Gluten-Free Smashed Cucumber Salad

This refreshing gluten-free smashed cucumber salad bursts with bright, tangy flavors and satisfying textures. Crisp cucumbers are lightly smashed to absorb a zesty dressing, creating a delightful side or light meal.

Prep: 12 min Total: 27 min Serves: 4

At a glance: This easy lunch recipe yields 4 servings in about 27 minutes (12 min prep). It uses 9 ingredients — including cucumbers, rice vinegar, sesame oil — and walks through 4 steps. Updated October 25, 2026. Browse more lunch recipes or return to all gluten-free recipes.

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Cross-Contamination Warning for Gluten-Free Smashed Cucumber Salad: When preparing this lunch recipe, smash the cucumbers on a clean board with a rolling pin that hasn't rolled wheat dough, and use soy sauce or tamari labeled gluten-free. Toasted sesame seeds are worth a label check.

Gluten-Free Notes for Gluten-Free Smashed Cucumber Salad: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, relying on fresh ingredients and gluten-free condiments. It avoids all gluten-containing grains.

Scale Recipe:

servings

Ingredient amounts update automatically

Ingredients

Shop links on this page are for rice vinegar, sesame oil, gluten-free soy sauce or tamari. Buy the package that says gluten-free. A shared production line is the usual risk with these pantry items. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you. Confirm the product is labeled gluten-free before you buy.

2 large cucumbers
2 tbsp rice vinegar Shop
1 tbsp sesame oil Shop
1 tsp gluten-free soy sauce or tamari Shop
1 clove garlic, minced
1/2 tsp sugar or maple syrup Shop
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional) Shop
2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds Shop

Instructions

1 Prepare the cucumbers by washing them thoroughly. Place each cucumber on a cutting board and use the flat side of a chef's knife or a rolling pin to firmly smash them until they crack. This process helps them absorb the dressing beautifully. Cut the smashed cucumbers into bite-sized pieces, about 1-inch chunks, and place them in a medium bowl.
2 In a small bowl, whisk together the rice vinegar, sesame oil, gluten-free soy sauce or tamari, minced garlic, sugar or maple syrup, and optional red pepper flakes. Continue whisking for about 30 seconds until the sugar is dissolved and the dressing is well combined, creating a fragrant mixture.
3 Pour the prepared dressing over the smashed cucumber pieces in the bowl. Gently toss the cucumbers to ensure each piece is evenly coated with the zesty dressing. Allow the salad to marinate for at least 10 minutes, letting the flavors meld and the cucumbers soften slightly.
4 Just before serving, stir in the chopped fresh cilantro and toasted sesame seeds. Give the salad another gentle toss to distribute the fresh herbs and seeds throughout. This final step adds a burst of freshness and a delightful crunch to the salad.

Nutrition (per serving)

310

Calories

10g

Protein

48g

Carbs

14g

Fat

Fiber

392mg

Sodium

Tips & Notes

Smash the cucumbers with the flat of a knife or a rolling pin until they crack, then tear them into pieces. Rough edges soak up more dressing than neat slices.
Toss the smashed cucumbers with a pinch of salt, let them drain for 10-15 minutes, and pour off the liquid before dressing so the salad isn't watery.
Dress the salad close to serving and add the sesame seeds last so they stay crunchy. Use tamari labeled gluten-free.

Common questions

What cross-contamination risk is specific to Gluten-Free Smashed Cucumber Salad?

Check cucumbers, rice vinegar, sesame oil before they go into Gluten-Free Smashed Cucumber Salad. Smash the cucumbers on a clean board with a rolling pin that hasn't rolled wheat dough, and use soy sauce or tamari labeled gluten-free. Toasted sesame seeds are worth a label check.

Which gluten-free swaps does Gluten-Free Smashed Cucumber Salad use?

Gluten-Free Smashed Cucumber Salad relies on 1 tsp gluten-free soy sauce or tamari. Keep those gluten-free-labeled products in place of a gluten-containing flour or sauce.

Learn More

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