Refreshing Smashed Cucumber Salad – With Feta & Dill!
This trendy smashed cucumber salad – with feta and dill is such a delightful dish that comes together in just 10 minutes! If you’re looking for a light, fresh, and oh-so-tasty addition to your meals, you’ve found it. The combination of crunchy cucumbers, creamy avocado, and tangy feta creates an explosion of flavors that’s simply irresistible. Plus, this salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, fish, or even as a standalone snack!
Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue, preparing a picnic lunch, or just want something quick and healthy for dinner, this smashed cucumber salad is the perfect choice. It’s vibrant, refreshing, and sure to impress your family and friends!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
– Quick to prepare: You can whip this salad up in just 10 minutes!
– Refreshing flavor: The combination of cucumbers and fresh herbs makes every bite a joy.
– Versatile pairing: Great as a side dish or a light meal on its own.
– Healthy ingredients: Packed with wholesome veggies and healthy fats that nourish your body.
– Beautiful presentation: The colors from the ingredients make it as pleasing to the eyes as it is to the palate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering fresh ingredients is key to making this smashed cucumber salad truly shine. Here’s what you’ll need:
For the Salad
– 4 Persian cucumbers or 1 English cucumber
– 1 medium ripe avocado
– 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped pistachios
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh dill
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh chives
For the Dressing
– 2-3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
– 2 teaspoons honey
– 2 cloves garlic – peeled and minced
– Salt and pepper – to taste
Variations
One of the best things about this recipe is its flexibility! Feel free to mix things up based on what you have on hand or personal preferences:
– Swap the nuts: Try using sunflower seeds or walnuts instead of pistachios for a different crunch.
– Add more veggies: Toss in some cherry tomatoes or radishes for added color and flavor.
– Change the cheese: Feta can be substituted with goat cheese or even vegan cheese for a dairy-free option.
– Boost the protein: Add chickpeas or grilled chicken to make it a heartier meal.
How to Make Smashed Cucumber Salad – With Feta and Dill
Step 1: Prepare the Cucumbers
Wash and dry the cucumbers well. Chop each cucumber in half before placing each half onto your cutting board. Use the flat side of your knife (carefully!) along with your hand to smash each piece gently. Then chop them into approximately one-inch pieces and transfer them into a medium-sized bowl. This smashing technique helps release juices from the cucumbers while enhancing their texture.
Step 2: Add Avocado
Peel the avocado and chop it into bite-sized pieces before adding it to the bowl with your smashed cucumbers. The creamy texture of avocado complements the crunchiness of the cucumbers perfectly while adding richness to the salad.
Step 3: Combine Remaining Ingredients
Now it’s time to add all of your remaining salad ingredients—crumbled feta cheese, chopped pistachios, fresh dill, and chives—into that same bowl. Each ingredient adds unique flavors that brighten up the salad.
Step 4: Make the Dressing
In a separate glass jar or bowl, combine all of your dressing ingredients—extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Whisk them together until well emulsified. This dressing will bring everything together beautifully.
Step 5: Dress the Salad
Pour that delicious dressing over your salad mixture and give everything a gentle toss until evenly coated. For an extra touch, I like to sprinkle more fresh herbs on top before serving! Enjoy every bite of this refreshing smashed cucumber salad – with feta and dill!
Pro Tips for Making Smashed Cucumber Salad – With Feta and Dill
Making a smashed cucumber salad is not only quick but also incredibly rewarding. With a few simple tips, you can elevate this dish to perfection and impress your family and friends. Here are some pro tips to guide you:
– Choose the right cucumbers: Persian or English cucumbers are ideal for this salad because they are less watery and have fewer seeds, providing a crunchier texture.
– Mash gently: When smashing the cucumbers, you don’t need to pulverize them. A gentle smash will create the perfect texture while keeping some of their shape intact.
– Fresh herbs matter: Using fresh dill and chives makes a significant difference in flavor. If possible, try to use freshly chopped herbs instead of dried ones for that vibrant taste.
– Taste as you go: Adjusting seasoning is key. After mixing in the dressing, taste your salad and add more salt or pepper as needed to suit your preference.
– Let it chill: For the best flavor, let your salad sit in the refrigerator for about 10 minutes before serving. This allows all the flavors to meld together beautifully.
How to Serve Smashed Cucumber Salad – With Feta and Dill
Serving your smashed cucumber salad can be just as fun as making it! The vibrant colors and fresh ingredients make it a beautiful addition to any table. Here are some ideas on how to present this delightful dish:
Garnishes
– Fresh herbs: A sprinkle of additional dill or chives on top enhances both flavor and appearance.
– Lemon zest: A bit of lemon zest adds brightness and a refreshing aroma.
Side Dishes
– Grilled chicken skewers: These are a great protein option that complements the lightness of the salad.
– Quinoa pilaf: A nutty quinoa pilaf pairs perfectly with the freshness of the cucumbers.
– Pita bread: Serve with warm pita for scooping up the salad or just enjoying on the side.
Make Ahead and Storage
Preparing meals ahead of time can save you precious minutes during busy days, and this smashed cucumber salad is perfect for that! Here’s how to keep it fresh:
Storing Leftovers
– Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The flavors will deepen over time, but be mindful that cucumbers may lose some crunch.
Freezing
– Freezing is not recommended for this salad due to its high water content which can result in a mushy texture once thawed.
Reheating
– There’s no need to reheat this salad; serve it cold straight from the fridge for optimal freshness.
FAQs
If you have questions about making smashed cucumber salad, you’re not alone! Here are some common queries:
Can I use other types of cheese?
Yes! If you’re looking for alternatives, consider using goat cheese or vegan feta for a different flavor profile without compromising on taste.
Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator. Just remember that it’s best enjoyed fresh within a couple of days.
Can I add other vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to get creative by adding bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, or radishes for extra color and crunch.
Final Thoughts
Smashed cucumber salad with feta and dill is not only quick to prepare but also a showstopper at any gathering. Its refreshing flavors are sure to delight your palate, making it perfect for summer picnics or light dinners. I invite you to give this recipe a try—it’s simple yet so satisfying! Enjoy every bite!
Smashed Cucumber Salad with Feta and Dill
Ingredients
Method
- Wash and dry the cucumbers well. Chop each cucumber in half and smash each piece gently before chopping into one-inch pieces. Transfer to a medium-sized bowl.
- Peel the avocado and chop it into bite-sized pieces before adding it to the bowl with the smashed cucumbers.
- Add crumbled feta cheese, chopped pistachios, fresh dill, and chives into the bowl and mix well.
- In a separate jar, combine olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Whisk until emulsified.
- Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and toss gently until evenly coated. Optionally, sprinkle more fresh herbs on top before serving.
