Cucumber and Avocado Salad Instructions
# Smashed Cucumber Avocado Salad: An Ideal Summer Delight
As the summer warmth escalates, the last thing many of us desire is to engage the stove. Instead, we yearn for invigorating, no-cook options that can help us beat the heat. One of the top choices for a light and enjoyable meal is the smashed cucumber avocado salad. This dish is not only simple to make but also brimming with flavor and nutrients.
## The Charm of Cucumbers
Cucumbers take center stage in this salad. Their crisp texture and revitalizing taste make them a perfect ingredient for warm weather. When served chilled, cucumbers become even more delightful, particularly when coated in a savory sesame-soy sauce. In Chinese cuisine, cucumber salad is a favored cold dish, often relished as a side with various meals. The addition of avocado provides a creamy, buttery contrast to the crunchiness of the cucumbers, creating an ideal balance of textures.
## Reasons to Prepare a Cucumber Salad
This salad is quick and simple to prepare, making it an excellent option for those moments when you’re hungry yet prefer not to cook. The mix of crispy cucumbers and creamy avocados yields a fulfilling dish that is both light and hearty. It’s a fantastic choice for summer get-togethers or as a refreshing side dish.
## Components for the Ideal Cucumber Avocado Salad
### Cucumbers
For this salad, long English or Persian cucumbers are recommended. These types have thin skins, are nearly seedless, and are crisp rather than watery. While smashing cucumbers is a common technique in Chinese salads to create more surface area for dressing, slicing them can also be visually appealing.
### Avocados
Selecting avocados can be challenging, but they are worth the effort. Opting for unripe avocados and allowing them to ripen at home can yield better results. A perfectly ripe avocado should give slightly to gentle pressure and showcase a bright green hue beneath the stem.
### Soy Sauce
Choose naturally brewed soy sauce for its rich flavor. Light soy sauce is perfect for this salad, enhancing the overall taste without overwhelming the other ingredients.
### Chinese Black Vinegar
This vinegar contributes a distinct depth of flavor, with fruity and malty undertones. If unavailable, rice vinegar can serve as a substitute, though the flavor will vary slightly.
### Toasted Sesame Oil
This oil imparts a nutty aroma and flavor that enhances the dish. It’s best utilized as a finishing oil rather than for cooking.
### Aromatics
Garlic, red onion, and cilantro provide depth and freshness to the salad. The earthiness of garlic and the sharpness of red onion harmonize beautifully with the cucumbers.
## How to Select the Perfect Avocado
1. **Buy Unripe:** Opt for firm, green avocados to sidestep bruising.
2. **Let Ripen:** Allow them to ripen on the countertop, checking for slight softness.
3. **Check Ripeness:** Flick off the stem; if it’s green underneath, the avocado is ready.
## How to Safely Cut and Peel an Avocado
To prevent injury, always cut avocados on a stable surface. Cut lengthwise around the pit, twist to separate the halves, and carefully remove the pit with a knife or by slicing the avocado into quarters.
## Recipe: Chinese Cucumber Avocado Salad
### Ingredients
– 1 clove garlic, minced
– 2 tsp black Chinese vinegar (or rice vinegar)
– 2 tsp soy sauce
– 1 tsp toasted sesame oil
– 1 tsp chili oil (optional)
– 1 avocado, sliced
– 1/2 English cucumber, sliced
– 2 tbsp red onion, thinly sliced or finely diced
– Fresh cilantro, chopped
– Toasted sesame seeds
### Instructions
1. In a small bowl, whisk together the garlic, vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, and chili oil. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt if needed.
2. Prep the vegetables: pit, peel, and slice the avocado; cut the cucumber; slice the red onion; and chop the cilantro.
3. Toss the cucumbers, avocado, red onion, and cilantro in a bowl with the dressing. Finish with toasted sesame seeds and enjoy!
### Nutrition Facts (per serving)
– Calories: 270
– Fat: 24.3g
– Carbohydrates: 13.6g
– Protein: 3g
This smashed cucumber avocado salad is a delightful addition to your summer meals, offering a refreshing taste and a satisfying crunch. Enjoy it as a standalone dish or as a side to your favorite summer recipes!
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