Description

A quick and easy smashed cucumber salad featuring a spicy, garlicky chili crisp dressing that delivers bold flavor and satisfying crunch. Perfect as a refreshing side or snack.

Ingredients

Scale

2 large English cucumbers or 3 Persian cucumbers (washed, ends trimmed)
3 cloves garlic, finely minced
2 tablespoons chili crisp (e.g., Fly By Jing brand)
1 tablespoon soy sauce (low-sodium preferred)
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
1 teaspoon sugar
Pinch of salt, to taste
2 green onions, thinly sliced (optional)
1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds (for garnish)

Instructions

Wash and trim the ends off cucumbers. Peel if preferred, but skin can be left on for texture and nutrients. Place cucumbers in a large bowl.
Using a rolling pin or meat mallet, gently smash each cucumber until it cracks and splits into uneven chunks about 1 to 2 inches in size, bruising the cucumber but keeping some bite (3 to 5 minutes).
Sprinkle a pinch of salt over the smashed cucumbers, toss gently, and let sit for 10 minutes. Drain off any excess water to avoid sogginess.
In a small bowl, stir together minced garlic, chili crisp, soy sauce, rice vinegar, toasted sesame oil, and sugar until well combined. Let sit a few minutes if garlic aroma is too sharp.
Add the drained cucumbers to the dressing and toss well to coat every chunk (1 to 2 minutes).
Stir in thinly sliced green onions and sprinkle toasted sesame seeds on top.
Optional: Chill the salad in the refrigerator for 15 to 30 minutes before serving to let flavors meld.

Notes

Do not over-smash cucumbers to avoid mushy texture. Drain cucumbers well after salting to prevent watery salad. Adjust chili crisp amount to control heat. Use fresh minced garlic for best flavor. Toasted sesame oil should be added fresh and stored in fridge to maintain aroma.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Side Dish
Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

Serving Size: Approximately 1 cup
Calories: 70
Sugar: 2
Sodium: 300
Fat: 5
Saturated Fat: 0.5
Carbohydrates: 6
Fiber: 1
Protein: 1

Keywords: smashed cucumber salad, chili crisp, garlic salad, quick cucumber salad, easy side dish, vegan salad, gluten-free salad