Fresh Smashed Cucumber Salad Recipe with Easy Garlic Soy Dressing
A quick and refreshing smashed cucumber salad with a punchy garlic soy dressing, perfect for warm weather and easy to prepare in under 15 minutes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Cuisine: Japanese
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 medium English cucumbers, washed
- 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds, for garnish
Instructions
- Rinse 3 medium English cucumbers and trim off the ends. Place one cucumber on your cutting board. Using the side of a chef’s knife, gently but firmly smash it until it cracks and splits. Repeat with the other two cucumbers.
- Break or chop the smashed cucumbers into bite-sized chunks, approximately 1½-inch pieces. Place them in a medium mixing bowl.
- Let the smashed cucumbers sit in a colander for 5 minutes or gently press with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- In a small bowl or jar, combine 3 minced garlic cloves, 3 tablespoons soy sauce, 2 tablespoons rice vinegar, 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil, 1 teaspoon sugar, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes if using. Whisk or shake until the sugar dissolves completely.
- Pour the dressing over the drained cucumber pieces. Toss gently but thoroughly to coat every piece.
- Allow the salad to sit for 10-15 minutes at room temperature or chill for up to an hour to let the flavors meld.
- Just before serving, sprinkle 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds over the top.
Notes
Use firm, bright green cucumbers without soft spots for best crunch. For gluten-free, substitute soy sauce with tamari. To reduce garlic sharpness, soak minced garlic in vinegar for 5 minutes before mixing. Toast sesame seeds in a dry pan if not pre-toasted. Letting the salad rest enhances flavor; it tastes better the next day. Add fresh herbs, chili, or protein like shrimp or edamame for variations.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approxima
- Calories: 60
- Sugar: 2
- Sodium: 700
- Fat: 3.5
- Saturated Fat: 0.5
- Carbohydrates: 8
- Fiber: 1.5
- Protein: 1
Keywords: smashed cucumber salad, garlic soy dressing, quick cucumber salad, easy cucumber recipe, summer salad, gluten-free cucumber salad, vegan cucumber salad