What did those cucumbers ever do to you?
Smashed cucumber has become kinda of a thing and I’m fully in on it. I have always found diced cucumber to be funny to chew. There’s some hard parts, some soft parts, some seeds … it’s just a bit unfriendly.
Then I saw the idea to smash cucumbers and it revolutionized the cucumber salad to me. The whole thing just eats better. Plus, when you bash the cucumbers, they burst open and the Tahini Sriracha dressing seeps into all the cracks and crevices. Yummo!
There are so many ways you can modify this Tahini Smashed Cucumber & Avocado Salad- toss in some fresh jalapeno, toasted sesame seeds or maybe even thinly sliced red onion. Lemon juice works, but I prefer lime. I double the Sriracha for me, but not for others. And this is one of those times when a firmer avocado works better than a softer one.
Eat it with a side of smoked salmon or just on toast or crackers. It’s a pretty simple dish, but these are the ones that make me the happiest.
Happy eating,
Monique
Tahini Smashed Cucumber & Avocado Salad
Serves 1 as a main, 2 as a side
1 semi-firm avocado
~5 -6 Persian cucumbers
2 green onions
2 tbls tahini
1 tbls Sriracha
~juice of 1 lime (or lemon)
pinch of salt
a few fresh herbs: dill, mint, cilantro (or choose your favorite)
Whisk together the tahini, Sriracha, lime juice, pinch of salt and fresh herbs. Taste and adjust. If the dressing is too thick, add a spoon of water.
Chop the cucumbers into chunks. Then smash the chunks using the side of your knife (like you would with a garlic clove). Toss the smashed chunks into the bowl with the dressing. Dice the avocado, add to the bowl and toss it all well.
Enjoy with smoked salmon or use as a super chunky dip for toasted bread.