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–+ servings
a smashed cucumber salad in a serving bowl
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5 from 4 votes

Easy Chinese Smashed Cucumber Salad

This light and refreshing Chinese Smashed Cucumber Salad is made with crisp cucumber, a simple marinade, and optional chili oil for spice! It’s a delicious and hydrating dish full of incredible flavor! 
Prep Time5 minutes
Cucumber Sweating Time20 minutes
Total Time25 minutes
Servings: 2 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 lb Persian cucumbers or Japanese cucumbers or English cucumbers
  • 1/2 tsp sea salt
  • 1½ tbsp soy sauce or tamari sauce or coconut aminos, for gluten free
  • 1½ tbsp rice vinegar
  • 2 tsp sugar
  • 2 tsp sesame oil
  • 2 garlic cloves minced
  • OPTIONAL: 1 tsp chili oil or more to taste
  • Sesame seeds and/or chopped cilantro for garnish

Instructions

  • Rinse the cucumbers and dry thoroughly with a towel. Slice the ends off of the cucumbers, then using the flat side of a knife (you can also use a kitchen mallet or a rolling pin), smash the cucumbers with the palm of your hand along the entire length. Cut the smashed cucumbers diagonally into bite-sized pieces.
  • Place the cucumbers in a bowl and sprinkle with sea salt. Toss to combine and let this rest for 20 minutes to sweat.
  • In the meantime, make the dressing by combining soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, sesame oil, and garlic. Stir together.
  • Drain the cucumbers. Do not rinse.
  • Pour the dressing over the cucumbers and stir to combine. Drizzle with chili oil, if using, and sprinkle with sesame seeds and cilantro. Taste to adjust seasoning.
  • You can serve right away or let the cucumbers marinate for 5-10 minutes to soak up the flavors.

Video

Notes

Expert Tips

  • I personally love using Persian cucumbers because they have a thinner skin and are seedless and you don't need to remove them for this salad. Japanese cucumbers and English cucumbers are seedless as well and work well.
  • Chili oil is completely optional and this dish is delicious without it. But if you like a little bit of heat to your salad, I highly recommend it.

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Give it a good stir before serving. 

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving - makes 2 | Calories: 117kcal | Carbohydrates: 14g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Sodium: 1341mg | Potassium: 374mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 238IU | Vitamin C: 7mg | Calcium: 46mg | Iron: 1mg