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Crispy Smashed Cucumber Salad Recipe Easy with Sesame Chili Oil and Peanuts

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A quick, crunchy, spicy, and nutty cucumber salad featuring smashed English cucumbers tossed with a bold sesame chili oil dressing and roasted peanuts. Perfect as a refreshing side or snack.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 large English cucumbers, washed and ends trimmed
  • ½ cup roasted unsalted peanuts
  • 3 tablespoons sesame chili oil
  • 2 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds (optional)
  • Salt to taste
  • ½ teaspoon sugar
  • A handful fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)

Instructions

  1. Wash and dry 2 large English cucumbers. Trim the ends.
  2. Place one cucumber on a cutting board and use a rolling pin or meat mallet to smash it until it cracks and breaks into chunks about 1 to 2 inches in size. Repeat with the second cucumber.
  3. Peel the smashed cucumbers partially if desired, then transfer the pieces to a large mixing bowl.
  4. In a small bowl, combine 3 tablespoons sesame chili oil, 2 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce, 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, 1 minced garlic clove, ½ teaspoon sugar, and a pinch of salt. Stir until sugar dissolves.
  5. Toast ½ cup roasted peanuts and 1 teaspoon sesame seeds in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until fragrant, stirring often. Let cool slightly.
  6. Pour the dressing over the smashed cucumbers and toss gently but thoroughly to coat all pieces evenly.
  7. Sprinkle the toasted peanuts and sesame seeds over the salad. Add chopped fresh cilantro if using. Toss lightly again.
  8. Let the salad sit for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.

Notes

If cucumbers seem watery, drain them in a colander for a few minutes after smashing. Adjust chili oil for desired heat level. Toast peanuts and sesame seeds fresh for best flavor. For gluten-free, use tamari instead of soy sauce. Peanuts can be swapped with toasted cashews, almonds, pumpkin seeds, or sunflower seeds for nut-free versions. Salad is best served fresh or after resting 5-10 minutes. Store dressing separately if prepping ahead to keep cucumbers crisp.

Nutrition

Keywords: smashed cucumber salad, sesame chili oil, crunchy salad, spicy cucumber salad, peanut salad, quick salad recipe, easy cucumber salad

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