Smashed Cucumber Toast with Artichoke Edamame Spread takes your average piece of toast someplace unexpected: a vibrant, zingy, plant-packed brunch or lunch that you’ll find yourself craving long after the last bite. Creamy, herbaceous edamame and artichoke meld together as a lush spread, while the crisp cucumbers get a punch of flavor from lemon, garlic, and Castelvetrano olives. The result? A riot of colors and textures atop hearty sourdough that feels just as special on a sunny Saturday as it does powering up a weekday. If you love recipes where each bite bursts with freshness and personality, this is the one to try!

Smashed Cucumber Toast with Artichoke Edamame Spread Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Don’t be fooled by the beautiful look of this Smashed Cucumber Toast with Artichoke Edamame Spread — the ingredient list is simple, accessible, and each item plays a starring role in taste, texture, or color. Here’s what makes this dish so delicious:

Persian cucumbers: These little guys are ultra-crunchy and have thin skins, perfect for smashing and soaking up bold flavors.
Kosher salt: Works wonders to season the cucumbers and coax out their natural juices, enhancing their crunch.
Garlic (grated): Adds a big, bright punch of flavor both in the cucumber and the spread — don’t skip it!
Lemon (juice and zest): Provides acidity and aromatics that bring every ingredient to life.
Red pepper flakes (optional): For a hint of gentle, warming heat that wakes up your palate.
Scallion: Gives a fresh, oniony crunch that balances the richness of the spread.
Castelvetrano olives: These mild, buttery olives add briny depth to both the cucumbers and the spread.
Extra virgin olive oil: Delivers richness and brings all the components together seamlessly.
Frozen edamame: A protein-rich base for the artichoke spread — thaw or cook them simply.
Marinated artichoke hearts (plus marinade): Tangy, tender, and herb-infused, these brighten the spread while their marinade helps blitz everything silky-smooth.
Fresh parsley & basil: These herbs are essential for a pop of green and fresh garden flavor.
Sourdough bread: Choose thick, hearty slices to hold up all that lush topping.
Flaky sea salt (optional): A finishing sprinkle for crave-able texture and flavor.

How to Make Smashed Cucumber Toast with Artichoke Edamame Spread

Step 1: Smash the Cucumbers

Start by halving your Persian cucumbers lengthwise, then lay them flat, cut-side down, on your cutting board. Place the flat of a chef’s knife or the side of your blade over each half, and use your hand to give it a firm smack. This cracks the cucumbers, which encourages their nooks and crannies to soak up all the lemony, garlicky dressing. Then, roughly chop the smashed cucumbers into chunky, bite-sized pieces on a bias — it looks gorgeous and gives great texture.

Step 2: Salt and Rest the Cucumbers

Gather your smashed cucumber bits into a mixing bowl, toss them with a generous pinch of kosher salt, and let them hang out for at least 10 minutes. The salt does two things: it draws out excess water so your toast doesn’t get soggy, and seasons the cucumber’s interior for extra flavor. Use this time to prep your Artichoke Edamame Spread — multitasking at its tastiest!

Step 3: Make the Artichoke Edamame Spread

Add your thawed or cooked edamame, marinated artichoke hearts, three tablespoons of the artichoke marinade, Castelvetrano olives, scallion, grated garlic, lemon juice and zest, parsley, basil, olive oil, and a half teaspoon of kosher salt into a food processor. Blitz everything together, scraping down the sides as needed, until smooth and creamy. If the mixture’s too thick, drizzle in a bit more oil or extra artichoke marinade and blend again. You want it lush, scoopable, and oh-so-spreadable!

Step 4: Finish the Smashed Cucumbers

After the cucumbers have had their salty spa moment, pour off and discard any liquid that’s collected at the bottom of the bowl. Add the grated garlic, lemon juice and zest, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes (if you like a little heat), thinly-sliced scallion, chopped olives, and a slick of olive oil. Toss gently to combine so every chunk gets coated in that vibrant dressing. Taste and tweak the salt — this step is all about your preferences!

Step 5: Toast and Assemble

Toast your slices of sourdough until they’re gorgeously golden and crisp. Smear each slice with a generous layer of your vibrant Artichoke Edamame Spread. Pile on a generous helping of the dressed smashed cucumbers, then finish with extra parsley and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt if you’d like. You’ve built the ultimate Smashed Cucumber Toast with Artichoke Edamame Spread — dig in!

How to Serve Smashed Cucumber Toast with Artichoke Edamame Spread

Garnishes

To really make this Smashed Cucumber Toast with Artichoke Edamame Spread feel special, top with plenty of fresh parsley, a scatter of torn basil leaves, and a little extra lemon zest on top. A light dusting of flaky sea salt adds irresistible pops of flavor — and if you like a bit of heat, an extra sprinkle of red pepper flakes won’t hurt.

Side Dishes

Round out your brunch or light lunch by pairing this toast with a crisp green salad dressed simply with lemon and olive oil, a cup of chilled soup like gazpacho, or even a little bowl of fresh fruit. The toasts also make a lovely, hearty addition to a bigger spread of small plates for a group get-together.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re feeding a crowd, make mini versions by cutting sourdough into bite-size crostini before toasting. For brunch tables, arrange the slices on a large platter, generously topped with cucumbers and herbs for a colorful, inviting centerpiece. Or try serving the Artichoke Edamame Spread as a dip with the smashed cucumbers alongside crackers or pita chips for a fun, deconstructed option.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers (lucky you!), store the smashed cucumbers and Artichoke Edamame Spread separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The cucumbers will keep well for about 1-2 days before they start to lose their crunch. The spread keeps even better, holding up for up to 4 days — just give it a good stir each time you use it.

Freezing

The Artichoke Edamame Spread freezes surprisingly well! Spoon it into a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. Let it thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then stir vigorously before spreading. The cucumbers won’t freeze well due to their high water content, so make those fresh each time for best crunch and flavor.

Reheating

Since everything here is served cold or at room temperature, no reheating is necessary. If you want your toast warm, crisp the bread again in the toaster or oven for a few minutes before assembling with the chilled components. It adds a fresh-from-the-oven feeling that’s irresistible.

FAQs

Can I make Smashed Cucumber Toast with Artichoke Edamame Spread gluten-free?

Absolutely! Just use your favorite gluten-free bread and follow the rest of the recipe as written. Everything else (the cucumbers and spread) is naturally gluten-free.

What if I don’t have a food processor?

You can make the spread in a high-powered blender, adding the wet ingredients first and scraping down as needed. For a chunkier version, mash the edamame and artichokes together with a fork or potato masher, then stir in the rest of the ingredients.

What’s a good substitute for Castelvetrano olives?

If you can’t find Castelvetrano olives, substitute with another mild, buttery green olive, or even use regular green olives (just rinse well if very briny). Kalamata olives give a different, more robust flavor but work in a pinch.

Can I use another bread besides sourdough?

Definitely! Any hearty, crusty bread works beautifully with Smashed Cucumber Toast with Artichoke Edamame Spread. Try whole wheat, rye, rustic baguette, or whatever sturdy loaf you love most.

How far in advance can I make the components?

You can prep the Artichoke Edamame Spread up to four days ahead, and the smashed cucumber salad a day in advance. Toast the bread just before serving to keep it crisp and fresh.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving something fresh, colorful, and out of the ordinary, make Smashed Cucumber Toast with Artichoke Edamame Spread your next kitchen adventure. It’s a dish that truly rewards you for a little extra prep — and I promise, the flavor payoff is huge! Go ahead and treat yourself (and maybe a few lucky friends) to this cheerful, veggie-packed toast as soon as possible.