The smashed cucumber salad is an ideal side dish for picnics, barbecues, or easy weeknight dinners.
Prep Time5 minutesmins
Cook Time20 minutesmins
Total Time25 minutesmins
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: Salad
Keyword: cucumber salad
Servings: 4
Ingredients
1seedless cucumbersee notes
2tablespoonswhite wine vinegar
1tablespoonolive oil
½teaspoonsalt
2clovesgarlicvery finely chopped or grated on a Microplane
1/4cupfresh dillchopped
Instructions
Smash the cucumber
On a clean work surface, give the cucumber a firm, but controlled whack with a heavy bottomed pan, mallet, or rolling pin.
Cut the smashed cucumber into ~½” and place them in a medium bowl. Sprinkle ½ teaspoon of salt over the smashed cucumber pieces, and toss to combine.
Set in the fridge for at least 20 minutes, allowing the salt to draw some of the water out of the smashed cucumbers. Drain well and return to the bowl.
Finish the salad
While the cucumber is doing its thing, prepare the dressing. In a small bowl, combine the vinegar and garlic, then whisk in the olive oil.
Toss the drained cucumbers with the prepared dressing, ensuring each smashed cucumber piece is coated. Add the dill; stir to combine.
Notes
If you can't find seedless cucumbers, the regular kind will work just fine. Give them an extra few minutes to drain since they tend to have more water.