Smashed Cucumber Avocado Salad
Ingredients
- 115 oz can chickpeas
drained and rinsed
- 1 tbspavocado oil
- 1 tspold bay seasoning
- 1 tspsmoked paprika
- 1 tspgarlic powder
- 6persian cucumbers
cut in half lengthwise
- 1avocado
cubed
- ⅓ ccilantro
stems removed and minced
- 1scallion
finely sliced
- 1 clovegarlic
grated
- juice and zest of one lime
- 1 ½ tbsptamari or soy sauce
- 2 tspmaple syrup
- 1 tspsesame oil
- ¼ tspred pepper flakes
optional
- 1 tbsptoasted sesame seeds
- kosher salt
- grain of choice
quinoa, rice, farro, etc.
Directions
- 1
Preheat oven to 425F. Place the rinsed chickpeas on a clean kitchen towel and pat dry, discarding any chickpea skins that rub off on their own.
- 2
Transfer the chickpeas to a parchment lined baking tray then top with the oil, Old Bay seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt. Toss the chickpeas to evenly coat then spread out into a single layer on the tray. Place in the oven to bake for 25-30 minutes, tossing them half way through.
- 3
Place your halved cucumbers cut side down on a flat cutting board then with the flat side of your knife, smack down along the length of the cucumber until it splits. Slice the cucumbers diagonally into 1/2 inch pieces.
- 4
Transfer the cut cucumbers to a strainer propped on top of a bowl. Top the cucumbers with a generous sprinkle of salt and allow to sit and drain for 10-15 minutes.
- 5
Discard the excess water at the bottom of the bowl then add the drained cucumbers to it. Top the cucumbers with the avocado, cilantro, scallion, garlic, lime zest and juice, tamari, syrup, sesame oil and seeds, and red pepper flakes. Toss the salad to combine and adjust seasonings to taste.
- 6
To serve, add your grain of choice to a serving dish and top with the cucumber avocado salad, then the chickpeas and extra scallions, cilantro and sesame seeds as desired.
Smashed Cucumber Avocado Salad
Similar Recipes
Ratings & Reviews
Be the First to Rate
Your rating helps others discover amazing recipes. Share your experience and let others know what you think!
About this Recipe
Discover the Zest of Smashed Cucumber Avocado Salad
Looking for a salad that's anything but ordinary? Our Smashed Cucumber Avocado Salad is a vibrant, flavor-packed dish that's incredibly satisfying and refreshingly light. Forget boring greens; this recipe brings a delightful crunch and creamy texture together, all elevated by an irresistible cilantro lime sauce. It's the perfect quick and easy dinner side that will quickly become a household favorite.
What makes this smashed cucumber salad truly special? It starts with the unique technique of 'smashing' Persian cucumbers. This simple trick breaks down their cellular structure, allowing them to better absorb the bright, tangy flavors of our dressing. Paired with creamy, rich avocado and seasoned, roasted chickpeas for a hearty bite, this salad offers a fantastic balance of textures and tastes.
A Burst of Flavor in Every Bite
The star of the show, beyond the delightful crunch of the cucumber avocado salad, is the incredible cilantro lime dressing. A harmonious blend of fresh cilantro, zesty lime juice and zest, savory tamari (or soy sauce), a hint of sweet maple syrup, and aromatic sesame oil creates a dressing that's bright, savory, and utterly addictive. The optional red pepper flakes add a subtle kick that rounds out the profile perfectly.
This versatile salad isn't just a stunning side dish; it can easily be transformed into a light, satisfying main course. Serve it alongside your favorite grilled protein, or mix it with a grain of choice like fluffy quinoa, hearty brown rice, or chewy farro for a complete meal. With just about 20 minutes of active prep time, you can have this beautiful and delicious smashed cucumber avocado salad ready to impress!