Smashed Cucumber Salad, Five Ways

soy sauce

🥗Healthier: tamari

💰Cheaper: liquid aminos

Tamari is gluten-free, while liquid aminos is often less expensive.

sesame oil

🥗Healthier: olive oil

💰Cheaper: canola oil

Olive oil offers a healthier fat profile.

rice vinegar

🥗Healthier: apple cider vinegar

💰Cheaper: white vinegar

Apple cider vinegar adds a fruity note.

chili oil

🥗Healthier: sriracha

💰Cheaper: red pepper flakes

Sriracha provides flavor without the oil.

Chop off the ends of the cucumber.

Use a rolling pin to smash the cucumber until it splits open.

Trim the smashed cucumber into long strips and cut into bite-sized pieces.

Transfer to a bowl and toss with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon sugar.

Let sit for at least 15 minutes to dry out excess liquid.

Drain off all the liquid before dressing the cucumbers.

For the classic sauce, mix 1 tablespoon vinegar, 1 teaspoon soy sauce, 1 teaspoon sesame oil, 2 teaspoons chili oil, 1/4 teaspoon sugar, and 2-3 cloves of garlic.

Pour the sauce over the cucumbers and toss to combine.

For the scallion oil, add 2 chopped scallions, 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds, 1 clove garlic, and 3 Thai chilies to a heatproof bowl.

Heat 2 tablespoons neutral oil in a pan until smoking and pour over the scallion mixture.

Add 1 tablespoon oyster sauce, 2 teaspoons sesame oil, 1 teaspoon vinegar, and 1 teaspoon soy sauce to the bowl and mix well.

Toss with the cucumbers and finish with more chopped scallion.

For the nutty dressing, mix 2 tablespoons peanut butter, 2 teaspoons sesame oil, 1 1/2 teaspoons sugar, 2 cloves garlic, and 2 tablespoons chili oil in a bowl.

Add 1 tablespoon soy sauce and 1 tablespoon vinegar, and mix until smooth.

Chop 1/3 cup roasted peanuts and a small handful of cilantro, then mix into the salad and garnish with the rest.

For the raita-inspired salad, toast 1/4 teaspoon cumin and 1/4 teaspoon coriander seeds in a dry pan, then grind them.

Mix with 3 tablespoons yogurt, 1 tablespoon lime juice, 1 tablespoon chopped mint, 1 finely chopped jalapeno, and 1/4 teaspoon salt.

Toss with the cucumbers and add 2-3 tablespoons chopped red onion.

For the Mediterranean salad, whisk together the zest of 1/2 lemon, 1 clove garlic, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, 4 tablespoons olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon oregano, black pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon salt.

Toss with the cucumbers, add a handful of cherry tomatoes and chopped red onion, then finish with chopped mint and dill.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary

Allergens