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. Smashing the cucumbers creates craggy surfaces that help seasonings cling. It also 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.