Timun Sambal (Smashed Cucumber Salad with Sambal)
Crisp smashed cucumber with a hot, tangy sambal dressing, shallots and herbs, a refreshing side for rich food.
Made with Sambal oelek (chilli sambal) and Basic vinaigrette. Make a batch of the base first, then this takes minutes. Skip to the method
- Time10 min
- LevelEasy
- Costabout £0.78 a head
Cost is worked out from Aldi and Tesco shelf prices in October 2026. Your shop and brands will differ.
Ingredients
Tick what you need to buy. It goes on your shopping list.
Method
- 1
Cut the cucumbers in half lengthways and scoop out the watery seeds with a teaspoon if they are large. Lay them on a board.
- 2
Smash each half with the flat of a knife or a rolling pin until it cracks, then tear or cut into bite sized pieces.
- 3
Toss the cucumber with the salt in a colander and leave for 10 minutes to draw out the water. Pat dry.
10 min - 4
In a large bowl, whisk your ready made sambal oelek (see the base recipe) with your ready made basic vinaigrette (see the base recipe).
- 5
Add the cucumber, shallot, mint and coriander and toss well.
- 6
Top with sesame seeds and serve straight away.
Tips
- Smashing makes rough surfaces that grab the dressing much better than neat slices.
- Salting draws out water so the salad stays crunchy and does not go watery on the plate.
- Serve straight away. After 30 minutes the cucumber loses its crunch.
Storing and freezing
Best eaten within an hour. Leftovers keep 1 day in the fridge in a covered container, but lose crunch and release water. Drain before serving.
Questions
What does it go with?
It is a classic cooling side for fried chicken, satay, grilled fish, rendang and rice dishes. It also works in a packed lunch bowl.
Is it vegan and low carb?
Yes. It has no animal products, flour, rice or added sugar, so it is vegan, gluten free, dairy free, egg free and nut free, and low carb. Check the vinaigrette for mustard if you avoid gluten.
Can I use a different cucumber?
Yes. Mini or Lebanese cucumbers are less watery and need no seeding. Salt them for 5 minutes only.
More made with sambal oelek (chilli sambal)
Double check before you cook. Recipes can contain mistakes. Any diet labels come from the ingredients as written in this recipe and are a guide, not a guarantee. Always check every ingredient and the packet label for allergens and cross contamination, and ask your doctor or dietitian what is right for you, especially with coeliac disease, diabetes or a serious allergy. This is not medical advice.