This smashed cucumber salad is the perfect summer side dish when the weather heats up. To make it, lightly smash Persian cucumbers and dress them with a garlicky soy mixture. Finish the dish with plenty of fresh cilantro and a drizzle of chili crisp. The finished smashed cucumber salad is tangy, salty, sweet, and totally delicious.

Why Do You Smash the Cucumbers?

Smashing the cucumbers in this Chinese cucumber salad recipe helps achieve the perfect texture. When smashed, the cucumbers have nooks and crannies that soak up every bit of the savory sauce. To smash the cucumbers, you can use the side of your knife, a skillet, or even a rolling pin or wooden mallet.

Smashed Cucumber Salad Ingredients

There are just a handful of ingredients you need to make this refreshing cucumber salad recipe.

• Cucumbers: Our Test Kitchen recommends using small Persian cucumbers as they have the most tender texture and sweet flavor. You can also use one large English cucumber that's cut into smaller pieces before smashing.
• Soy Sauce: A splash of soy sauce gives this salad recipe its salty, savory flavor.
• Chili Crisp: Add texture and spicy with a few spoonful's of chili crisp. You can make your own using our easy chili crisp with garlic recipe or purchase a bottle from the store.
• Sesame Oil: A drizzle of sesame oil goes a long way. As much as we love substitutes here at BHG, for a better flavor, avoid substituting olive oil for sesame oil. The nutty flavor of sesame oil lends itself better to dishes like this smashed cucumber salad. When there are only a few ingredients, each one counts towards creating a well balanced dish.
• Cilantro: Finish the dish with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro. If you're not a fan, you can leave it out of the finished dish.

How to Serve Smashed Cucumber Salad

This dish's light, tangy flavor with just the right amount of crunch pairs well with a heartier main course. Make it alongside this Chicken Lo Mein or our Chinese Take-Out Chili Crisps Casserole. If you're looking for a lighter, snack-inspired meal, try these Tofu Spring Rolls and Asian-Style Chicken Lettuce Wraps. However, if you feel like branching out on your own, don't worry—this recipe is versatile and will complement almost any dish that your heart desires.