Smashed Cucumber Salad Recipe With Avocado Changes Things Up (9 Ingredients, 25 Minutes) by 30Seconds Food

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 (read about the health benefits of cucumbers), an avocado (check out the health benefits of avocado), a red onion, cherry tomatoes (tomatoes are loaded with health benefits), sea salt, sugar, olive oil, mustard and vinegar.

To make the salad, 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.

Photo credit: all photos under license from BigStock

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.

Variation: 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.

Serve this refreshing cucumber salad as a side dish with dinner for a change of pace or as a healthy lunch or vegan dinner.

Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Resting Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 25 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)

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. (Any vinegar will work in this cucumber salad, so use your favorite.) Sprinkle with your favorite dried seasoning or fresh herbs, if desired. Serve. Store the salad covered in the fridge.

Recipe cooking times, nutritional information and servings are approximate and provided for your convenience. However, 30Seconds is not responsible for the outcome of any recipe, nor may you have the same results because of variations in ingredients, temperatures, altitude, errors, omissions or cooking/baking abilities. Any nutritional information is provided as a courtesy and it is up to the individual to ascertain accuracy. To ensure image quality, we may occasionally use stock photography.

Take 30 seconds and join the 30Seconds community, and follow us on Facebook to get recipes in your newsfeed daily. Food, fun, health, happiness.