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Fresh Smashed Cucumber Salad Recipe with Spicy Sesame Chili Oil

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A quick and easy summer salad featuring smashed cucumbers tossed in a spicy, nutty sesame chili oil dressing. Refreshing, flavorful, and perfect for warm-weather meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 large cucumbers (preferably English or Persian cucumbers, about 14 oz / 400g)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro or scallions (optional)
  • 3 tablespoons toasted sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon chili flakes
  • 1 teaspoon soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon sugar or honey

Instructions

  1. Rinse and dry the cucumbers thoroughly. Cut off the ends, then place one cucumber at a time on a cutting board. Using a rolling pin or the flat side of a large knife, gently smash the cucumber lengthwise until it cracks open but doesn’t fall apart.
  2. Roughly chop the smashed cucumbers into bite-sized pieces (about 1 to 2 inches). Transfer them to a large bowl and sprinkle with 1 teaspoon of salt. Toss well to coat, then set aside for 10 minutes to draw out excess water.
  3. After 10 minutes, drain the liquid released from the cucumbers. Gently press the cucumbers with your hands or a sieve to remove extra moisture, but leave some juiciness.
  4. In a small bowl, combine 3 tablespoons toasted sesame oil, 1 tablespoon chili flakes, 1 teaspoon soy sauce, 1 teaspoon rice vinegar, 1 teaspoon sugar or honey, and the minced garlic. Stir until sugar dissolves and flavors meld. Adjust chili flakes to taste.
  5. Pour the spicy sesame chili oil over the smashed cucumbers. Toss well to coat evenly. Add chopped fresh cilantro or scallions if using, and mix gently.
  6. Refrigerate the salad for at least 15 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.

Notes

For less heat, reduce chili flakes or substitute with mild paprika. Use tamari instead of soy sauce for gluten-free option. Fresh herbs like mint or basil can be added for variation. Serve chilled for best flavor. Leftovers keep up to 2 days refrigerated but cucumbers soften over time.

Nutrition

Keywords: smashed cucumber salad, spicy sesame chili oil, summer salad, easy cucumber salad, vegan salad, gluten-free salad

Find it online: https://gleamgulp.com/fresh-smashed-cucumber-salad-recipe-with-spicy-sesame-chili-oil-easy-and-perfect-for-summer/