Soy Free Vegan Smashed Cucumber Salad with Lemon Tahini Dressing
Smashing cucumbers instead of slicing them is a technique that transforms a humble vegetable into something genuinely exciting — the jagged, cracked surfaces soak up dressing in a way that clean-cut rounds never could. Salting and draining the pieces first pulls out excess moisture, so when the lemon tahini dressing hits, it clings to every craggy edge instead of turning watery at the bottom of the bowl. That dressing is the real star: tahini whisked with fresh lemon juice, cumin, maple syrup, and a splash of olive oil creates something creamy, bright, and deeply savory without a drop of dairy or any soy-based ingredients to worry about. Scallion greens, torn cilantro, and red pepper flakes layer in freshness and a gentle kick that keeps each bite interesting. Toasted sesame seeds on top add crunch and a nutty finish that ties the whole thing together beautifully. This is the kind of salad that disappears fast at a dinner table, and it comes together with pantry staples and zero fuss.
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Learn more →Ingredients
4 servings
For the salad
- 1 ½ lb persian cucumbers (about 8–10 small)
- ¾ tsp kosher salt, divided
- 3 scallions, thinly sliced (green tops only)
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro leaves, roughly torn
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes
For the dressing
- ¼ cup well-stirred tahini
- 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice (from about 1 large lemon)
- 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp water, plus more as needed
- 1 tsp maple syrup
- ½ tsp ground cumin
- ¼ tsp kosher salt
For serving
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
- 1 tsp sesame oil (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Trim the ends off the cucumbers. Place them on a cutting board and smash each one firmly with the flat side of a chef's knife or the bottom of a heavy mug until the skin cracks and the flesh splits open. Tear or cut the smashed cucumbers into rough 1- to 1½-inch pieces and transfer to a colander set over the sink.
- 2
Toss the cucumber pieces with ½ tsp of the kosher salt and let them drain in the colander for 10 minutes, then pat dry with paper towels. This draws out excess water so the dressing clings rather than pools.
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