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Fresh Creamy Smashed Cucumber Salad Easy Recipe with Sesame Ginger Dressing

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A fresh and creamy smashed cucumber salad with a tangy, nutty sesame ginger dressing that is quick to prepare and perfect for summer meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 large English cucumbers (about 1 lb / 450 g), washed and ends trimmed
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 2 green onions, thinly sliced
  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
  • Fresh cilantro leaves, roughly chopped (optional)
  • 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
  • 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
  • 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon soy sauce or tamari
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Place the cucumbers on a cutting board. Using a rolling pin or meat mallet, gently smash them lengthwise until they crack and split but remain mostly in large chunks (about 2-3 minutes).
  2. Roughly chop the smashed cucumbers into bite-sized pieces (about 1-2 inches). Transfer to a large bowl and sprinkle with kosher salt. Toss gently and let sit for 10 minutes to draw out excess water, then drain any liquid.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, rice vinegar, toasted sesame oil, grated ginger, honey, soy sauce, and black pepper until smooth and creamy (about 3-4 minutes). Taste and adjust sweetness or acidity if needed.
  4. Add sliced green onions and cilantro (if using) to the drained cucumbers. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat evenly.
  5. Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds over the salad for garnish. Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 2 hours before serving.

Notes

Avoid overmixing to keep cucumbers crisp. If dressing thickens in the fridge, stir in a teaspoon of cold water before tossing. For a dairy-free option, substitute mayonnaise with avocado or coconut yogurt. Use tamari instead of soy sauce for gluten-free. Dress salad just before serving to prevent sogginess.

Nutrition

Keywords: smashed cucumber salad, cucumber salad, sesame ginger dressing, easy cucumber salad, summer salad, creamy cucumber salad

Find it online: https://lumalunch.com/fresh-creamy-smashed-cucumber-salad-easy-recipe-with-sesame-ginger-dressing/