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Quick No-Cook Cucumber Smashed Salad Recipe with Spicy Sesame Chili Oil

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A fresh, crunchy, and spicy no-cook cucumber smashed salad featuring a nutty sesame chili oil dressing, perfect for quick healthy meals and summer gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 large English cucumbers or 3 medium Kirby cucumbers, washed and ends trimmed
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil
  • 1 to 2 tablespoons chili oil (adjust to heat preference)
  • 1 tablespoon low sodium soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • Salt to taste
  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds (for garnish)
  • Fresh cilantro or scallions, chopped (optional)

Instructions

  1. Wash cucumbers and trim off the ends.
  2. Lay one cucumber on the cutting board and use the flat side of a chef’s knife to firmly but gently smash it until cracked but not flattened. Repeat for all cucumbers.
  3. Chop smashed cucumbers into bite-sized pieces, about 1 to 1.5 inches wide.
  4. In a small bowl, whisk together minced garlic, toasted sesame oil, chili oil (start with 1 tablespoon), soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, and a pinch of salt until sugar dissolves and mixture is glossy.
  5. Place cucumber chunks in a large mixing bowl, pour dressing over, and toss gently but thoroughly to coat.
  6. Let the salad rest for 10 minutes at room temperature to meld flavors and soften cucumbers slightly.
  7. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds and chopped cilantro or scallions if using, then toss gently before serving.

Notes

Use the flat side of the knife to smash cucumbers to avoid cutting them into mush. Adjust chili oil amount to taste, starting small. Let salad rest 10 minutes for best flavor. Can substitute tamari for soy sauce for gluten-free option. Store leftovers in airtight container in fridge up to 1 day; re-toss before serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: cucumber salad, no-cook salad, smashed cucumber, spicy sesame chili oil, healthy salad, quick salad, summer salad, vegan salad, gluten-free salad

Find it online: https://daintydine.com/quick-no-cook-cucumber-smashed-salad-recipe-with-spicy-sesame-chili-oil-for-easy-healthy-meals/