For a super fast and super flavorful addition to your favorite Asian meals, look no further than this smashed cucumber salad! A special technique and zippy dressing transform ordinary cucumbers into a crisp, tangy side dish bursting with flavor. I tried it at an Asian fusion restaurant recently and was immediately inspired to create my own version. You may be used to slicing, dicing or even spiralizing cucumbers for salads (cucumber noodle salad, cucumber tomato avocado salad, or creamy cucumber radish salad are some of my favorite ways to do these!). Smashing is another technique you’ll want to add to your cucumber salads, and it takes just minutes to do.
What Is Smashed Cucumber Salad?
This salad uses a common technique in Asian cuisine for preparing cucumbers. Smashing them creates breaks down the fiber in their flesh, allowing more flavors to seep in from the dressing. Japanese, Thai, and Chinese smashed cucumber salad recipes use this prep method for delicious, refreshing results. It’s perfect for pairing with spicy dishes like Hunan beef.
Ingredients & Substitutions
This section explains how to choose the best ingredients for smash cucumber salad, what each one does in the recipe, and substitution options. For measurements, see the recipe card below.
Salad:
Cucumbers – I used English cucumbers for this Asian smashed cucumber salad recipe, but Persian cucumbers work perfectly here as well.Toasted Sesame Seeds – For crunch and flavor.Cilantro – Use fresh cilantro with bright green leaves and no brown spots.
Dressing:
Rice Vinegar – Adds a distinct Asian flavor to the dressing. You can substitute white vinegar or even apple cider vinegar if you like, but the flavor will be different.Olive Oil – Use regular olive oil, extra virgin olive oil, or any neutral oil you like, such as avocado oil.Coconut Aminos – If you tolerate soy, you can use soy sauce instead.Honey – Adds sweetness. I used Wholesome Yum sugar-free honey substitute, but you can also use conventional honey, maple syrup, or agave.Sesame Oil – Get a toasted sesame oil for best flavor.Sriracha – This is a chili sauce you can find at most grocery stores. If you can’t find it, garlic chili sauce or another hot sauce you have on hand can work.Garlic Powder – You can also use a chopped clove of fresh garlic instead.Salt & Pepper – I use sea salt, but kosher salt is also fine to use. For extra heat, add red pepper flakes in addition to the black pepper.
How To Make Smashed Cucumber Salad
This section shows how to make smashed cucumber salad, with step-by-step photos and details about the technique, to help you visualize it. For full instructions, including amounts and temperatures, see the recipe card below.
Storage Instructions
Keep covered in the fridge for up to 2 days. Salad will render excess liquid over time, so drain if desired before serving. Over-smashing will turn the cucumber into mush, so just apply pressure to make it break down a bit.
What To Serve With Smashed Cucumber Salad
The rich flavor of this salad pairs well with simple sides like noodles, spooned onto a rice bowl with grilled meats and veggies, or paired with just about any Asian main dish! Try it with these recipes:
More Healthy Asian Side Dish Recipes
It’s easy to make fresh, flavorful sides for Asian meals. Try some of these favorites! Share your recipe picture by tagging @wholesomeyum and hashtag it #wholesomeyum on Instagram, or in our Facebook support group, too – I’d love to see it!
