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Fresh Smashed Cucumber Salad with Sesame Ginger Dressing

fresh smashed cucumber salad - featured image
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A quick, refreshing smashed cucumber salad with a tangy, nutty sesame ginger dressing perfect for summer. Crisp cucumbers soak up the flavorful dressing, making it a crowd-pleasing side dish.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 large English cucumbers or about 4 smaller Kirby cucumbers
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt or sea salt
  • 3 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon finely grated fresh ginger
  • 1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce (or tamari/coconut aminos for gluten-free)
  • 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
  • 1 small garlic clove, minced (optional)
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes
  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
  • 2 green onions, thinly sliced

Instructions

  1. Wash cucumbers well, trim ends, and gently smash each cucumber with a rolling pin, mortar and pestle, or flat side of a knife until cracked but not pulverized. Chop smashed cucumbers into 2-inch pieces.
  2. Place chopped cucumbers in a large bowl, sprinkle with 1 teaspoon kosher salt, toss to combine, and let sit for 10 minutes to draw out excess moisture. Drain liquid and pat cucumbers dry with paper towels.
  3. In a small bowl or jar, whisk together rice vinegar, toasted sesame oil, soy sauce, honey, grated ginger, minced garlic (if using), and red pepper flakes until smooth.
  4. Pour dressing over drained cucumbers, add sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds, and toss gently to coat evenly. Adjust seasoning if needed.
  5. Chill salad in the refrigerator for 15-30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld. Serve cold or at room temperature.

Notes

Do not over-smash cucumbers to avoid mushiness; pat dry after salting to keep salad crisp. Toast sesame seeds in a dry pan for 2-3 minutes for extra flavor. For vegan option, use maple syrup instead of honey and tamari instead of soy sauce. Salad tastes best chilled but can be served at room temperature. Store leftovers in airtight container in fridge up to 2 days; drain excess liquid before serving again.

Nutrition

Keywords: smashed cucumber salad, sesame ginger dressing, summer salad, quick salad, easy side dish, gluten-free salad, vegan salad option

Find it online: https://leilameals.com/fresh-smashed-cucumber-salad-recipe-easy-sesame-ginger-dressing-for-summer/