Crunchy Cucumber Smash Salad Recipe
Crunchy Cucumber Smash Salad Recipe
The Perfect Summer Side Dish for Lack of Appetite: Cucumber Smash Salad
On hot summer days, standing in front of the stove can be exhausting. That’s where ‘Cucumber Smash Salad’ comes in! It’s incredibly easy to make without any cooking, and its sweet and tangy flavor is a guaranteed appetite stimulant, making it the best side dish for summer. The refreshing crunch of the cucumber combined with the perfectly balanced seasoning will help you forget the heat.
Main Ingredients- 3 Cucumbers
Seasoning Ingredients- 1/2 Tbsp Salt
- 1 Tbsp Sugar
- 1 Tbsp Minced Garlic
- 2 Tbsp Vinegar
- 1 Tbsp Sesame Seeds
- 1/2 Tbsp Salt
- 1 Tbsp Sugar
- 1 Tbsp Minced Garlic
- 2 Tbsp Vinegar
- 1 Tbsp Sesame Seeds
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Today’s recipe is super simple! First, prepare the fresh cucumbers you’ll be using. Since this recipe requires no cooking, even beginner cooks can tackle it with confidence!
Step 2
Thoroughly washing the cucumbers is crucial. Use a bit of coarse salt to gently scrub the cucumber skins. This effectively removes any residual pesticides or impurities. Afterward, rinse them clean under running water.
Step 3
Using the back of a knife or a vegetable peeler, gently scrape the surface of the cucumber to remove any tiny thorns or rough spots. Be gentle; scrubbing too hard can damage the cucumber. This step helps to soften the cucumber’s texture.
Step 4
After removing the thorns, trim off about 1cm from both ends of the cucumber. The tips can sometimes have a slightly bitter taste, and removing them will make the overall flavor much cleaner.
Step 5
Place the prepared cucumbers into a zip-top bag. Seal the bag securely, then use a rolling pin or a mallet (the flat side of a knife also works) to gently pound the cucumbers. The key is to tap them lightly, not with excessive force, just enough to create cracks.
Step 6
Be careful not to pound the cucumbers too hard, or they’ll turn mushy. You want them to split lengthwise and retain a nice crisp texture. It’s called ‘Cucumber Smash’ because you’re supposed to hit them with a ‘tang-tang’ sound!
Step 7
Take the cracked cucumbers out of the zip-top bag and cut them into bite-sized pieces. If you prefer less watery seasoned cucumbers, you can scoop out the seeds with a knife before cutting. This will result in a tidier salad.
Step 8
Now it’s time to season. In a bowl, combine the cut cucumbers with 1/2 Tbsp salt, 1 Tbsp sugar, 2 Tbsp vinegar, 1 Tbsp minced garlic, and 1 Tbsp sesame seeds. Gently toss everything together to ensure the seasoning is evenly distributed.
Step 9
Your delicious and refreshing Cucumber Smash Salad is ready! It’s great to eat right away, but chilling it in the refrigerator for a bit will make it even more crisp and flavorful. This is the perfect side dish for those days when your appetite is low in the summer heat. Enjoy your meal!
