Crisp, smashed cucumbers tossed in a bold sweet, salty, tangy, and slightly spicy dressing. This is inspired by Bang Bang-style cucumber salads, which commonly pair cucumber with sesame, soy, vinegar, chili, and aromatics.

 Ingredients

For the Salad

• 3 large English cucumbers
• 3 green onions, thinly sliced
• 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
• 1 small red chili, thinly sliced (optional)
• ½ tsp salt

For the “Bang” Dressing

• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1½ tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1 tbsp chili crisp or chili oil
• 1 tbsp creamy peanut butter
• 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
• 1 tsp freshly grated ginger
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 tsp lime juice
• 1 tsp sesame seeds

Nut-free option: Replace the peanut butter with 1 tbsp tahini or sunflower-seed butter.

 Instructions

1. Prepare the cucumbers

Wash and dry the cucumbers. Using the side of a chef’s knife or a rolling pin, gently smash each cucumber until it cracks slightly.

Cut the cucumbers into bite-sized pieces. Smashing them creates more irregular surfaces for the dressing to cling to.

2. Salt the cucumbers

Place the cucumber pieces in a colander or bowl and sprinkle with ½ tsp salt.

Let them sit for about 10 minutes. This draws out excess water and helps keep the salad crisp.

Gently pat dry with paper towels.

3. Make the dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together:

• Soy sauce
• Rice vinegar
• Sesame oil
• Honey
• Chili crisp
• Peanut butter
• Garlic
• Ginger
• Red pepper flakes
• Lime juice

Whisk until smooth and creamy.

4. Toss everything together

Place the cucumbers in a large bowl. Add the green onions and cilantro.

Pour the dressing over the cucumbers and toss thoroughly until every piece is coated.

5. Finish

Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and sliced fresh chili.

For the best flavor, let the salad rest in the refrigerator for 15–30 minutes before serving.

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 Make It More “Bang”

Want a stronger spicy flavor? Add:

• 1 extra tbsp chili crisp
• ½ tsp cayenne
• Fresh sliced Thai chili
• A drizzle of chili oil

For a milder version, leave out the fresh chili and red pepper flakes.

 What to Serve With It

This cucumber salad makes an excellent side for:

• Garlic shrimp
• Grilled chicken
• Bang Bang chicken
• Salmon
• Steak
• Air-fryer chicken
• Rice bowls
• Lettuce wraps

It also works as a refreshing topping for Asian-inspired protein bowls.

 Tips for the Best Cucumber Salad

Use English or Persian cucumbers: They have fewer seeds and stay particularly crisp.

Don’t skip salting: It helps prevent a watery salad.

Toast the sesame seeds: A few minutes in a dry skillet over medium-low heat makes them much more fragrant.

Make it ahead: The dressing can be prepared ahead of time, but for maximum crunch, toss it with the cucumbers shortly before serving. Some cucumber salads can be refrigerated for up to about 2 days, although the texture becomes softer over time.

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 Allergen & Dietary Information

Contains: Soy and sesame.
Contains nuts: Yes, if using peanut butter.
Nut-free: Use tahini or sunflower-seed butter instead.
Dairy-free: Yes.
Egg-free: Yes.
Gluten-free: Use certified gluten-free tamari instead of regular soy sauce.
Vegan: Use maple syrup instead of honey.
Vegetarian: Yes.

 Approximate Nutrition

Per serving, based on 4 servings:

• Calories: ~145
• Protein: ~3 g
• Carbohydrates: ~12 g
• Fat: ~9 g
• Fiber: ~2 g
• Sugar: ~7 g
• Sodium: ~500–600 mg

Nutrition is approximate and will vary depending on the brands and quantities used.

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 Cucumber “Bang” Salad Q&A

Can I make this without peanut butter?

Yes. Use tahini, sunflower-seed butter, or simply omit it for a lighter dressing.

Can I use regular cucumbers?

Absolutely. English or Persian cucumbers are preferred, but regular garden cucumbers work too.

Why smash the cucumbers?

The rough, cracked surfaces absorb much more dressing than smooth slices, giving you more flavor in every bite.

Can I make it spicy?

Yes! Chili crisp, chili oil, fresh chilies, or red pepper flakes can all be adjusted to taste.

Can I make it ahead of time?

Yes, but keep the dressing separate until close to serving if you want the cucumbers to remain extra crunchy.

How long does it last?

Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator and ideally enjoy within 1–2 days for the best texture.

Is it keto-friendly?

It can be made lower-carb by replacing the honey with a keto-friendly sweetener and checking the carbohydrate content of your chili crisp and peanut butter.

Can I add protein?

Definitely! Add grilled chicken, shrimp, salmon, tofu, or shredded rotisserie chicken to turn it into a complete meal.