Smashed Cucumber Avocado Salad (Printable)

Bright smashed cucumber and creamy avocado tossed in a sesame-soy dressing for a quick, vibrant lunch or side.

# What You'll Need:

→ Vegetables

01 - 2 large cucumbers (about 600 g total), rinsed
02 - 2 ripe avocados (about 360 g total), pitted

→ Dressing

03 - 30 mL toasted sesame oil
04 - 15 mL rice vinegar
05 - 15 mL soy sauce (or 15 mL tamari for gluten-free)
06 - 5 mL maple syrup or honey (use maple syrup for vegan)
07 - 1 garlic clove, finely minced (about 5 g)
08 - 5 mL fresh ginger, grated (optional)

→ Garnish

09 - 30 mL toasted sesame seeds
10 - 2 green onions, thinly sliced
11 - Small handful fresh cilantro or mint (about 5 g), optional
12 - Crushed red pepper flakes, to taste

# How To Make It:

01 - Trim the ends of the cucumbers, halve lengthwise and place cut side down. Using the flat side of a chef’s knife or a rolling pin, press each half firmly to slightly crack the flesh, then chop into bite-sized pieces and transfer to a large mixing bowl.
02 - Halve and pit the avocados, then scoop the flesh and cut into medium dice; add the avocado pieces to the bowl with the cucumbers.
03 - In a small bowl, whisk together toasted sesame oil, rice vinegar, soy sauce (or tamari), maple syrup (or honey), minced garlic and grated ginger until emulsified.
04 - Pour the dressing over the cucumber and avocado, and fold lightly to combine, taking care not to mash the avocado so the pieces remain distinct.
05 - Scatter toasted sesame seeds, sliced green onions and herbs over the salad and finish with crushed red pepper flakes to taste.
06 - Serve immediately to preserve the cucumber crunch and avocado texture; if making ahead, keep the avocados and dressing separate and combine just before serving.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • This salad feels like a secret weapon when you want fresh flavors with minimum effort.
  • The contrast of crunchy cucumber and buttery avocado always gets rave reviews at my table.
02 -
  • Letting the salad sit too long turns the avocado mushy and the cucumber watery—combine at the very last minute.
  • Smashing the cucumbers far enough to split but not pulverize makes the biggest difference in flavor and texture.
03 -
  • If you find the cucumbers a touch bitter, peel random strips off before smashing for a better bite.
  • Double the dressing—it keeps well and makes a killer topping for rice or cooked greens.
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