There is something to be said about a simple salad recipe. You don’t need a lot of ingredients and complex flavors to make something shine. That’s why this salad only has one main ingredient: cucumber, which is refreshing, crunchy, and the perfect vessel for almost any dressing. Coat it in a vibrant vinaigrette or creamy tahini dressing inspired by Mediterranean flavors. For this recipe, we took inspiration from a classic Chinese appetizer or side and tweaked it to fit the raw vegan criteria.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) cucumber is a cleansing ingredient, helping detoxify the body and reduce high blood pressure. Because of its inherent “cooling” element, TCM thought it to ease the body’s internal heat. Cucumbers also have a rich water content (about 95%), so you can enhance your hydration efforts by eating them. They contain essential vitamins like K and C, and their antioxidant content, especially the flavonoids, fights against oxidative stress. Additionally, the fiber and potassium help support heart health and healthy blood pressure.
The key to this salad’s success lies in the smashing of the cucumbers. Ideally, use a heavy cleaver or rolling pin to smash the cucumber. This technique creates lots of jagged edges and crevices for the dressing to penetrate. Once you wash and dry the cucumbers, place them on a cutting board and lay your large knife flat against one at a time. Smash it lightly with your other hand and the cucumber should open and smash into sections. Repeat across the cucumber and then cut it into bite-size pieces.
- Prep Time:10m
- Total Time:10m
- Serves: 4 servings
- Category: Full Body Cleanse Approved, Salads & Dressings, Raw, Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free
Ingredients
- 2 English cucumbers
- 1 tsp. sea salt
- 1 tsp. raw agave nectar
- 2 tsp. grapeseed oil
- 3 tsp. coconut aminos
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 tsp. red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tsp. sesame seeds
- 1/4 c cilantro, chopped
Instructions
- Rinse the cucumbers and pat them dry with a clean towel.
- On a cutting board, lay a large knife flat against one cucumber and smash it lightly with your other hand. The cucumber should crack open and smash into four sections.
- Repeat that process along the length of the cucumber and then cut it into bite-size pieces. Do the same for the other cucumber and then add the pieces to a large bowl.
- Make the salad dressing in a small bowl by combining the sea salt, agave, grapeseed oil, coconut aminos, and apple cider vinegar. Stir until everything is fully dissolved.
- Pour the dressing over the cucumbers and add the garlic, optional pepper flakes, sesame seeds, and cilantro. Mix well to combine and then serve.
