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Fresh Cucumber Dill Smashed Salad Easy Recipe with Sesame Ginger Dressing

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A light, fresh cucumber salad featuring smashed cucumbers, bright dill, and a zingy sesame ginger dressing. Perfect for hot days as a crisp side or snack.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 large Persian or English cucumbers, washed and ends trimmed
  • 2 tablespoons fresh dill, finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon low sodium soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
  • 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
  • 1 small clove garlic, finely minced
  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
  • 1 green onion, thinly sliced (optional)
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Wash cucumbers well and trim ends. Place one cucumber at a time on a cutting board and gently smash it with a rolling pin, pestle, or flat side of a knife until it cracks open but doesn’t break apart completely.
  2. Cut smashed cucumbers into roughly 1-inch pieces and place in a mixing bowl.
  3. Sprinkle ½ teaspoon salt over cucumbers and toss gently. Let sit for about 5 minutes to draw out excess water.
  4. In a small bowl or jar, whisk together 2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil, 1 tablespoon low sodium soy sauce, 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger, 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup, and minced garlic. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  5. Heat a dry skillet over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon sesame seeds and toast, stirring frequently, until golden brown and fragrant (2-3 minutes). Remove from heat and let cool.
  6. Drain any liquid from cucumbers. Add dressing, chopped dill, and sliced green onion (if using) to the bowl. Toss gently but thoroughly to coat.
  7. Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds on top and add freshly ground black pepper to taste. Toss gently again and serve immediately or chill for 10-15 minutes before serving.

Notes

Do not over-smash cucumbers to avoid watery salad. Salt cucumbers and let rest to draw out moisture and keep crispness. Toast sesame seeds for best flavor but optional. Adjust dressing sweetness and acidity to taste. Can substitute soy sauce with tamari for gluten-free or coconut aminos for soy-free. Fresh dill is essential for bright flavor; can substitute with mint or cilantro for variation.

Nutrition

Keywords: cucumber salad, smashed cucumber, dill salad, sesame ginger dressing, summer salad, easy side dish, fresh salad

Find it online: https://jodierecipes.com/fresh-cucumber-dill-smashed-salad-easy-recipe-with-sesame-ginger-dressing/