This Spicy Smashed Cucumber Salad is about as easy as it gets—seriously, who doesn’t love giving a cucumber a good whack with the side of a knife?!
It’s a ridiculously quick and refreshing side dish that’s bursting with flavour. Think cool, crisp cucumber combined with a fiery kick of chilli, all brought together with a simple, but amazing dressing.
It’s the kind of salad that disappears within minutes, so you might want to make a double batch – just in case.
😋 Why You’ll love this recipe!
- It’s Refreshingly Spicy: The perfect balance of cool cucumber and subtly spicy Aleppo pepper flakes.
- Ridiculously Easy: Seriously, smashing a cucumber is oddly satisfying. The rest is just chopping and mixing!
- Bursting with Fresh Flavour: The simple ingredients combine to create a vibrant and flavourful salad.
📝 Ingredient notes
Whole Cucumber: We just call it a cucumber over here, but I think our American friends might call it an English cucumber.
Garlic (1 clove): A single clove of garlic adds a pungent kick that complements the spice and vinegar.
Aleppo Pepper Flakes (1 tbsp): These vibrant flakes bring a moderate heat and fruity flavour to the party. Feel free to use whatever chilli flakes you fancy.
Sesame Oil (1 tbsp): This nutty oil provides a rich, aromatic base for the dressing.
Light Soy Sauce (1 tbsp): Adds a touch of salty umami to balance the other flavours.
Sesame Seeds (1 tbsp): For the crunch and subtle nutty flavour.
Light Brown Sugar (1/2 tbsp): A touch of sweetness to round out the dressing and complement the spice. Feel free to use any sugar you have on hand.
Black Vinegar (1 tbsp): Provides a tangy depth that balances the sweetness and spice. Rice vinegar can be used as a substitute if needed.
🥣 How to make Spicy Smashed Cucumber Salad
- Smash the Cucumber: Trim the ends off your cucumber. Now, here’s the fun part; give that cucumber a good whack! Seriously, smash it with the side of your knife and your palm on your chopping board until it breaks into all sorts of interesting shapes. We want plenty of nooks and crannies for the flavour to get into. If it’s putting up too much of a fight, try cutting it in half lengthwise first, then smashing each half.
- Chop and Prep: Chop the smashed cucumber into bite-sized strips, about 1cm (1/2 inch) wide. Toss these into a bowl. Next, finely chop your garlic – we’re using it raw for maximum flavour. (If you’re not a huge garlic fan, maybe start with half a clove, especially if your clove looks like a mini Hulk.)
- Mix It Up: Add the rest of your ingredients to the bowl: Aleppo pepper flakes, sesame oil, light soy sauce, sesame seeds, light brown sugar, and black vinegar. Give everything a good mix, making sure the cucumber is nicely coated.
- Marinate (or Not!): This salad is amazing straight away. But, if you have the patience, let it marinate in the fridge for up to a couple of days—the flavours will deepen and develop even more.
🍽️ How to use this fresh and spicy salad
- Perfect Pairing: Serve it as a refreshing side alongside our Pad Thai, or add a vibrant kick to your Gochujang Tofu Rice Bowl or even as a side for our Jackfruit Burger..
- Taco Topping: Pile it high on your tacos for a burst of fresh, spicy flavour. It would be especially delicious with our Vegan Chicken or Vegan Mince.
- Summer Rolls Superstar: This salad is a must-have addition to our Simple Vegan Summer Rolls – the added crunch and spice take them to the next level.
🤔 Frequently asked questions
How long can I store this Spicy Smashed Cucumber Salad?
This salad is best enjoyed within 2 days of making it. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It gets even more flavourful as it marinates!
Can I freeze Spicy Smashed Cucumber Salad?
Freezing isn’t recommended, as cucumbers tend to get watery and mushy after thawing. It’s best enjoyed fresh!
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, making it a day or two in advance allows the flavours to meld beautifully. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.
What can I substitute for Aleppo pepper flakes?
If you can’t find Aleppo pepper flakes, regular chilli flakes are a good substitute, but bear in mind they have a different flavour profile and pack a bit more heat. Adjust the amount accordingly.
What kind of cucumber should I use for smashing?
Any cucumber will work, but ones with thinner skin, like English cucumbers, are easier to smash.
Spicy Smashed Cucumber Salad
Equipment
- 1 Knife
- 1 Chopping board
- 1 Bowl
Ingredients
- 1 Whole Cucumber
- 1 Cloves Garlic
- 1 Tbsp Aleppo pepper flakes
- 1 Tbsp Sesame oil
- 1 Tbsp Light soy sauce
- 1 Tbsp Sesame seeds
- 1/2 Tbsp Light brown sugar
- 1 Tbsp Black vinegar
Instructions
- Prep Cucumber: Trim and smash cucumber. Chop into strips.
- Combine Ingredients: Combine cucumber, garlic, Aleppo pepper flakes, sesame oil, soy sauce, sesame seeds, brown sugar, and black vinegar in a bowl.
- Mix and Marinate (Optional): Mix well. Marinate in the fridge for up to 2 days for deeper flavour.
Notes
- For a less intense garlic flavour, use half a clove, especially if your garlic clove is large.
- Some people like to drain off any excess moisture from the smashed cucumber before adding the dressing ingredients. Personally, I like the extra flavour from every last drop of dressing, so I keep it all in!