25-Min Smashed Cucumber Salad Recipe

Smashed Cucumber Salad is a quick, refreshing, and flavorful side that’s perfect for brightening any meal. Instead of slicing, the cucumbers are gently smashed, creating jagged edges and extra surface area that soak up the tangy, garlicky dressing while staying crisp. This simple technique transforms ordinary cucumbers into a crunchy, irresistible salad bursting with flavor in every bite.

Whether it’s a hot summer day or just a regular weekday lunch, you’ll love this salad—fresh, tangy, slightly spicy, and incredibly satisfying. It’s a cooling, vibrant side dish that pairs beautifully with richer or warm dishes, like egg drop soup or stir-fried mains.

Smashed Cucumber Salad Recipe

Serves: 2 to 4
Prep time: 13 minutes
Rest time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 2 minutes

For the salad:
6 mini cucumbers
½ teaspoon sugar, can be replaced with salt
3 tablespoons toasted peanuts
1 tablespoon cilantro

For the dressing:
1 tablespoon roasted sesame seeds
3 cloves garlic, minced
¼ medium shallot, finely diced
1 medium red finger hot pepper
1 tablespoon red chili flakes
3 tablespoons oil
1 tablespoon Chinkiang vinegar
2 tablespoons soy sauce

Smashed Cucumber Salad Instructions

1. Prepare the cucumbers:

• After thoroughly cleaning the cucumbers, cut out the tips. With the flat side of a knife, smash each cucumber. Cut the cucumber into small pieces. Do the same with the rest.
• On a plate, place the cucumbers and season them with sugar.
• Mix together. Rest for 5 minutes while preparing the other ingredients. Discard the liquid.

2. Make the dressing:

• In a bowl, mix together the sesame seeds, garlic, shallot, red finger hot pepper, and red chili flakes.
• In a small pan over high heat, pour the oil inside, and heat it until smoking hot.
• Carefully pour the hot oil over the sesame seeds, garlic, shallot, red finger hot pepper, and red chili flakes. Mix in the Chinkiang vinegar and soy sauce.

3. Serve the cucumber salad:

• Scoop the sauce over the cucumbers. Then add the toasted peanuts and cilantro. Mix well and enjoy!

Tips & notes

• Prep ahead: The dressing can be made up to 1 day ahead—store in an airtight container in the fridge and reheat the oil just before pouring it over the cucumbers to refresh the flavors.
• Why smash cucumbers: Smashing creates jagged edges and extra surface area, allowing the cucumbers to absorb more dressing while releasing just the right amount of liquid for a crunchier, more flavorful salad.
• Sugar trick: A little sugar draws out moisture without softening the cucumbers too much, unlike salt.
• Cooling effect: Cucumbers are naturally cooling, making this salad perfect for hot days.
• Spicy summer tip: A touch of chili helps your body sweat naturally and stay cool, according to traditional Chinese medicine.
• Time-saving shortcut: While the cucumbers rest, prep other ingredients to save time.
• Serving tip: Serve immediately after tossing with the dressing for maximum crunch, or pair with warm dishes like egg drop soup or stir-fries for a balanced meal.