Let me tell you, there’s nothing quite like the crunch of a fresh Smashed Cucumber Sesame Salad Cup on a warm day! I remember the first time I made this dish for a picnic with friends. Everyone was buzzing about how refreshing and light it felt, and I couldn’t help but grin as I watched them go back for seconds. The cucumbers are like little edible bowls, and when you fill them with that colorful mix of cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, and the nutty sesame dressing, it’s pure bliss! Trust me, the combination of the crisp veggies and the savory-sweet dressing is a match made in heaven. It’s a simple dish that packs a flavor punch, and I just know you’ll love it as much as I do!

Ingredients for Smashed Cucumber Sesame Salad Cups

2 large cucumbers, halved and seeded
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
1/4 cup green onions, chopped
1/4 cup sesame seeds, toasted
3 tablespoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1 teaspoon honey
Salt to taste

How to Prepare Smashed Cucumber Sesame Salad Cups

Making these Smashed Cucumber Sesame Salad Cups is as simple as it is delightful! Let’s break it down step by step so you can enjoy every moment of the process.

Preparing the Cucumber Cups

Start by cutting the cucumbers in half lengthwise. Then, scoop out the seeds with a spoon. You want to create little boats for your salad! Try to keep the sides as even as possible—this helps them stand up better later. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even use a small melon baller for a fun shape. Just be careful not to scoop too deep; we want to keep those lovely cups intact!

Mixing the Salad Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, toss together the cherry tomatoes, diced red bell pepper, chopped green onions, and toasted sesame seeds. I like to give it a gentle stir to ensure all those vibrant colors are mixed throughout. This way, every bite is a delightful surprise of flavor and texture! You want to make sure everything is evenly distributed, so don’t rush this part!

Making the Dressing

In a separate bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey, and a pinch of salt. I always taste it as I go—this dressing should have a nice balance of savory and sweet. If you feel it needs more zing, a splash of extra vinegar or a pinch of sugar can do wonders! Trust your taste buds!

Assembling the Salad Cups

Now comes the fun part! Fill each cucumber cup with your salad mixture, packing it in just a bit to make sure they’re plentiful. You can serve them right away for a crisp bite, or pop them in the fridge for a bit to chill. These little cups are perfect for gatherings or just a fresh snack at home. Enjoy every crunchy, flavorful bite!

Tips for Success with Smashed Cucumber Sesame Salad Cups

To make sure your Smashed Cucumber Sesame Salad Cups turn out perfectly, I’ve got a few handy tips! First, always use the freshest cucumbers you can find—this ensures they’re crisp and juicy. If you can, pick ones that feel firm to the touch. When it comes to the seasoning, don’t hesitate to adjust the dressing to suit your taste; a little extra honey can add sweetness, or a splash more soy sauce can boost the savory flavor. And for serving, these cups shine when chilled, so pop them in the fridge for about 30 minutes before serving. They’re a hit at parties, and trust me, they’ll disappear fast—so make a little extra just in case!

Nutritional Information

These Smashed Cucumber Sesame Salad Cups are not just delicious but also a guilt-free treat! Each serving, which is one cucumber cup, contains approximately:

Calories: 80
Fat: 5g
Saturated Fat: 0.5g
Unsaturated Fat: 4.5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 10g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 2g
Protein: 2g
Sodium: 500mg
Cholesterol: 0mg

Keep in mind, these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you choose. Enjoying these refreshing cups is a great way to add some crunch and nutrition to your day!

FAQ About Smashed Cucumber Sesame Salad Cups

Can I make this salad in advance?

Absolutely! You can prepare the salad ingredients ahead of time and store them separately. Just keep the cucumber cups and the salad mixture in airtight containers in the fridge. I recommend filling the cucumber cups right before serving to keep them crisp and fresh. If you need to make it a few hours in advance, that’s totally fine—just chill the assembled cups for a refreshing bite when you’re ready to enjoy them!

What can I substitute for sesame oil?

If you find yourself out of sesame oil, don’t worry! You can use other oils like olive oil or avocado oil for a different flavor profile. They won’t replicate the nutty taste exactly, but they’ll still work beautifully with the sesame dressing. If you want that aromatic touch, consider adding a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or a dash of peanut oil to bring a bit of that flavor back!

Are there variations I can try?

Oh, the options are endless! You can customize your Smashed Cucumber Sesame Salad Cups with various veggies like shredded carrots, crunchy radishes, or even some avocado for creaminess. If you’d like to spice things up, add a bit of diced jalapeño or a splash of sriracha to the dressing for a kick! You could also try different dressings, like a ginger-soy dressing or a peanut dressing, to keep things exciting. Mix and match until you find your favorite combo!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and easy to prepare—ready in just 15 minutes!
Refreshing and crunchy, perfect for warm days or light meals.
Healthy and low in calories, making it a guilt-free snack.
Vegan-friendly, so everyone can enjoy it!
Customizable with your favorite veggies and flavors.
Stunning presentation—these salad cups are a feast for the eyes!

Trust me, once you try these Smashed Cucumber Sesame Salad Cups, they’ll become a staple in your kitchen!

For more delicious recipes, check out our all recipes page!

Learn more about the health benefits of cucumbers here.

For a delightful twist, try adding honey-glazed carrots to your meal!

Smashed Cucumber Sesame Salad Cups: 7 Delightful Bites

Author: Lisa
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Salad
Method: No-cook
Cuisine: Asian
Diet: Vegan

Print Recipe

Description

A refreshing and crunchy salad served in cucumber cups with a sesame dressing.

Instructions

Cut the cucumbers in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds to create cups.
In a bowl, mix cherry tomatoes, red bell pepper, green onions, and sesame seeds.
In another bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey, and salt.
Pour the dressing over the vegetable mixture and toss well.
Fill each cucumber cup with the salad mixture.
Serve immediately or chill before serving.

Notes

Use fresh cucumbers for the best flavor.
Adjust the dressing to your taste preference.
Can be made ahead of time but serve within a few hours for best texture.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cucumber cup
Calories: 80
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 500mg
Fat: 5g
Saturated Fat: 0.5g
Unsaturated Fat: 4.5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 10g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 2g
Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: Smashed Cucumber Sesame Salad Cups

Spread the love