A smashed cucumber salad makes your regular cucumber salad seem boring and basic as hell. There is room to level up pretty much anything. Cucumber salad is no exception.
Texture matters in any dish in my humble opinion. Taste definitely prevails as #1 driver of food eating experience, but texture is not far behind and can actually turn a great tasting dish into a negative eating experience.
Creating this smashed cucumber salad brings the importance of texture to life. Whether you smash, slice, chop, etc. you created unexpected but enjoyable contrasts that just add to the overall eating experience.
Beats and Eats (music pairing with this recipe)
Cucumbers are light and refreshing and when served the right way can be inspiring. Given this, this smashed cucumber salad deserves a song of inspiration and upliftment. Brass Construction's "The Message" delivers this and then some. The message is powerful and soul-saving.
Ingredients Needed For Smashed Cucumber Salad
- Cucumbers
- Olive Oil
- Lemon Juice
- Brine from Jarred Roasted Red Pepper
- Kosher Salt
- Black Pepper
- Fresh Herbs of your choice - (basil, thyme, tarragon, oregano, parsley, cilantro)
How To Make Smashed Cucumber Salad (Step by Step)
Step 1: Make the Vinaigrette
Chop your herbs finely. Add to a mixing bowl with the salt, pepper, oil, lemon juice, and red pepper brine
Step 2: Smash the Cucumbers
Depending on length of cucumbers cut them into ½ - 1 inch slices. Using the flat side of a meat tenderizer or any other heavy flat-bottom item like a cast-iron skillet smash the cucumber slices.
Step 3: Toss the salad
Place smashed cucumbers in a mixing bowl. Add the vinaigrette and mix together thoroughly.
Smashed Cucumber Salad Cooking Considerations and Tips
Vary the thickness of the smashings for even more contrast.
Similarly, add in other shapes and cuts to make things even more interesting. For example cut some of the cukes diagonally, chop some into sticks, slice some thin lengthwise, etc.
Feel free to vary your cucumber types a bit. I used a combination of traditional, smaller Persian, and longer Japanese types.
Make the vinaigrette ahead of time to allow the flavors to come together more. Don't worry, it doesn't take long at all and isn't required for it to taste good.
If you don't have red pepper brine on hand, feel free to use other sources of brining liquids - plain old rice vinegar, pickle juice, or any other pickled condiments.
Serve smashed cucumber salad with a smash burger, fried chicken, grilled red snapper, fried pork chops, or blackened pork chops.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) For Cucumber Salad
Can Cucumber Salad Be Made Ahead?
Yes indeed. Just reserve the tossing step for when you are actually ready to serve the salad.
Is Cucumber Salad Keto-friendly?
Yes this is definitely a keto-friendly salad. The dressing is homemade and absent of any sugars that are used in your typical store-bought vinaigrette or salad dressing.
For Other Similar Recipes Try These:
Japanese Cucumber Salad (Sunomono)
Duck Fat Smashed Sweet Potatoes
Cherry Tomato Salad w/ Whipped Feta
Ingredients
- 2 Cucumbers
- ¼ cup Olive Oil
- 1 Lemon Juice
- 2 tablespoon Brine from Jarred Roasted Red Pepper
- ½ teaspoon Kosher Salt
- ½ teaspoon Black Pepper
- Handful Fresh Herbs of your choice
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Vinaigrette
- Chop your herbs finely. Add to a mixing bowl with the salt, pepper, oil, lemon juice, and red pepper brine
Step 2: Smash the Cucumbers
- Depending on length of cucumbers cut them into ½ - 1 inch slices. Using the flat side of a meat tenderizer or any other heavy flat-bottom item like a cast-iron skillet smash the cucumber slices.
Step 3: Toss the salad
- Place smashed cucumbers in a mixing bowl. Add the vinaigrette and mix together thoroughly.
Devan says
A nice refreshing salad with easy-to-read instructions. Love the addition of the pickled pepper brine. Definitely going to try this next time I make fried chicken.
Freya says
I loved this, the vinaigrette was delicious, the brine from the peppers was such an ingenious but essential flavour!
Allyssa says
Super loved how it turned out! So tasty and delicious recipe! Highly recommended!
Nancy says
Anything cucumber in my book is delicious! I've never heard of smashed cucumber salad but now I've got to try it. The ingredients sound mouthwatering. Also loved the recommended beats.
Megan says
Love this salad! It is so easy and perfect for when I have loads of cucumbers ready from the garden.
mikayla says
I had not heard of a 'smashed' cucumber salad before, had to give it a try and found it full of flavors from the simple ingredients. I liked it as a snack too, not just a salad with a meal.
Ann says
This recipe has me excited for summer! I love a good cucumber salad! Excited for my cucumbers to grow in the garden so I can make this dish!
Patricia says
Mmm! I love cukes -- they're so fresh and refreshing. Any dish with cucumbers as an ingredient is okay in my book. I love this recipe - I imagine how smashing the cucumbers releases some fab flavor!
Leslie says
I like cucumbers but definitely prefer to have them with seasoning, just like this recipe! What a great summer treat to have.
Laura Arteaga Amorós says
Made this salad for our bbq night and it was a hit!! People loved it as its really refreshing and so flavourful, thanks a lot!
Tristin says
I am loving this "leveled up" version of cucumber salad! Tangy vinaigrette and fresh herbs take it from blah to WOW!
Silvia says
The easiest salad ever! This cucumber salad is so refreshing and full of flavor. I used cilantro and basil for the herbs and it was so delicious.