Let me tell you, there’s nothing quite like the crunch of these Smashed Cucumber Sesame Salad Cups on a warm summer day! Picture this: I’m at a backyard barbecue, the sun shining down, and I take a bite of these vibrant cucumber cups filled with a refreshing quinoa salad. The flavors burst in my mouth—crunchy cucumbers, nutty sesame, and a zing of ginger. Not only do they taste amazing, but they’re also packed with nutrients and super refreshing. I love how they’re light yet satisfying, making them the perfect dish for hot days or any gathering. Trust me, your friends and family will be asking for seconds!
Ingredients List
- 2 large cucumbers (washed and halved)
- 1 cup cooked quinoa (cooled)
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots (fresh)
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions (green parts only)
- 1/4 cup sesame seeds (toasted if desired)
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce (low sodium recommended)
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- Salt to taste
How to Prepare Smashed Cucumber Sesame Salad Cups
Get ready to whip up these delightful salad cups in no time! It’s all about fresh ingredients and simple steps that lead to a deliciously light dish. Here’s how to do it:
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First things first, grab those cucumbers and slice them in half lengthwise. You’ll want to scoop out the seeds with a spoon to create little cups for your salad. Make sure to keep them intact—they’re the star of the show!
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, shredded carrots, chopped green onions, and sesame seeds. This mixture is going to be bursting with texture and flavor!
- Now, let’s make that dressing! In another bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and grated ginger. Trust me, the aroma of this dressing is heavenly!
- Pour the dressing over the quinoa mixture and give it a good stir. You want everything to be coated evenly with that tangy goodness.
- Next, fill each cucumber half generously with the salad mixture, packing it in so it’s nice and full.
- Finally, sprinkle a little salt on top to enhance those lovely flavors, and serve them immediately. You’ll be amazed at how refreshing these are!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to prepare: You can whip up these salad cups in just 15 minutes!
- Healthy and refreshing: Packed with nutrients and perfect for warm weather.
- Vegan-friendly: A delightful option for everyone at the table!
- Perfect for summer gatherings: These colorful cups are a showstopper at any barbecue or picnic.
- Unique presentation: Serving salad in cucumber cups is not only fun but adds a creative twist to your meal.
Tips for Success
Alright, let’s make sure your Smashed Cucumber Sesame Salad Cups are absolutely perfection! Here are my top tips to help you achieve the best results:
- Choose the right cucumbers: Go for firm, fresh cucumbers without any soft spots. These will hold their shape better and give you that satisfying crunch.
- Quinoa magic: Make sure your quinoa is properly cooked and cooled before mixing. This not only helps with texture but also allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Season to taste: Don’t be shy about adjusting the salt and dressing! Start with less and gradually add more until it’s just right for your palate. Remember, everyone’s taste is different!
- Fresh herbs: If you’ve got them, sprinkle in some fresh herbs like cilantro or mint for an extra burst of flavor. It elevates the dish to a whole new level!
- Chill out: For an even more refreshing experience, consider chilling the filled cucumber cups in the fridge for about 10-15 minutes before serving. It’s a game changer!
- Assembly line: If you’re making these for a crowd, set up an assembly line! Prep all your ingredients first, then fill them up quickly. It’ll make the process smoother and more fun!
With these tips, you’ll be on your way to creating the most delicious and visually stunning salad cups that everyone will rave about!
Nutritional Information
Just a heads up—nutrition can vary based on the exact ingredients and brands you use, so these values are estimates. But here’s what you can expect per serving of my Smashed Cucumber Sesame Salad Cups:
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Protein: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Cholesterol: 0mg
These salad cups are not only delicious but also a great option for a nutritious snack or light meal. Enjoy knowing you’re treating your body well while indulging in something tasty!
FAQ Section
Got questions about these delightful Smashed Cucumber Sesame Salad Cups? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries and my trusty answers:
What can I substitute for quinoa?
If quinoa isn’t your thing or you’re looking for a change, you can totally swap it out for cooked rice, farro, or even bulgur. Just make sure whatever you choose is cooked and cooled before mixing it in!
How long do these salad cups last?
These beauties are best enjoyed fresh, but they can sit in the fridge for about 1-2 days. Just keep them in an airtight container to maintain that crispness. But trust me, they’ll be gone before you know it!
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the quinoa mixture and the cucumber cups separately a few hours ahead. Just fill the cucumber cups right before serving to keep everything fresh and crunchy!
If you have any other questions, feel free to ask! I love sharing tips and tricks to make your cooking experience even better.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Alright, let’s talk about how to store those delicious Smashed Cucumber Sesame Salad Cups so you can enjoy them later without losing any of that crunch or flavor! First off, if you have any leftovers (which is rare, but hey, it happens!), you’ll want to keep those cucumber cups in an airtight container in the fridge. They should stay fresh for about 1-2 days. Just remember, the longer they sit, the more the cucumbers will start to release moisture, so they’re best enjoyed within that timeframe.
If you’ve made the quinoa mixture but haven’t filled the cucumbers yet, you can store it separately in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just assemble the cups right before you’re ready to serve, and you’ll get that delightful crunch!
As for reheating, these salad cups are best served cold—so no reheating needed! Just take them out of the fridge, let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes if you like, and then dig in. Trust me, they’re just as refreshing the next day!
Serving Suggestions
Now that you’ve got your Smashed Cucumber Sesame Salad Cups ready to go, let’s talk about what to serve alongside them for a truly delightful meal experience! These salad cups are super versatile, so you can mix and match to your heart’s content.
- Grilled Skewers: Pair these refreshing cups with some grilled chicken or tofu skewers marinated in a tangy teriyaki sauce. The smoky flavor complements the crispness of the cucumbers perfectly!
- Rice Paper Rolls: Fresh rice paper rolls filled with veggies and shrimp or avocado make for a light and fun addition. You can dip them in a sweet chili sauce for a little extra kick!
- Asian Noodle Salad: A cold soba noodle salad tossed with sesame dressing, cucumbers, and carrots would harmonize beautifully. It adds another layer of texture and flavor to your spread.
- Chilled Green Tea: To wash it all down, serve some chilled green tea or a refreshing mint lemonade. Both drinks are light and will enhance the fresh flavors of the salad cups.
- Edamame: Steamed edamame sprinkled with sea salt makes a perfect finger food alongside. They’re packed with protein and add a nice touch of color!
Trust me, these pairings will elevate your meal and impress your guests! Enjoy experimenting and find your favorite combinations—you can’t go wrong!
For more healthy recipes, check out our blog for inspiration!
Print
Smashed Cucumber Sesame Salad Cups: 5 Refreshing Delights
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
A refreshing and crunchy salad served in cucumber cups.
Ingredients
- 2 large cucumbers
- 1 cup cooked quinoa
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 1/4 cup sesame seeds
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Cut cucumbers in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds.
- In a bowl, mix quinoa, carrots, green onions, and sesame seeds.
- In another bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and ginger.
- Pour the dressing over the quinoa mixture and stir well.
- Fill cucumber halves with the salad mixture.
- Sprinkle with salt and serve immediately.
Notes
- Use fresh cucumbers for best texture.
- Adjust the seasoning to your taste.
- Serve chilled for a refreshing dish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing and assembling
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Smashed Cucumber Sesame Salad Cups