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Smashed cucumber salad with garlic and savory dressing in a white bowl

Smashed Cucumber Salad with Garlic and Savory Dressing

A quick, practical smashed cucumber salad with garlic and savory dressing that's ready in minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Resting Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients
  

  • 2 English cucumbers or 4 Persian cucumbers
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • ½ teaspoon sugar
  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro
  • Optional: ¼ teaspoon chili flakes

Method
 

  1. Place cucumbers on a cutting board and smash with a rolling pin or heavy pan until they crack open.
  2. Cut smashed cucumbers into bite-sized pieces and place in a colander.
  3. Sprinkle salt over cucumbers and toss to coat. Let drain for 10 minutes.
  4. While cucumbers drain, combine minced garlic, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and sugar in a large bowl.
  5. Pat cucumbers dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
  6. Add cucumbers to the dressing bowl and toss until evenly coated.
  7. Let salad sit for 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
  8. Transfer to serving dish and top with toasted sesame seeds and chopped cilantro.