This smashed cucumber salad is a refreshing and crunchy dish that's perfect for a light lunch or a side at dinner. The combination of crisp cucumbers with a tangy, savory dressing makes it a delightful addition to any meal. It's quick to prepare and packed with flavor, making it a go-to recipe for busy days.
If you don't have rice vinegar or sesame oil in your pantry, you might need to make a trip to the supermarket. These ingredients are essential for achieving the authentic flavor of this salad. Rice vinegar adds a mild tanginess, while sesame oil brings a rich, nutty aroma that complements the freshness of the cucumbers.

Ingredients For Smashed Cucumber Salad Recipe
Cucumbers: Fresh and crisp, these form the base of the salad.
Soy sauce: Adds a salty, umami flavor to the dressing.
Rice vinegar: Provides a mild tanginess that balances the flavors.
Sesame oil: Brings a rich, nutty aroma to the dish.
Garlic: Adds a pungent, savory note to the dressing.
Sugar: Balances the acidity and saltiness with a touch of sweetness.
Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the salad.
Sesame seeds: Toasted for a crunchy texture and nutty flavor.
Technique Tip for This Recipe
To achieve the perfect texture for your cucumbers, use the side of a large knife or a rolling pin to gently smash them. This technique not only creates a more interesting texture but also allows the dressing to penetrate better, enhancing the overall flavor of the salad.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
cucumbers - Substitute with zucchini: Zucchini has a similar texture and mild flavor, making it a good alternative for a refreshing salad.
soy sauce - Substitute with tamari: Tamari is a gluten-free alternative that provides a similar umami flavor.
rice vinegar - Substitute with apple cider vinegar: Apple cider vinegar has a similar acidity and can add a slightly fruity note to the salad.
sesame oil - Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil can provide a rich, smooth texture, though it lacks the nutty flavor of sesame oil.
garlic - Substitute with shallots: Shallots offer a milder, slightly sweet flavor that can complement the other ingredients well.
sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey adds a natural sweetness and a bit of complexity to the dressing.
salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add both saltiness and umami, enhancing the overall flavor.
toasted sesame seeds - Substitute with toasted sunflower seeds: Toasted sunflower seeds provide a similar crunch and nutty flavor.
Other Alternative Recipes Similar to This Salad
How to Store / Freeze This Salad
- To keep your smashed cucumber salad fresh and crisp, store it in an airtight container. This will help maintain its crunch and prevent it from absorbing any unwanted odors from the fridge.
- Place the container in the refrigerator. The salad will stay fresh for up to 2 days. Beyond this, the cucumbers may start to lose their texture and become soggy.
- If you plan to make the salad ahead of time, consider storing the dressing separately. Combine the cucumbers and dressing just before serving to ensure maximum freshness.
- Avoid freezing the smashed cucumber salad. Freezing will alter the texture of the cucumbers, making them mushy and less appealing. This salad is best enjoyed fresh.
- If you have leftover toasted sesame seeds, store them in a small, airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh and crunchy for several weeks, ready to sprinkle on your next batch of salad.
- For an extra burst of flavor, you can prepare additional dressing and store it in a sealed jar in the fridge. It will keep for up to a week and can be used to refresh the salad or as a dressing for other vegetables and salads.
How to Reheat Leftovers
- Smashed cucumber salad is best enjoyed fresh, but if you must reheat it, consider these methods:
- Room Temperature Revival: Take the salad out of the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes. This will help the flavors meld back together without compromising the crispness of the cucumbers.
- Quick Microwave Refresh: Place the cucumber salad in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat on low power for 10-15 seconds. Be cautious not to overheat, as this can make the cucumbers soggy.
- Warm Water Bath: Seal the salad in a plastic bag and submerge it in a bowl of warm water for a few minutes. This gentle method helps to slightly warm the salad without cooking the cucumbers.
- Re-dressing: If the salad has lost its zing, consider making a fresh batch of the dressing (soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and sugar). Toss the salad with the new dressing to revive its flavors.
Best Tools for This Recipe
Knife: Use a sturdy chef's knife to smash and cut the cucumbers into bite-sized pieces.
Cutting board: A large cutting board provides a stable surface for smashing and cutting the cucumbers.
Mixing bowl: A medium-sized mixing bowl is needed to combine the dressing ingredients and toss the cucumbers.
Measuring spoons: Use measuring spoons to accurately measure the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and sugar.
Garlic press: A garlic press helps to easily mince the garlic clove.
Spatula: A spatula or a large spoon is useful for mixing the dressing and tossing the cucumbers.
Serving bowl: A serving bowl is ideal for presenting the finished salad.
Toaster or skillet: Use a toaster or skillet to toast the sesame seeds if they are not pre-toasted.
How to Save Time on This Recipe
Prep ingredients in advance: Smash and cut the cucumbers ahead of time and store them in the fridge to save time when you're ready to assemble the salad.
Use a garlic press: Mince the garlic quickly with a garlic press instead of chopping it by hand.
Pre-mix the dressing: Combine the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and sugar in a jar and shake well. Store it in the fridge until needed.
Toast sesame seeds in bulk: Toast a larger batch of sesame seeds and keep them in an airtight container for future use.

Smashed Cucumber Salad Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 large Cucumbers smashed and cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon Soy Sauce
- 1 tablespoon Rice Vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Sesame Oil
- 1 clove Garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon Sugar
- 1 pinch Salt to taste
- 1 tablespoon Sesame Seeds toasted
Instructions
- Smash the cucumbers with the side of a knife and cut them into bite-sized pieces.
- In a mixing bowl, combine soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and sugar. Stir until the sugar dissolves.
- Add the cucumber pieces to the bowl and toss to coat them in the dressing.
- Season with salt to taste and sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds before serving.
Nutritional Value
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