Garnish with sliced scallions and toss just before serving. Serve the salad chilled for the best crunch and flavor.

Personalized Q&A
Q. What's the key ingredient in this Smashed Cucumber Salad recipe?
The key ingredient is English cucumbers. They provide the crisp, refreshing texture and are specially smashed to create jagged surfaces that help soak up the garlicky chili-vinegar dressing, making this salad unique and flavorful.
Q. How does smashing the cucumbers affect the salad?
Smashing breaks the cucumbers into uneven shapes, increasing surface area for the dressing to cling to. This technique also helps release extra moisture, making each piece crunchier and ensuring the flavors penetrate each bite.
Q. What are tips for keeping the cucumbers crisp and not soggy?
After smashing and chopping, salt the cucumbers and let them drain in a colander for about 10 minutes. Patting them dry with paper towels before tossing with the dressing ensures they stay crisp and don't get watery.
Q. How many calories and carbs are in each serving?
Each 100g serving contains about 45 kcal with 7 grams of carbohydrates, 2 grams of protein, and 1.5 grams of fat. This makes it a low-calorie, low-carb choice, ideal for healthy eating and weight management.
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