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This Smashed Cucumber Salad was the most crunchy salad ever. The dressing, feta, and sesame seeds really cling to the cucumbers without sinking to the bottom of the bowl! Smashing cucumbers for salad is an ancient Chinese technique used to create a variety of textures and surfaces to absorb the dressing better. I was inspired by this technique and decided to try it out with my Mediterranean touch.
Table of Contents
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Smashed Cucumber Salad
Ingredients
- 2 English cucumbers
- 2 teaspoons sea salt plus more as needed
- 1 small shallot finely minced
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ teaspoon dried mint
- ½ teaspoon sumac
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons crumbled feta cheese
- 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds
Instructions
- Place the cucumbers on a cutting board and use a meat mallet or heavy flat object to pound the cucumbers until they smash and flatten slightly. Slice each cucumber in half lengthwise, then slice into 1 ½-inch thick slices and pound again.
- Transfer the smashed sliced cucumbers to a strainer set over a bowl. Sprinkle the cucumber with salt and mix until well combined. Set for 30 minutes to allow the liquid to drain from the cucumber.
- Meanwhile make the dressing by whisking together the shallot, lemon juice, olive oil, mint, sumac and black pepper in a serving bowl.
- Use a paper towel to dab the cucumber dry. Transfer the dried cucumber on top of the dressing. Sprinkle the feta cheese and toasted sesame seeds on top.
Equipment
Nutrition
Nutrition information provided is an estimate. It will vary based on cooking method and specific ingredients used.
This cucumber salad was so delicious! My husband was drinking the dressing from the bottom of his bowl 🤣
Oh my goodness hahaha I love that!! Thank you, so happy you both enjoyed the recipe!
This sounds delicious! How does it keep?
Hi Sarah! This salad is best on day one but will keep for 3-5 days in an airtight container in the fridge.