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Fresh Smashed Cucumber Salad Recipe Easy 5-Minute Sesame Chili Oil Dressing

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A quick and easy smashed cucumber salad with a spicy, nutty sesame chili oil dressing and fresh scallions, perfect for a refreshing side or light snack.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 medium English cucumbers (about 1 pound / 450g), washed and ends trimmed
  • 3 scallions (green onions), thinly sliced, white and green parts separated
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon chili oil with chili flakes (adjust to taste)
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon sugar or honey
  • 1 teaspoon soy sauce or tamari
  • 1 small garlic clove, minced (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds (optional garnish)
  • Fresh cilantro leaves (optional garnish)

Instructions

  1. Wash the cucumbers thoroughly and trim off both ends.
  2. Place one cucumber on the cutting board and use a rolling pin, meat mallet, or the bottom of a heavy pan to gently smash the cucumber until it cracks and splits lengthwise into uneven chunks but not mushy. Repeat with all cucumbers.
  3. Roughly chop the smashed cucumber pieces into bite-sized chunks, about 1 to 2 inches (2.5 to 5 cm). Place them in a large mixing bowl.
  4. Sprinkle the kosher salt over the cucumber chunks and toss gently to coat. Let sit for 10 minutes to draw out excess water, then carefully drain any liquid from the bowl.
  5. In a small bowl or jar, combine toasted sesame oil, chili oil, rice vinegar, sugar (or honey), soy sauce, and minced garlic if using. Whisk or shake vigorously until sugar dissolves and ingredients are well blended.
  6. Pour the dressing over the drained cucumbers and add the sliced white parts of the scallions. Toss gently but thoroughly to coat the cucumbers evenly. Adjust seasonings if needed.
  7. Sprinkle the green parts of the scallions, toasted sesame seeds, and fresh cilantro leaves on top before serving.
  8. Serve immediately for maximum crunch or refrigerate for up to 1 hour for flavors to meld.

Notes

Do not pulverize cucumbers when smashing; uneven chunks add texture. Salt and drain cucumbers to keep salad crisp and prevent sogginess. Adjust chili oil to taste for desired heat level. Salad is best eaten fresh for crunch but can be chilled up to 1 hour. Garlic in dressing is optional. For gluten-free, use tamari instead of soy sauce. For vegan, substitute honey with maple syrup or omit.

Nutrition

Keywords: smashed cucumber salad, sesame chili oil, easy cucumber salad, quick salad recipe, healthy side dish, vegan salad, gluten-free salad

Find it online: https://daintydine.com/fresh-smashed-cucumber-salad-recipe-easy-5-minute-sesame-chili-oil-dressing/