Smashed Cucumber Salad with Miso Dressing has quickly become one of my go-to recipes for a light, refreshing side. It’s perfect for warm days when you want something both satisfying and easy to whip up. What I love most about this salad is how you can enjoy that delightful crunch from the cucumbers, perfectly complemented by the savory, rich miso dressing. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll keep coming back for more!
This salad shines not just in flavor but also in its adaptability. You can serve it at a barbecue as a lively side, or enjoy it during a quiet dinner at home. It’s quick to prepare and calls for ingredients that are usually on hand in the kitchen. So, let me walk you through this way of enjoying cucumbers, showing you just how easy—and delicious—it can be to make a Smashed Cucumber Salad with Miso Dressing!
Why This Recipe Works
Smashing cucumbers may sound odd, but it’s a clever technique that enhances both flavor and texture. When you smash the cucumbers, you’re breaking down the cell walls. This process allows them to absorb flavors better, making every bite a burst of taste. As they soak up the miso dressing, the cucumbers become a canvas for the rich umami notes.
Speaking of the dressing, it’s a lovely combination of miso, sweetness from the maple syrup, and a hint of heat from chili crisp. This balance creates a salad that feels exciting yet comforting. The umami from the miso adds depth, while the chili crisp delivers just the right amount of zing to keep your taste buds engaged.
Why You’ll Love This Smashed Cucumber Salad with Miso Dressing
There are so many reasons to love this recipe! First, it celebrates fresh ingredients that are wholesome and packed with flavor. The bright green cucumbers pop on your plate, beckoning you to dig in. Plus, the vibrant flavors make it versatile enough for any occasion.
Preparation is a breeze! With just a handful of steps, you can have this salad ready in no time. Whether you need a quick side for a busy weeknight meal or a colorful dish for a gathering, this smashed cucumber salad has got your back. Just imagine setting it on the table and watching everyone reach for a second serving—that’s the charm this salad brings.
Ingredients for Smashed Cucumber Salad with Miso Dressing
Gather up these simple ingredients:
- 2 medium cucumbers
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 2-3 green onions, sliced
- 1 tablespoon chili crisp, or chili oil
- 1 teaspoon black and white sesame seeds
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons red miso paste
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon maple syrup
- 2 teaspoons light soy sauce
- Salt to taste
These ingredients not only come together beautifully but also make it easy to whip up this dish without much fuss. Ready to get cooking? Let’s go!
Preparing the Smashed Cucumber Salad
Smash and Cut the Cucumbers
Start by grabbing a cucumber and placing it on a sturdy cutting board. With a rolling pin (or any heavy object), smash the cucumber along its length until you see cracks forming. That’s when the magic happens! Repeat this with the second cucumber. After smashing, cut each cucumber into 2-inch pieces. Now, transfer these delightful chunks to a large salad bowl. This is where all the flavors will come together.
Add the Aromatics
Now that your cucumbers are ready, it’s time to add more flavor! In the bowl with the cucumbers, toss in the minced garlic and sliced green onions. Then, bring in the chili crisp or your choice of chili oil. This step introduces a spicy kick, so you might want to adjust according to your taste.
Whisk Together the Miso Dressing
In a separate small bowl, mix the red miso paste, vegetable oil, rice vinegar, sesame oil, maple syrup, and light soy sauce. Grab a wire whisk and blend everything together until the dressing is smooth. Keep whisking until the miso is well incorporated. You might find yourself tasting a little here—just to ensure it’s as delightful as you imagined!
Toss and Serve
Pour that luscious dressing over the cucumber mixture and gently toss everything together. Make sure all the ingredients are evenly coated in that rich, tangy dressing. A dash of salt adds the finishing touch—adjust to your taste. Before you serve, sprinkle black and white sesame seeds over the top for a gorgeous presentation and extra crunch.
Serving Suggestions
This smashed cucumber salad shines as a side dish. Pair it with grilled meats or fish, and you will see how well the flavors complement each other. Alternatively, you can serve it alongside a bowl of rice or noodles for a light, healthy meal. The possibilities are endless—get creative!
Tips for Success
- Choose firm cucumbers for the best results. They smash better and hold up well in the salad.
- Start with a small amount of chili crisp if you’re unsure about the spice. You can always add more heat to suit your preference!
Variations
Feel free to make this salad your own! Want a little creaminess? Adding diced avocado does the trick beautifully. You can also toss in some cherry tomatoes for a burst of sweetness and color. For a milder version, try substituting white miso for a softer flavor.
Storage Tips
Got leftovers? Store your smashed cucumber salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. If you can, keep the dressing separate to preserve the cucumbers’ crispness and freshness.
Pairing Ideas
This salad works well when served alongside grilled chicken skewers or Asian-inspired BBQ dishes. You can also use it as a crunchy topping on rice paper rolls or mix it into a sushi bowl for a delightful twist.
FAQs
1. Can I use other types of cucumbers?
Absolutely! Feel free to use English cucumbers or Persian cucumbers; just adjust the amounts based on their size.
2. Is this salad gluten-free?
Yes! Simply swap the light soy sauce with tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative to keep it gluten-free.
3. How spicy is this salad?
The spice level is adjustable. Control the heat by how much chili crisp or oil you choose to add.
4. Can I make this salad ahead of time?
For the best taste, prepare it right before serving, but it’s fine to make it a few hours in advance.
5. How can I make this salad vegan?
You’re in luck! This recipe is already vegan-friendly, containing no animal products.
This Smashed Cucumber Salad with Miso Dressing isn’t just a recipe; it’s an experience. With bright flavors and refreshing textures, it brings life to the table. Try it out, and enjoy the delightful combination of tastes while personalizing it to fit your culinary flair. Happy cooking!
Print
Smashed Cucumber Salad with Miso Dressing
This smashed cucumber salad offers a refreshing crunch combined with a rich miso dressing. Perfect for barbecues or quick weeknight meals, it’s both satisfying and easy to prepare.
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 2 medium cucumbers
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 2–3 green onions, sliced
- 1 tablespoon chili crisp, or chili oil
- 1 teaspoon black and white sesame seeds
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons red miso paste
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon maple syrup
- 2 teaspoons light soy sauce
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Smash cucumbers using a rolling pin, then cut into 2-inch pieces.
- In a large bowl, combine cucumbers with minced garlic, green onions, and chili crisp.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together miso paste, vegetable oil, rice vinegar, sesame oil, maple syrup, and soy sauce.
- Pour the dressing over the cucumber mixture and toss until well coated.
- Sprinkle sesame seeds on top before serving.
Last Step:
Please leave a rating and comment letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business to thrive and continue providing free, high-quality recipes for you.Notes
Use firm cucumbers for the best texture.
Start with a small amount of chili crisp to control spice levels.
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 3
- Sodium: 300
- Fat: 8
- Saturated Fat: 1
- Unsaturated Fat: 7
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 10
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 2
- Cholesterol: 0
