Smashed Cucumber Salad – With Feta and Dill

If you’re looking for a refreshing and simple dish that brightens up any meal, look no further than this Smashed Cucumber Salad – With Feta and Dill. This salad is a personal favorite of mine because it’s so versatile and bursting with flavor. In just 10 minutes, you can whip up a light and satisfying salad that pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or fish, makes a fantastic side for family gatherings, or even stands alone as a quick lunch. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to keep this recipe in your rotation!

This salad’s delightful crunch and zesty dressing create a perfect harmony of textures and flavors. Plus, with the addition of creamy avocado and tangy feta, it’s hard not to fall in love at first bite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: This salad comes together in just 10 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Fresh Flavors: The combination of cucumber, dill, and feta creates a refreshing taste that’s hard to resist.
• Family-Friendly: Kids love the crunchy cucumbers and creamy avocado, making it great for the whole family.
• Versatile Dish: Serve it as a side or enjoy it on its own; it’s delicious in any setting.
• Healthy Ingredients: Packed with nutritious elements like cucumbers and healthy fats from avocado.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this Smashed Cucumber Salad – With Feta and Dill, you’ll need some simple and wholesome ingredients. Most of these you might already have at home! 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 Smashed Cucumber Salad – With Feta and Dill is how flexible it is! Feel free to mix it up based on your preferences or what you have on hand.

• Add Different Herbs: Experiment with basil or parsley for a unique twist on flavors.
• Include Other Veggies: Toss in cherry tomatoes or radishes for an extra crunch.
• Change the Nuts: If you’re not a fan of pistachios, try walnuts or almonds instead.
• Make It Vegan: Omit the feta cheese or use a plant-based alternative to keep it light.

How to Make Smashed Cucumber Salad – With Feta and Dill

Step 1: Prepare the Cucumbers

Start by washing and drying your cucumbers well. Then chop each one in half. Place them flat side down on your cutting board and use the flat side of your knife along with your hand to smash each cucumber lightly. This step not only breaks the skin but also allows all those delicious flavors to soak into the cucumber pieces.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients

Next, peel your avocado, chop it up, and add it to the bowl with your smashed cucumbers. Now it’s time to bring everything together! Add in the crumbled feta cheese, chopped pistachios, fresh dill, and chives into the same bowl. This mixture will create a wonderfully colorful salad that looks as good as it tastes.

Step 3: Make the Dressing

In a glass jar or small bowl, combine all of your dressing ingredients: olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Whisk everything together until it’s well combined. This dressing is what brings everything together—don’t skip this step!

Step 4: Dress the Salad

Finally, pour that lovely dressing over your salad mixture. Toss everything gently until well coated. I love adding an extra sprinkle of fresh herbs on top before serving for an added touch! Enjoy this delightful dish right away or let it chill for a bit to enhance those fresh flavors even more.

Now you’re all set! Gather around the table with family or friends to share this bright Smashed Cucumber Salad – With Feta and Dill—everyone will be asking for seconds!

Pro Tips for Making Smashed Cucumber Salad – With Feta and Dill

Making the perfect smashed cucumber salad is all about getting those flavors just right! Here are some tips to elevate your dish:

• Choose Fresh Cucumbers: Always opt for firm, fresh cucumbers. This ensures a crunchy texture in your salad and a burst of flavor.

• Smash with Care: Use the flat side of your knife and a gentle hand when smashing. This technique releases the juices without turning them into mush, keeping that lovely crunch.

• Let it Chill: After mixing the salad, let it sit in the refrigerator for about 10-15 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making each bite even more delicious!

• Customize Your Herbs: Feel free to swap or add herbs based on your preference. Fresh mint or parsley can bring new dimensions to the salad!

• Adjust Dressing to Taste: Everyone has different tastes, so feel free to tweak the dressing ingredients! Whether you prefer more lemon juice or a touch more honey, adjusting it can make this salad truly your own.

How to Serve Smashed Cucumber Salad – With Feta and Dill

Presenting your smashed cucumber salad can be as fun as making it! Here are some creative ideas to make it shine at your next gathering or casual meal.

Garnishes

• Chopped Fresh Herbs: A sprinkle of additional fresh dill or chives on top adds a pop of color and enhances the herbaceous notes.
• Crushed Nuts: A few crushed pistachios sprinkled over not only looks appealing but also adds an extra crunch!
• Sliced Radishes: Thinly sliced radishes can provide a beautiful contrast in color and an extra kick of flavor.

Side Dishes

• Grilled Chicken Skewers: Marinated chicken skewers grilled to perfection make a protein-packed complement that pairs wonderfully with the freshness of the salad.
• Quinoa Pilaf: A fluffy quinoa pilaf infused with herbs and lemon zest offers a hearty side that balances out the lightness of the cucumber salad.
• Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, and carrots add warm flavors that beautifully contrast with the coolness of the salad.
• Pita Bread with Hummus: Serve warm pita bread alongside creamy hummus for a delightful spread that guests can enjoy while digging into their salad.

With these serving ideas and pro tips, you’re all set to impress family and friends with your delicious smashed cucumber salad – enjoy every bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Smashed Cucumber Salad – With Feta and Dill is perfect for meal prep! You can make it ahead of time, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. Here’s how to store it properly:

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• It’s best enjoyed within 2-3 days for optimal freshness.
• If your salad contains avocado, consider adding it just before serving to prevent browning.

Freezing

• Unfortunately, I do not recommend freezing this salad as the texture of cucumbers and other fresh ingredients may suffer.
• Instead, prepare smaller portions if you want to enjoy it over several days.

Reheating

• This salad is served cold and does not require reheating.
• Just give it a gentle toss before serving to refresh the ingredients.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about the Smashed Cucumber Salad – With Feta and Dill.

Can I make the Smashed Cucumber Salad – With Feta and Dill ahead of time?

Absolutely! This salad can be prepared a few hours in advance. Just keep it refrigerated until you’re ready to serve.

What can I substitute for feta cheese in the Smashed Cucumber Salad – With Feta and Dill?

If you’re looking for a non-dairy alternative, try using crumbled tofu or a nut-based cheese. Both will offer a similar creamy texture without dairy.

How long does Smashed Cucumber Salad – With Feta and Dill last in the fridge?

When stored properly in an airtight container, this salad will stay fresh for about 2-3 days. Just remember to add avocado just before serving!

Can I add other veggies to the Smashed Cucumber Salad – With Feta and Dill?

Certainly! Feel free to mix in bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, or radishes for extra crunch and flavor!

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited about making this Smashed Cucumber Salad – With Feta and Dill as I am! It’s such a delightful dish that’s not only refreshing but also incredibly easy to whip up. Whether you’re enjoying it as a side or making it part of a light lunch, I’m sure you’ll love every bite. Don’t hesitate to get creative with your toppings or variations—this recipe is versatile enough to accommodate your taste! Enjoy your cooking adventure!