Smashed Cucumber Avocado with Sesame (Printable)

Smashed cucumbers and creamy avocado in toasted sesame oil with scallions and seeds for a bright, no-cook side.

# Ingredient List:

→ Vegetables

01 - 2 large cucumbers, ends trimmed and scrubbed
02 - 2 ripe avocados, halved, pitted and flesh cut into bite-size cubes

→ Dressing

03 - 2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil
04 - 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
05 - 1 tablespoon soy sauce (substitute gluten-free tamari if required)
06 - 1 teaspoon honey or pure 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 - Small handful fresh cilantro or mint leaves (optional)
12 - Crushed red pepper flakes, to taste (optional)

# How-to Steps:

01 - Rinse cucumbers and trim the ends. Halve each cucumber lengthwise and place cut side down on a large cutting board. Use the flat side of a chef’s knife or a rolling pin to gently smash each half until the skin cracks; chop into bite-size pieces and transfer to a large mixing bowl.
02 - Halve and pit the avocados, scoop the flesh and cut into bite-size cubes. Add the avocado to the bowl with the cucumbers and set aside.
03 - In a small bowl whisk together toasted sesame oil, rice vinegar, soy sauce or tamari, honey or maple syrup, minced garlic and grated ginger until combined and slightly emulsified.
04 - Pour the dressing over the cucumbers and avocado. Using a gentle folding motion, combine the ingredients to coat evenly without mashing the avocado. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
05 - Scatter toasted sesame seeds, thinly sliced green onions and herbs over the salad. Add crushed red pepper flakes if desired.
06 - Serve immediately to preserve texture. For advance prep, keep cucumbers and dressing separate; add avocado and toss just before serving.

# Expert Hints:

01 -
  • It’s the trick to leveling up an ordinary cucumber salad into a dish that tastes restaurant-worthy.
  • If you love simple food that feels fancy but takes almost no time, you’ll want this in your rotation.
02 -
  • If you smash the cucumbers too hard, you’ll end up with mush instead of hearty bites—moderation is the name of the game.
  • Tossing the salad too early or letting it sit makes the avocados turn brown and sad—combine everything just before serving.
03 -
  • Always taste your dressing before pouring—it’s the small adjustment that changes everything.
  • Smash the cucumbers in short, controlled bursts to avoid accidental kitchen messes.
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