Smashed Cucumber Salad Recipe: These Cucumbers Are Feeling Some Pressure by Donna John

Smashing ingredients is nothing new. We've smashed potatoes, smashed burgers and smashed broccoli, so why not smash cucumbers? 

You may be asking, "Why smash the cucumbers?" There are actually two delicious reasons to put some pressure on the cucumbers for this smashed cucumber salad recipe. First, smashing the cucumbers makes the flesh more porous, so it is going to soak up the salt and sugar you quickly marinate them in. Second, it helps the cucumbers release moisture, which helps intensify the flavors you add later.

For this quick, refreshing cucumber salad recipe, you'll need seedless cucumbers, an avocado, a red onion, cherry tomatoes, sea salt, sugar, olive oil, mustard and vinegar. The cucumbers are cut in half lengthwise then gently "smashed" (do not push too hard, you want them still intact). They sit for about 15 minutes in sea salt and a little sugar, which helps them release liquid and absorb flavor. Drain, then add the remaining ingredients. This is a healthy salad to take to summer potlucks, cookouts or get-togethers.

Recipe Notes

• If you want to add a seasoning or fresh herbs, consider Tuscan seasoning, dried Italian seasoning, seasoned salt, Mediterranean seasoning, Greek seasoning, Cajun seasoning (if you like things spicy), crushed red pepper flakes or whatever seasoning you enjoy.

• Don't like avocado? Leave it out and add more cucumber. Don't like tomatoes? Leave them out and add more cucumber. Customize this smashed cucumber salad recipe to fit your tastes.

• Any vinegar will work in this cucumber salad, so use your favorite. 

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Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 6 to 8

Shopping List

• 4 small seedless cucumbers  
• 1 small ripe, but firm, avocado
• 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
• 6 - 8 grape or cherry tomatoes, cut in half 
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• 1/2 teaspoon granulated sugar
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons whole-grain mustard
• 1 tablespoon sherry vinegar or balsamic vinegar
• dried seasoning or fresh herbs (optional)

Helpful Products

• Salad Bowl
• Cutting Board
• Chef Knife

Here's how to make it: 

1. Cut the cucumbers in half lengthwise and place, cut side down, on a cutting board. Using the palm of your hand, gently smash the cucumbers until slightly flattened but not falling apart. Cut into 1-inch pieces and put into a salad bowl. 
2. Add the onion to the cucumbers. Season with salt, black pepper, to taste, and the granulated sugar. Stir and let the mixture sit for about 15 minutes. After 15 minutes, pour all any liquid from the bottom of the bowl and discard. 
3. Add the avocado, tomatoes, olive oil, mustard and vinegar. Toss gently to combine. Sprinkle with your favorite dried seasoning or fresh herbs, if desired. 

Recipe cooking times and servings are approximate. Need to convert cooking and baking measurements? Here are some kitchen conversion charts. Here's how to submit your recipes to 30Seconds.

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