Smashed cucumber salad came from China. The crushed cucumbers create more surfaces to absorb dressing. It can be served as a side or a refreshing summer salad. For some added complexity, I added avocado and toasted sesame seeds. While it originally was served with an oil and soy dressing, I like to eat it with a lime/lemon and No Fish sauce based dressing. It will be great with whatever kind of dressing you love.
This serves one. Adjust according to your needs. Only make what you will consume immediately as it is best fresh.
Smashed Cucumber And Avocado Salad
Ingredients
1 lebanese or English cucumber, scrubbed, ends trimmed, pounded with a pestle or side of a knife and sliced
2 slices red onion, finely chopped
1/4-1/2 avocado (depending on size)
Handful of fresh cilantro leaves and stems, washed, spun, dried and finely chopped
1 tbs toasted sesame seeds, optional
Dressing
3 tbs lime/lemon jucie
2 tbs No fish sauce (or 1 tbs Redboat/Son fish sauce)
1 tsp raw honey
1 red chilli, stem removed and finely chopped
1 clove garlic, peeled and finely chopped
1/4 tsp Himalayan pink salt (omit if using fish sauce)
Method
Prepare the dressing. Juice the lime/lemon. Add the no fish sauce, raw honey and salt. Remove the stem from the chilli and finely chop. Peel the garlic and finely chop. Add the garlic and chilli to the dressing and mix well. Set aside.
Smash the cucumber on a cutting board and slice. Finely chop the onion and cilantro. Add the cucumber, onion and cilantro to a salad bowl. Cut the flesh of the avocado in to chunks and add to the salad. Mix thoroughly.
Toast the sesame seeds on a low heat until golden brown. Add 1 tbs dressing to the salad and mix through. sprinkle the toasted sesame seeds on top and serve.