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Spicy Smash Cucumber Salad with Honey Garlic Dressing

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This Spicy Smash Cucumber Salad is a refreshing, crunchy, and bold-flavored dish featuring smashed cucumbers tossed in a sweet, garlicky, and spicy honey garlic dressing. It’s quick to make, naturally gluten-free, vegan-adaptable, and perfect for summer meals or potlucks.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 large English cucumbers (about 1 lb), rinsed and ends trimmed
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt
  • 2–3 cloves fresh garlic, finely minced
  • 2 tablespoons honey (or maple syrup/agave for vegan)
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce (or tamari/coconut aminos for gluten-free)
  • 1–2 tablespoons chili oil, to taste
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
  • 2 scallions (green onions), thinly sliced
  • Optional: small handful cilantro, chopped
  • Optional: 2 tablespoons crushed peanuts
  • Optional: red pepper flakes

Instructions

  1. Rinse and trim the ends off the cucumbers. Pat dry with a clean towel.
  2. Place cucumbers on a cutting board. Using a rolling pin, meat mallet, or the flat side of a large knife, press down firmly to crack and split the cucumbers into large, rustic chunks.
  3. Slice the smashed cucumbers diagonally into 1-inch pieces and place in a large mixing bowl.
  4. Sprinkle cucumbers with sea salt and toss to coat. Let sit for 10-15 minutes to draw out excess water.
  5. Meanwhile, in a small bowl or jar, whisk together minced garlic, honey, rice vinegar, soy sauce, chili oil, and sesame oil to make the dressing. Taste and adjust seasoning as desired.
  6. After 10-15 minutes, drain off the liquid from the cucumbers. Pat dry with paper towels if needed.
  7. Pour the honey garlic dressing over the cucumbers. Add sliced scallions, toasted sesame seeds, and any optional add-ins (cilantro, peanuts, red pepper flakes). Toss gently to coat.
  8. For best flavor, let the salad marinate for 10 minutes before serving.
  9. Transfer to a serving bowl or platter. Garnish with extra sesame seeds or scallions if desired. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Notes

For best texture, salt and drain cucumbers before dressing. Adjust chili oil to your spice preference. For vegan, use maple syrup or agave instead of honey. Keep cucumbers and dressing separate until serving if prepping ahead. Salad is best served chilled and eaten within 24 hours for maximum crunch.

Nutrition

Keywords: smash cucumber salad, spicy cucumber salad, honey garlic dressing, Asian salad, summer salad, gluten-free, vegan, easy salad, chili oil cucumber, potluck salad

Find it online: https://norasfoods.com/spicy-smash-cucumber-salad-recipe-easy-honey-garlic-dressing/