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To make a delicious smashed cucumber salad, gather the following ingredients: - 4 medium cucumbers - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon sesame oil - 2 tablespoons rice vinegar - 1 tablespoon soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free) - 1 tablespoon honey or agave syrup - 1 teaspoon chili flakes (adjust to taste) - 2 green onions, chopped - 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds - Salt to taste Each ingredient plays a big role. The cucumbers give a fresh crunch. Garlic adds a nice punch of flavor. Sesame oil brings a lovely nutty taste. Rice vinegar adds brightness, while soy sauce gives depth. Honey or agave syrup balances the flavors. Chili flakes bring a hint of heat. Green onions add color and a mild onion taste. Toasted sesame seeds provide a delightful crunch. Finally, salt enhances all the flavors. When you use these ingredients together, you create a salad that is both fresh and flavorful. For the full recipe, you can check the Crunchy Smashed Cucumber Salad. Enjoy making this easy dish! 1. Clean and smash the cucumbers: Start by washing the cucumbers. Cut off both ends. Use the flat side of a knife or a rolling pin to smash each cucumber. You want them cracked but still chunky. This helps the flavors mix later. 2. Drain salted cucumbers: Place the smashed cucumbers in a colander. Sprinkle them with salt. Let them drain for about 10-15 minutes. This step helps remove extra water, making the salad crispier. 3. Prepare the dressing: In a large mixing bowl, add minced garlic, sesame oil, rice vinegar, soy sauce, honey, and chili flakes. Whisk all the ingredients together until they blend well. This dressing adds a burst of flavor to the salad. 1. Mix cucumbers with the dressing: Once the cucumbers have drained, rinse them under cold water. Pat them dry with a paper towel. Then, add the cucumbers to the bowl with the dressing. Toss gently to coat every piece. 2. Stir in green onions and sesame seeds: Next, add chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds to the bowl. Mix everything well. This adds crunch and freshness to the dish. 3. Allow flavors to meld: Let the salad sit for at least 10 minutes before serving. This time allows the flavors to blend, making each bite delicious. Enjoy your crunchy smashed cucumber salad as a fresh and flavorful delight! For the full recipe, check the Crunchy Smashed Cucumber Salad section. To smash cucumbers effectively, start with clean cucumbers. Cut off the ends, then lay one cucumber on a cutting board. Use the flat side of a knife or a rolling pin to press down firmly. The goal is to crack the cucumber without turning it to mush. You want it to be chunky for the best texture. Salting the cucumbers is crucial. It helps to draw out excess water. After smashing, place the cucumbers in a colander and sprinkle salt over them. Let them drain for about 10 to 15 minutes. This step keeps your salad from being soggy and enhances the crunch you want. Adjusting spice levels is simple. If you like heat, add more chili flakes. Start with one teaspoon, then taste. You can always add more, but you can’t take it out once it's in. This lets you find the perfect balance for your palate. Adding herbs for freshness can elevate your salad. Fresh cilantro or mint adds a bright note. Chop them finely and mix them in just before serving. This little step boosts the flavor and makes your salad even more delightful. For the full recipe, check out Crunchy Smashed Cucumber Salad. {{image_2}} To make this smashed cucumber salad even more exciting, you can swap out some ingredients. If you need a gluten-free option, use tamari instead of soy sauce. Tamari gives a rich flavor without gluten. You can also switch up the vinegar. Try apple cider vinegar for a fruity punch. Or use white wine vinegar for a lighter taste. As for oils, you could replace sesame oil with olive oil. Olive oil adds a lovely, smooth touch. Want to turn this salad into a meal? Adding protein is easy and fun. You can toss in cubed tofu for a vegetarian option. Tofu absorbs flavors well and makes the salad hearty. If you prefer meat, grilled chicken works great too. Just chop it into bite-sized pieces before adding. Both options make the salad filling and nutritious. Enjoy exploring these variations to suit your taste! To store leftover smashed cucumber salad, place it in an airtight container. This helps keep the salad fresh and tasty. You can also cover the bowl with plastic wrap, but the container works best. Before sealing, remove as much air as possible. This keeps the salad from getting soggy. In the refrigerator, this salad stays good for about 3 days. Check for any signs it has gone bad. If the cucumbers look mushy or the dressing smells off, it's best to toss it. A good rule is to trust your senses. If it looks or smells strange, don't eat it. Can I make this salad ahead of time? Yes, you can make this salad ahead of time. It tastes even better after resting. Just let it chill in the fridge for a few hours. The flavors will blend nicely. What other dishes pair well with smashed cucumber salad? Smashed cucumber salad goes well with many dishes. Try it with grilled chicken, fish, or tofu. It also pairs nicely with rice or noodles. This salad adds a fresh touch to any meal. Is smashed cucumber salad healthy? Yes, smashed cucumber salad is healthy. Cucumbers are low in calories and high in water. The salad also includes garlic and sesame oil, which offer health benefits. It's a great way to add veggies to your diet. What to do if cucumbers are too watery? If your cucumbers are too watery, you can drain them longer. Use a colander and let them sit for 15-20 minutes. Pat them dry with a paper towel before mixing with the dressing. How to adjust flavor if too salty? If your salad is too salty, add more cucumbers. You can also add a bit of honey or sugar to balance the salt. Mixing in extra dressing can help too. For the complete recipe, check out the Crunchy Smashed Cucumber Salad recipe. This blog post shared a simple and tasty recipe for crunchy smashed cucumber salad. We explored each ingredient and step, ensuring you can make it with ease. I provided tips to enhance flavors and store leftovers properly. Smashed cucumber salad can be healthy and pairs well with many dishes. With a few tweaks, you can make it your own. Enjoy trying this refreshing salad at your next meal!

Smashed Cucumber Salad

Freshen up your meal with this Crunchy Smashed Cucumber Salad that's bursting with flavor! This quick and easy recipe features crisp cucumbers tossed in a savory dressing with garlic, sesame oil, and a hint of heat. Perfect as a side dish or a light snack, it's a delightful way to enjoy summer vegetables. Click through for the full recipe and get ready to impress your taste buds!
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Ingredients
  

4 medium cucumbers

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon sesame oil

2 tablespoons rice vinegar

1 tablespoon soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)

1 tablespoon honey or agave syrup

1 teaspoon chili flakes (adjust to taste)

2 green onions, chopped

2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds

Salt to taste

Instructions
 

Start by cleaning the cucumbers. Cut off the ends and then smash each cucumber with the flat side of a knife or a rolling pin until they are cracked but still chunky.

    Place the smashed cucumbers in a colander and sprinkle with salt. Allow them to drain for about 10-15 minutes to remove excess water.

      In a large mixing bowl, combine the minced garlic, sesame oil, rice vinegar, soy sauce, honey, and chili flakes. Whisk until well combined.

        Once the cucumbers have drained, rinse them under cold water to remove excess salt and pat them dry with a paper towel.

          Add the cucumbers to the bowl with the dressing and toss gently to coat.

            Stir in the chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds, mixing until evenly distributed.

              Let the salad sit for at least 10 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.

                Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4

                  - Presentation Tips: Serve the salad in a shallow bowl, garnished with additional sesame seeds and a few sprigs of fresh herbs like cilantro or mint for a vibrant touch.