Print

Crispy Smashed Cucumber Salad with Chili Crisp and Sesame Dressing

crispy smashed cucumber salad - featured image
Print Recipe

A quick and refreshing cucumber salad featuring smashed cucumbers coated in a spicy chili crisp and nutty sesame dressing, perfect for warm weather and crowd-pleasing occasions.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 large English cucumbers or 3 Kirby cucumbers, washed
  • 2 tablespoons chili crisp sauce
  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 small clove garlic, finely minced (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt or to taste
  • 1 teaspoon granulated sugar or honey
  • 1–2 stalks green onions, thinly sliced

Instructions

  1. Wash cucumbers thoroughly. If using English cucumbers, leave the skin on; peel Kirby cucumbers if skin is thick or waxed. Cut into 2-3 inch sections.
  2. Place a cucumber piece on a cutting board and gently press down with a rolling pin or bottom of a pan until the cucumber cracks and flattens but remains intact. Repeat for all pieces.
  3. Roughly chop the smashed cucumber pieces into bite-sized, irregular chunks.
  4. Sprinkle kosher salt over the cucumbers and toss gently. Let sit for 10 minutes to draw out excess water.
  5. While cucumbers rest, whisk together chili crisp, toasted sesame oil, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, and minced garlic until sugar dissolves.
  6. After resting, gently squeeze excess water from cucumbers if needed, then toss with the dressing until evenly coated.
  7. Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions on top and toss gently.
  8. Serve immediately or chill for 15-20 minutes to let flavors meld. Stir before serving.

Notes

Do not over-smash cucumbers to maintain crunch. Salt and rest cucumbers to prevent sogginess. Adjust chili crisp amount to taste. Use toasted sesame oil for best flavor. Can substitute honey with agave or maple syrup for vegan version. Use tamari for gluten-free option. Toast sesame seeds in a dry pan for enhanced aroma.

Nutrition

Keywords: cucumber salad, smashed cucumber, chili crisp, sesame dressing, quick salad, refreshing salad, vegan salad, gluten-free salad

Find it online: https://morselora.com/crispy-smashed-cucumber-salad-recipe-with-chili-crisp-and-sesame-dressing-easy-and-refreshing/