Let me tell you about one of my absolute favorite summer treats: *Smashed Cucumber Sesame Salad Cups*! This dish always brings back memories of sunny afternoons spent with friends, laughter echoing in the air, and these refreshing little cups gracing the picnic table. The crunch of the cucumbers, combined with the vibrant colors of cherry tomatoes and bell peppers, makes it not just delicious but a feast for the eyes too! I love how these cups are perfect for sharing, and they vanish quickly at gatherings. Trust me, once you try them, you’ll be making them for every summer get-together. They’re the perfect light bite that feels fancy yet is so easy to whip up!
Ingredients
Gather these fresh ingredients to create your *Smashed Cucumber Sesame Salad Cups*. Trust me, you’ll love how colorful and vibrant they are!
- 2 large cucumbers – Choose firm ones for the best crunch; these will be your salad cups!
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes – Halved for that juicy burst of flavor.
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper – Diced to add a sweet crunch and beautiful color.
- 1/4 cup green onions – Chopped for a mild onion flavor that brightens the dish.
- 1/4 cup sesame seeds – Toasted for that nutty aroma and added crunch.
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce – This adds a savory depth to the salad.
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar – For a light tang that balances the flavors.
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil – A drizzle of this brings everything together with its rich flavor.
- 1 teaspoon honey – Just a touch to round out the dressing and add sweetness.
- Salt to taste – Essential for enhancing all those delicious flavors.
Make sure to have everything prepped and ready, and you’ll be on your way to a refreshing salad that’s as delightful as it is easy to make!
How to Prepare Smashed Cucumber Sesame Salad Cups
Alright, let’s dive into the fun part! Preparing these *Smashed Cucumber Sesame Salad Cups* is super simple and oh-so-satisfying. The crunch of the cucumbers and the vibrant mix of veggies come together in a way that’s just irresistible. Here’s how you can whip them up in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Start by slicing each cucumber in half lengthwise. Grab a spoon and gently scoop out the seeds to create little boats. This is where all the deliciousness will go!
- In a mixing bowl, toss together the halved cherry tomatoes, diced red bell pepper, chopped green onions, and toasted sesame seeds. Give it a little stir to combine the colors and flavors—trust me, it already looks amazing!
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey, and a sprinkle of salt. This dressing is the magic that ties everything together, so make sure it’s well blended!
- Now, pour the dressing over the veggie mixture and gently toss everything until it’s evenly coated. I love to see those vibrant colors shining through!
- Finally, take your cucumber cups and fill them generously with the salad mixture. Don’t be shy—pile it high for everyone to enjoy!
- Serve these delightful cups immediately for the freshest taste, or chill them in the fridge for about 30 minutes if you prefer them cold. Either way, they’re going to be a hit!
And there you have it—a beautiful, crunchy salad that’s ready to impress!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These *Smashed Cucumber Sesame Salad Cups* are not only a feast for the eyes, but they also pack a punch in flavor and texture! Here’s why you’ll adore them:
- Freshness galore: The crisp cucumbers and vibrant veggies create a refreshing bite perfect for hot days.
- Crunchy goodness: Each cup offers a satisfying crunch that makes them incredibly fun to eat!
- Versatile: You can easily customize the filling with your favorite ingredients or dressings!
- No cooking required: This no-cook recipe means you can whip it up in just 15 minutes!
- Perfect for sharing: These delightful cups are ideal for parties, picnics, or just a light snack at home.
Trust me, once you make these, they’ll become a go-to recipe for gatherings and casual dinners alike!
Tips for Success
To make your *Smashed Cucumber Sesame Salad Cups* truly shine, here are my go-to tips! First, always select fresh, firm cucumbers—they’re the stars of the show! If you can, choose organic veggies for the best flavor and crunch. When scooping out the seeds, be gentle; you want to keep those lovely cucumber cups intact.
For an extra flavor boost, toast your sesame seeds just before using them. It takes a minute, but wow, does it elevate the dish! And don’t forget, the presentation matters! Arrange your filled cucumber cups on a platter and sprinkle some extra sesame seeds on top for that gorgeous finishing touch. Trust me, it’s all in the details!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to the *Smashed Cucumber Sesame Salad Cups*, the nutrition can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. Here’s a general idea of what you can expect per serving (1 cucumber cup):
- Calories: 80
- Fat: 5g
- Protein: 2g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 500mg
These little cups are light and refreshing while still providing a satisfying crunch, making them a guilt-free treat! Just remember, your specific values might differ, so it’s always good to check your ingredients!
FAQ Section
If you’ve got questions about my *Smashed Cucumber Sesame Salad Cups*, I’ve got answers! Here are some common queries that pop up:
Can I make these salad cups ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the filling a few hours in advance. Just keep it in the fridge until you’re ready to fill the cucumber cups. However, I recommend filling them right before serving to keep that crunch intact!
What can I substitute for sesame oil?
If you don’t have sesame oil, you can use a light olive oil or another neutral oil, but keep in mind that it won’t have that unique nutty flavor. It’s still tasty, just a bit different!
Are these salad cups vegan?
Yes! These *Smashed Cucumber Sesame Salad Cups* are completely vegan, making them a great option for everyone, whether you’re plant-based or just looking for a light, veggie-packed snack.
What other veggies can I add?
Feel free to get creative! Shredded carrots, diced avocado, or bell peppers would all make fantastic additions. Just remember to keep the balance of flavors and textures in mind!
Can I use a different type of cucumber?
Definitely! Although I love using large cucumbers, you could try Persian cucumbers or even mini cucumbers if you want bite-sized versions. Just adjust the filling amount accordingly!
Feel free to reach out if you have more questions. I’m here to help you make the best *Smashed Cucumber Sesame Salad Cups* ever!
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to serving my *Smashed Cucumber Sesame Salad Cups*, you’ll want to complement their fresh, crunchy goodness with a few delightful sides! These cups pair beautifully with grilled skewers, whether they’re chicken, shrimp, or veggie-based—perfect for a summer barbecue! Also, consider serving them alongside some crispy spring rolls or a light Asian noodle salad for a colorful spread.
For drinks, a chilled jasmine tea or a zesty lemonade makes for a refreshing match. You could even whip up a light cucumber mint cocktail to echo the flavors in your salad! Trust me, these options will elevate your gathering and keep everyone coming back for more!
Print
Smashed Cucumber Sesame Salad Cups for Irresistible Freshness
- 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
Description
A refreshing and crunchy salad served in cucumber cups with a sesame dressing.
Ingredients
- 2 large cucumbers
- 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
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