Thai-Inspired Smashed Cucumber Salad

Smash your cucumbers! This punchy salad is inspired by ajat, a Thai relish of sweet and sour cucumbers often paired with satay. It combines smashed cukes with a simple dressing made from white vinegar, fish sauce, sugar and a splash of neutral cooking oil. It also has fresh shallot and jalapeño for some bite, with cilantro and crushed peanuts adding freshness and crunch, respectively.

Smashing the cucumbers creates craggy surfaces that help seasonings cling. (Plus, it loosens the seeds so they’re easy to remove, eliminating wateriness.) Salting the cucumbers draws out even more moisture, so the other flavors stay sharp and bright. This refreshing pickle-like salad pairs well with grilled meats, poultry or seafood.