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–+ servings
Chinese Smashed Cucumber Salad

Zesty Chinese Smashed Cucumber Salad for Refreshing Crunch

A refreshing Chinese Smashed Cucumber Salad that’s light, easy to make, and perfect for warm days.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Resting Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: SALADS
Cuisine: Chinese
Calories: 80
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 2 large Cucumbers or zucchini for a twist
  • 1 teaspoon Kosher Salt avoid table salt
  • 1/4 cup Fresh Cilantro chopped; replace with parsley if desired
For the Dressing
  • 3 tablespoons Rice Vinegar can substitute with apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon Sugar or a sugar substitute for low-calorie
  • 2 tablespoons Sesame Oil or olive oil for a lighter version
  • 1 tablespoon Soy Sauce use tamari for gluten-free
  • 1 clove Garlic minced; opt for fresh
  • 1/2 teaspoon Chili Flakes adjust for heat preference
  • to taste Freshly Ground Black Pepper use as desired
For Garnishing
  • 1 tablespoon Sesame Seeds sunflower seeds can be used as an alternative

Equipment

  • knife
  • cutting board
  • mixing bowl
  • Paper Towel

Method
 

How to Make Chinese Smashed Cucumber Salad
  1. Begin by cutting the cucumbers into thick slices. Use the flat side of a knife or your hand to gently smash them until they crack but remain intact.
  2. Sprinkle the smashed cucumbers with kosher salt and let them rest for 10-15 minutes. Afterward, pat them dry with a paper towel.
  3. In a bowl, whisk together the rice vinegar, sugar, sesame oil, soy sauce, minced garlic, and chili flakes until the sugar is fully dissolved.
  4. Gently toss the smashed cucumbers in the dressing, ensuring they are well-coated.
  5. Finish by garnishing your salad with sesame seeds and chopped cilantro. Season with freshly ground black pepper to taste before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 80kcalCarbohydrates: 10gProtein: 2gFat: 4gSaturated Fat: 0.5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gSodium: 500mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 30mgIron: 0.5mg

Notes

For an extra crunch, add a sprinkle of crushed peanuts on top!

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