Gluten-Free Smashed Cucumber Salad
By the Gluten Free Recipes team ·
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.
At a glance: This easy lunch recipe yields 4 servings in about 27 minutes (12 min prep, 15 min cook). It uses 9 ingredients — including cucumbers, rice vinegar, sesame oil — and walks through 4 steps. Updated . Browse more lunch recipes or return to all gluten-free recipes.
Cross-Contamination Warning for Gluten-Free Smashed Cucumber Salad: When preparing this lunch recipe, use tamari (not regular soy sauce) — San-J Tamari and Kikkoman GF Tamari are reliable. Double-check labels even on tamari, as some formulations include wheat. In a shared kitchen, avoid porous materials — wooden spoons, wooden cutting boards, and scratched non-stick pans can harbor gluten proteins even after washing. Prefer glass, metal, or silicone tools.
Gluten-Free Notes for Gluten-Free Smashed Cucumber Salad: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, relying on fresh ingredients and certified gluten-free condiments. It avoids all gluten-containing grains.
Ingredients
- 2 large cucumbers
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp gluten-free soy sauce or tamari
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp sugar or maple syrup
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
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)
Tips & Notes
- Press or mince garlic rather than slicing for a more pungent flavor; slice for a milder taste.
- Let cooked rice rest, covered and off the heat, for 5–10 minutes for fluffier grains.
- Refrigerate maple syrup after opening and use within a year.
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