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Easy Asian Smashed Cucumber Salad. No Knife Needed.
There is a reason why cucumber is a common beauty and hygiene product scent.
Cucumbers are super refreshing.
I mean, how often do you see another vegetable flavor in the shampoo aisle?
This Asian cucumber salad recipe is no different from those cucumber scented face masks. It is refreshing.
You don’t even need to use a knife. Just give the cucumber a few good whacks then tear into bite sized pieces with your hands. This will create a smashed cucumber salad.
I love this cucumber salad as a vegan side dish next to rich tofu or meat. We recently had this with a marinated and grilled pork chop and it made a great pairing. The sesame ginger and lime dressing helped cleanse the palate and add a citrusy zing.
Do you want to add a blast of freshness and crunch to your next meal? Then keep reading for this easy Asian cucumber salad recipe!
What Makes This Asian Smashed Cucumber Salad Healthy?
I have a confession… I thought cucumber was a vegetable until I found out differently during my research for this post.
It’s true, cucumber is a fruit. Not a vegetable.
The main reason cucumbers are so refreshing is because they are mostly water – about 96% according to Healthline. They are great for hydration. Have a cucumber after your next long run or workout to aid in water replenishment.
Cucumbers are also high in soluble fiber and other important vitamins and minerals. For maximum health benefit, eat cucumbers with the skin on. The skin is packed with fiber and other healthy vitamins.
How Long Does this Asian Smashed Cucumber Salad Keep?
This cucumber salad will last 4-5 days covered in the refrigerator.
The salad will change taste and texture over time because of the acid content in the dressing. It will marinate and even pickle a bit. The cucumbers will become less crunchy over time.
I like to eat this salad immediately or within a day for maximum flavor of the dressing and crunch of the cucumbers.
How Should I Store This Smashed Cucumber Salad for Meal Prep?
This salad should be stored, covered in the refrigerator. I love these OXO glass containers for storing completed dishes like this cucumber salad. You can store, cover, reheat (if needed), and serve all in one container.
What Type of Cucumbers Should I Use?
Not all cucumber varieties are created equal.
You know those waxy ones with thick skin and tons of seeds that you’ll find at every grocery store? Don’t use those.
Choose one of the varieties below. These are all sweeter and easier to eat than the common cucumber mentioned above. You can find at least one of these at most grocery stores.
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Hot House, English, or Seedless – This is the long cucumber that you find shrink wrapped in plastic at the grocery store. They are typically about 12”-14” long with thin skins and small seeds.
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Persian – Small, crisp cucumbers that are about 5 or 6 inches long. You’ll typically find these in a package of 5 or 6 at the grocery store. These have thin skins and a minimal amount of seeds.
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Kirby (sometimes called “Pickling”) – Short, crunchy cucumbers with a bumpy skin. These are a common variety used for pickling, but also great for salads because of their crisp bite.
If you want to learn more about these and other cucumber varieties, check out this article from The Spruce Eats that provides more details.
Are There Any Optional Ingredients?
Want to make this a more filling meal or add some spice? Check out these ideas for ingredient additions.
For spice:
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Crushed red pepper – Top this salad with a few shakes of crushed red pepper for an instant speckle of spice.
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Sriracha – Dot the salad with a few lines of this spicy and sweet chili sauce.
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Chili Oil – Add a punch of heat and umami with a spoonful of this chili oil made with fermented black beans.
For a more filling meal:
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Avocado – Cut up a ripe avocado and add it to the cucumber salad. Add an extra tablespoon of dressing and toss..
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Nuts – Top this salad with a handful of peanuts, almonds, walnuts, or another one of your favorite nuts.
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Hard boiled egg – Follow the directions in this potato salad recipe to make two 7-minute hard boiled eggs. Break up the eggs, add an extra tablespoon of dressing and toss.
Want More Salad Recipes? Check These Out.
Sometimes, you just need a healthy salad. A light dish that resets your appetite.
Check these simple salad recipes:
Asian Smashed Cucumber Salad
Ingredients
- 1 English hothouse cucumber or 6 baby cucumbers (about 12 oz.)
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1/4 cup Sesame Ginger Dressing
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds or chopped nuts (optional)
Instructions
- Smash the cucumber with a rolling pin or back of a pan to break open. Use your hands to tear cucumber into irregular pieces about 2” long. Place pieces in a colander or fine mesh strainer. Season with salt and let sit for 10 minutes.
- While the cucumbers macerate, make the sesame ginger dressing if you do not already have it prepped. Add 1/4 cup of the dressing to a medium bowl.
- Add cucumbers and sesame seeds to the bowl with dressing. Toss to coat.
Video
Nutrition
Ready to Smash Some Cucumbers?
You can definitely find a tool around your kitchen to smash the cucumbers. A rolling pin, a pan, or a pot all work great.
Next, you’ll need to get cucumbers.
You can go shopping at your local grocery store or farmer’s market. Or you can try ordering your produce online and getting it delivered to your doorstep. Online produce delivery is growing like crazy. And for good reason. It’s extremely convenient and the items are higher quality than you may find at many grocery stores.
To help you decide which delivery service is best for you, check out this post on the 8 best places to order vegetables online.