Crushed cucumber salad is one of the easiest side dishes you can make. The smashing technique makes the cucumbers extra crisp and helps them soak up the dressing. You get tang from balsamic vinegar, a touch of sweetness from honey, and a bit of heat from chili flakes. Red onion adds bite while parsley keeps it fresh. It takes minutes to prepare and works with almost any meal.
What You’ll Need
1 ½ cups cucumber, crushed into chunks
1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
½ tsp lemon zest
½ tsp honey
1 tbsp olive oil
red onion, thinly sliced
parsley, finely chopped
chili flakes, to taste
salt, to taste
How To Make Crushed Cucumber Salad
Place cucumbers on a board and gently smash with the flat side of a knife or rolling pin until cracked. Cut into bite-sized pieces.
In a bowl, whisk balsamic vinegar, olive oil, lemon zest, and honey. Add a pinch of salt.
Toss cucumbers, red onion, and parsley in the dressing until coated.
Sprinkle chili flakes to taste.
Serve right away or chill for 15 minutes before serving.
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Tips For The Best Crushed Cucumber Salad
Get The Smash Right
Smash just enough to split the skin and crack the flesh. You don’t want mush—keep the pieces chunky so they stay crisp. Craggy edges are perfect because they soak up the dressing. A light press with the side of a knife or a rolling pin works best.
Balance The Dressing
Balsamic gives depth, lemon zest brightens it, honey softens the tang, and olive oil ties it together. Always taste the dressing before tossing it with cucumbers. If it’s too sharp, add a touch more honey. If it’s flat, add a pinch of salt or more zest.
Prep the Onions
Slice onions thin so they blend in without overpowering. If they taste too sharp, rinse them under cold water for a few seconds. This keeps the flavor clean but still gives crunch and color.
Keep It Fresh With Herbs
Parsley adds a bright, green note that balances balsamic. Chop it fine so it spreads evenly. Swap with dill or mint if you prefer a different flavor. Always add a little extra right before serving to keep the salad tasting fresh.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use regular cucumbers?
Yes. Peel tough waxy skins if needed and scoop large seeds if they look watery. The rest of the method stays the same.
Do I have to salt the cucumbers?
You do not have to, but the salad tastes better when you do. Salting pulls out water so the dressing sticks and stays bold.
Is balsamic too strong for this?
It works well when balanced with lemon zest and honey. If you want a lighter taste, use red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar.
Can I make this without honey?
Yes. Use maple syrup or a pinch of sugar. The tiny bit of sweet rounds the vinegar so the salad tastes complete.
Variations
Swap balsamic with red wine vinegar for a lighter flavor.
Use maple syrup instead of honey for a vegan option.
Add crumbled feta for saltiness.
Toss in cherry tomatoes for more juice and color.
Use dill or mint instead of parsley.
Serving Ideas
With grilled chicken or honey garlic salmon
Tucked in a pita with hummus
As a side for noodles or rice bowls
At picnics or potlucks as a refreshing side
Crushed Cucumber Salad
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups cucumber crushed into chunks
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- ½ tsp lemon zest
- ½ tsp honey
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- red onion thinly sliced
- parsley finely chopped
- chili flakes to taste
- salt to taste
Instructions
- Place cucumbers on a board and gently smash with the flat side of a knife or rolling pin until cracked. Cut into bite-sized pieces.
- In a bowl, whisk balsamic vinegar, olive oil, lemon zest, and honey. Add a pinch of salt.
- Toss cucumbers, red onion, and parsley in the dressing until coated.
- Sprinkle chili flakes to taste.
- Serve right away or chill for 15 minutes before serving.
