
Chinese Smashed Cucumber Salad (拍黄瓜, Pāi Huángguā) is a refreshing and crunchy cold appetizer originating from northern China. It features cucumbers that are lightly smashed to create rough edges for better sauce absorption, then tossed with a vibrant dressing of garlic, vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, and often chili oil or fresh herbs.
This dish is very low in calories (roughly 50-80 per serving), primarily from the cucumbers and a small amount of oil. It's an excellent source of hydration, vitamin K, and antioxidants, with minimal carbs, fat, or protein.
| Calories | 45 kcal |
| Protein | 1.5 g |
| Carbs | 8 g |
| Fat | 1.5 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 4 g |
| Sodium | 480 mg |
| Vitamin C | 12 mg |
| Vitamin K | 25 mcg |
| Potassium | 280 mg |
| Vitamin A | 150 IU |
| Folate | 15 mcg |
| Manganese | 0.15 mg |
| Magnesium | 18 mg |
| Iron | 0.5 mg |
Per 1 cup (200 g) · estimated, varies by recipe