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This is one of those recipes that came about purely out of necessity, and a bit of lunchbox panic!

I was rushing around one morning, trying to pack something for my kids lunch box, and I opened my fridge to find leftover pasta from the night before and a cucumber that needed using up. I thought, why not smash the cucumber the way we do for Chinese smashed cucumber salads, toss it with the pasta, and make a quick Asian-style dressing?

Five minutes later, I had this refreshing, flavourful pasta salad that honestly tasted better than anything I could’ve grabbed from a shop.

The smashed cucumber releases all its juices and soaks up the tangy, slightly spicy dressing beautifully, while the pasta makes it filling enough for a proper meal.

It’s now my go-to for busy mornings when I need to prepare something quick, light, and satisfying; and it tastes even better after sitting in the lunchbox for a few hours, as all the flavours really come together.

Perfect for those back-to-school days or when you just want something fresh and easy!

Asian Cucumber Pasta Salad Lunch Box

Light, refreshing, and full of flavour, this Asian Cucumber Pasta Salad is perfect for lunchboxes or a quick, no-fuss meal. Crisp smashed cucumber, al dente pasta, and a savoury, slightly spicy dressing come together with fresh coriander and sesame for an easy Asian-inspired dish.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 15

Servings: 1 person

Course: Lunch, Salad

Cuisine: Chinese, Fusion

Ingredients Method Video Notes

Ingredients

For the salad:

1 piece medium cucumber
200 g cooked pasta
1 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp black vinegar
1 clove garlic minced
1 tsp sesame seeds plus extra for garnish
½ tsp chilli adjust to taste
½ tsp sugar
1 Pinch of salt
1 handful fresh coriander chopped

For the lunch box sides:

1 piece banana sliced
1 handful strawberries
1 handful Hello Kitty cookies
1 handful popcorn

Method

Step 1: Prepare the cucumber

Lightly smash the cucumber, then cut it into bite-sized pieces.

Step 2: Make the dressing

In a bowl, combine the soy sauce, black vinegar, minced garlic, sesame seeds, chilli, sugar, and salt. Mix well.

Step 3: Toss the salad

Add the smashed cucumber and cooked pasta to the dressing. Stir until evenly coated, then gently mix in the fresh coriander.

Step 4: Pack the lunch box

Transfer the salad to a container and garnish with extra sesame seeds. Add the banana, strawberries, Hello Kitty cookies, and popcorn to complete the lunch box.