Smashed Cucumber and Avocado Salad (Printable version)

Crisp smashed cucumbers, creamy avocado and toasted sesame in a bright, tangy dressing—ready in 15 minutes.

# What You Need:

→ Vegetables

01 - 2 large cucumbers
02 - 2 ripe avocados

→ Dressing

03 - 2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil
04 - 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
05 - 1 tablespoon soy sauce (use tamari for gluten-free)
06 - 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
07 - 1 garlic clove, finely minced
08 - 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated (optional)

→ Garnish

09 - 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds (black or white)
10 - 2 green onions, thinly sliced
11 - 1 small handful fresh cilantro or mint leaves (optional)
12 - Crushed red pepper flakes, to taste (optional)

# Step-by-step guide:

01 - Rinse the cucumbers. Cut off the ends, then slice each cucumber in half lengthwise. Place cut side down on a large cutting board. Use the flat side of a large chef’s knife or rolling pin to smash each half gently until it cracks and splits. Cut into bite-sized pieces and transfer to a bowl.
02 - Halve and pit the avocados. Cut the flesh into bite-sized cubes and add to the bowl with the cucumbers.
03 - In a small bowl, whisk together the sesame oil, rice vinegar, soy sauce, honey or maple syrup, garlic, and ginger (if using).
04 - Pour the dressing over the cucumbers and avocado. Toss gently to combine without mashing the avocado.
05 - Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds, green onions, fresh herbs, and red pepper flakes, if desired. Serve immediately for best texture.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • It feels almost mischievous how such few ingredients can taste so layered and sophisticated.
  • This dish is a reliable crowd-pleaser and a secretly virtuous way to eat heaps of vegetables.
02 -
  • If you let the avocado sit in the dressing too long, it gets mushy—wait until just before serving to mix it all together.
  • Once I skipped toasting the sesame seeds and regretted it—the flavor isn’t the same.
03 -
  • Rinse your sliced cucumbers with a pinch of salt and let them sit for five minutes to draw out extra water—it amps up the crunch.
  • Heating the sesame seeds in a dry pan until fragrant makes all the difference; don’t skip this step.
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