Sweet, savory, and super crunchy, this recipe for Smashed Cucumber Salad fits the bill. A quick dump-and-mix recipe lets the refrigerator do the magic, creating a side dish that’s bound to please.

This side dish is a perfect way to have your veggies without having to turn on the stove. Cucumbers are a great vegetable packed with vitamin C, magnesium, and plenty of healthy fiber. Here they are transformed into the world of umami goodness thanks to the help of simple pantry ingredients. 

Make sure to use English cucumbers for this recipe, or you might not achieve the same amount of crispiness. Common garden cucumbers are a bit too fibrous and watery to yield the same results. If you can’t get your hands on English cucumbers, then you can opt for Persian cucumbers. 

After the cucumbers and scallions are prepped and loaded into the bag, the marinade ingredients are added in. The bag is then given a good massage before making its way into the refrigerator to marinate. 

Served with toasted sesame seeds, this Smashed Cucumber Salad is a must for any season. The soy sauce, sweet chili sauce, and sesame oil work in harmony to create a dish that’s super satisfying and checks off all of the sweet, savory, and salty categories. 

The scallions add a great level of aromatic sharpness that makes the bite even more satisfying. While it’s a great fuss-free side dish for summer, it’s a great salad to have with homemade stir-fries and takeout copycat recipes. It adds that well-needed brightness to a rich and fried main dish. 

Once you try it, you’ll understand this side dish’s greatness!