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Creamy Smashed Cucumber Salad Recipe with Sesame and Chili Crisp

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A quick and easy creamy smashed cucumber salad with a rich sesame dressing and a spicy kick from chili crisp. Perfect as a refreshing side dish that balances creaminess, crunch, and heat.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 large English cucumbers or 3 Kirby cucumbers, washed and ends trimmed
  • 2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil
  • ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons chili crisp
  • 1 small garlic clove, minced
  • 1 teaspoon light soy sauce (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
  • Salt to taste
  • A handful fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)

Instructions

  1. Wash and trim the ends of the cucumbers. Place one cucumber at a time on a cutting board and gently smash it with a rolling pin or heavy pan until it cracks and splits but doesn’t turn to mush—about 3 to 5 firm presses per cucumber.
  2. Roughly chop the smashed cucumbers into 1½-inch pieces and place them in a large mixing bowl.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, toasted sesame oil, rice vinegar, light soy sauce (if using), and minced garlic until smooth.
  4. Pour the dressing over the smashed cucumbers and toss gently but thoroughly to coat. Add salt to taste, starting with ½ teaspoon and adjusting as needed.
  5. Fold in 2 tablespoons of chili crisp evenly throughout the salad.
  6. Toast sesame seeds in a small dry skillet over medium heat for 2–3 minutes until fragrant and lightly golden. Sprinkle over the salad.
  7. Scatter chopped fresh cilantro or your chosen herb on top.
  8. Chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 10 minutes before serving to let flavors meld. Drain excess liquid if needed before serving.

Notes

Do not over-smash cucumbers to avoid mushy texture. Toast sesame seeds fresh for best flavor. Chill salad briefly before serving for flavors to meld. Drain excess liquid if salad becomes watery after chilling. For dairy-free version, substitute Greek yogurt and mayonnaise with coconut yogurt and vegan mayo. Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari if gluten-sensitive.

Nutrition

Keywords: creamy cucumber salad, smashed cucumber salad, sesame cucumber salad, chili crisp salad, easy side dish, quick cucumber salad, healthy cucumber salad

Find it online: https://twinkletaste.com/creamy-smashed-cucumber-salad-recipe-with-sesame-and-chili-crisp-easy-perfect-side-dish/