This refreshing Spicy Smacked Cucumber Salad with Honey House Honey is the perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and crunchy! Ready in just 10 minutes, this Asian-inspired side dish transforms simple cucumbers into an addictive, flavor-packed salad that'll have you coming back for more.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• Lightning fast - Ready in just 10 minutes with minimal prep work
• Perfect balance - Sweet honey complements the spicy chili oil beautifully
• Incredibly crunchy - The "smacking" technique creates the perfect texture
• Make-ahead friendly - Tastes even better after marinating for a few hours
• Versatile side dish - Pairs with everything from grilled meats to rice bowls
• Healthy and refreshing - Packed with fiber and perfect for hot summer days

Ingredients

For the Cucumbers

• 6 mini cucumbers (or Persian cucumbers)
• ½ teaspoon salt for draining

For the Honey Dressing

• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1½ tablespoons sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon Honey House Clover Honey
• ½ tablespoon sesame seeds
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon chili oil (or red pepper flakes)

Equipment

• Sharp knife
• Cutting board
• Large mixing bowl
• Fine mesh strainer

Pro Tips

1. Use the freshest cucumbers: Choose cucumbers that are vibrant green and firm to the touch for the best crunch and flavor.
2. Don't skip the smacking: This technique breaks down the cucumber fibers, allowing the honey dressing to penetrate deeper for maximum flavor.
3. Salt is essential: The salting process draws out excess water, making the cucumbers crunchier and preventing a watery salad.
4. Rinse thoroughly: Make sure to rinse off all the salt after draining, or your salad will be too salty.
5. Strain well: Remove as much water as possible after rinsing to keep the honey dressing from getting diluted.

Instructions

1. Slice the ends off the mini cucumbers. Using the flat side of your knife, smash each cucumber a few times until they're flattened and broken down the center.
2. Cut the smashed cucumbers on an angle into 2-inch thick diagonal pieces.
3. Transfer the cucumber pieces to a large bowl. Add salt and massage it into the cucumbers with your hands. Let sit for 5-10 minutes to draw out excess moisture.
4. Rinse the cucumbers under cold running water to remove all salt. Drain thoroughly in a fine mesh strainer, pressing gently to remove excess water.
5. In the same bowl, whisk together soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, Honey House Honey, sesame seeds, minced garlic, and chili oil.
6. Add the drained cucumbers to the honey dressing and toss until well coated. Serve immediately or chill for 30 minutes for even better flavor.

Storage Tips

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days
• Best enjoyed the same day, as cucumbers will release more liquid over time
• Serve chilled for the most refreshing experience
• Not recommended for freezing as cucumbers will become mushy

Recipe Notes

This Spicy Smacked Cucumber Salad perfectly showcases how our pure, raw American honey can elevate simple ingredients into something extraordinary. The natural sweetness of Honey House Honey balances the heat from the chili oil while enhancing the savory soy sauce base. Unlike refined sugar, our honey adds depth and complexity to the dressing, creating layers of flavor that develop as the salad marinates.

The "smacking" technique is traditional in Chinese cuisine and creates the perfect texture for maximum flavor absorption. When combined with our premium honey, each bite delivers a satisfying crunch followed by a burst of sweet, spicy, and umami flavors that dance on your palate.

Perfect Pairings

This versatile salad pairs beautifully with:

• Grilled chicken, beef, or pork
• Asian-style rice bowls and fried rice
• Ramen or noodle soups
• BBQ dishes and summer cookouts
• Light lagers or crisp white wines

Variation Ideas

While the classic sweet and spicy combination is divine, feel free to get creative with these alternative flavor profiles:

Honey House Recommendations

• Extra heat lovers: Try our Hot Honey instead of regular honey for double the spice
• Milder option: Use extra Honey House Honey and reduce or omit the chili oil for a sweet and tangy version
• Gourmet twist: Drizzle with additional Honey House Honey just before serving for extra sweetness

Other Great Options

• Add thinly sliced green onions for extra freshness
• Include julienned carrots for more color and crunch
• Mix in fresh herbs like cilantro or mint
• Add crushed peanuts for extra texture
• Try with English cucumber for a different texture
• Include a pinch of Chinese five-spice for complexity