This recipe is inspired by pai huang gua, a dish that originated in the Sichuan region of China. While this salad has an Asian influence, its green hue is perfect for your Paddy’s Day table. And when it comes to the main ingredient, why should you smash the cucumbers instead of neatly slicing them? When you smash them up, you expose more surface area and create little nooks and crannies that the flavorful dressing can sneak into. Smashed Cucumber Salad If you don’t have Persian cucumbers (the small ones), you can use one larger English cucumber, ends trimmed, cut crosswise into three equal lengths (but it will be harder to smash). Serves 2 5 (3-ounce) Persian cucumbers 1/4 teaspoon salt 2 teaspoons rice vinegar 1 1/2 teaspoons low-sodium soy sauce 1/2 teaspoon toasted sesame oil 1/2 teaspoon sugar 1/2 teaspoon sesame seeds, toasted Place cucumbers in a bag and seal. Smash with a …