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Creamy Smashed Cucumber Salad Recipe with Chili Crisp Easy and Flavorful

creamy smashed cucumber salad - featured image

A refreshing and flavorful cucumber salad with a creamy dressing and a spicy, crunchy chili crisp twist. Perfect for quick meals, potlucks, or warm weather.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 medium English cucumbers, washed and ends trimmed
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup Greek yogurt
  • 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 2 tablespoons chili crisp
  • ½ teaspoon sugar
  • 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
  • 2 green onions, thinly sliced

Instructions

  1. Trim the ends and place the cucumbers in a large bowl. Using a rolling pin or the flat bottom of a heavy pan, gently press down and smash each cucumber until it cracks but remains in large chunks about 1 to 2 inches in size.
  2. Sprinkle 1 teaspoon of salt over the smashed cucumbers and toss to combine. Let them rest for 10 minutes to draw out excess water.
  3. Drain off the liquid but don’t rinse the cucumbers. Pat them lightly with paper towels to remove extra moisture.
  4. In a small bowl, whisk together ½ cup Greek yogurt, 2 tablespoons mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon sesame oil, and ½ teaspoon sugar until smooth and well combined.
  5. Pour the dressing over the smashed cucumbers. Toss gently with a spatula or your hands to coat every piece evenly.
  6. Fold in 2 tablespoons of chili crisp. Sprinkle in chopped cilantro and sliced green onions, reserving a little for garnish.
  7. Taste for seasoning and add more salt or chili crisp if needed. Serve immediately or refrigerate for 15 to 30 minutes to let flavors meld.

Notes

Salt cucumbers and let rest to remove excess moisture for a crisp salad. Scoop off excess oil from chili crisp if too oily. Can be made vegan by substituting Greek yogurt and mayonnaise with plant-based alternatives. Serve chilled or at room temperature. Add fresh jalapeños or cayenne for extra heat. Toasted sesame seeds can be added for texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: cucumber salad, creamy cucumber salad, smashed cucumber, chili crisp, easy salad, quick side dish, summer salad, spicy cucumber salad