Smashed Cucumber Salad – With Feta and Dill

If you’re looking for a delightful and refreshing dish that can brighten up any meal, you’ve come to the right place! This Smashed Cucumber Salad – With Feta and Dill is truly a gem in my recipe collection. It’s incredibly light, fresh, and packed with flavor, making it perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings. Plus, it only takes 10 minutes to whip up—what’s not to love? The combination of creamy avocado, tangy feta, and crunchy pistachios adds both taste and texture that will make your taste buds dance with joy!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: You can prepare this salad in just 10 minutes, which makes it a go-to option for those busy days.
• Light and Refreshing: Perfect for warm weather or when you’re craving something fresh and vibrant.
• Family-Friendly: With its delightful flavors, this salad is sure to please both kids and adults alike.
• Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with wholesome ingredients like cucumbers, avocado, and herbs, it’s as good for you as it is tasty.
• Versatile Pairing: It goes beautifully with grilled meats, sandwiches, or even as a light standalone dish.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple, wholesome ingredients that come together beautifully in this salad. Don’t worry; you might already have most of these in your kitchen!

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

This Smashed Cucumber Salad – With Feta and Dill is quite flexible! Feel free to play around with the ingredients to suit your taste.

• Add more crunch: Toss in some toasted sunflower seeds or almonds for an extra crunch.
• Change the cheese: If you’re not a fan of feta, try using crumbled goat cheese or even a dairy-free alternative!
• Herb swap: Experiment with different herbs like parsley or mint for a unique twist on flavor.
• Spice it up: Add some red pepper flakes for a hint of heat if you enjoy a spicy kick.

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 each half onto a cutting board and use the flat side of your knife along with your hand to smash them gently. This step helps release their juices and makes them more flavorful! Once smashed, chop them into 1-inch pieces and transfer them into a medium-sized bowl.

Step 2: Add the Avocado

Next up is the avocado! Peel it, chop it into bite-sized pieces, and add it to the bowl with your smashed cucumbers. The creamy texture of avocado pairs perfectly with the crispness of the cucumbers—trust me on this one!

Step 3: Mix in Other Ingredients

Now add all the other salad ingredients—crumbled feta cheese, chopped pistachios, dill, and chives—into that same bowl. The fresh herbs will bring life to your salad while the feta adds a delicious tang.

Step 4: Whisk Up Your Dressing

In a glass jar or bowl, combine all of your dressing ingredients: olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Whisk well until everything is emulsified. This dressing ties all those wonderful flavors together!

Step 5: Combine Everything

Finally, pour that zesty dressing over your salad mix. Gently toss everything together until well combined. Serve immediately for maximum freshness—or let it chill in the fridge for about 30 minutes if you like your salads cool. I love adding an extra sprinkle of fresh herbs on top before serving!

Enjoy this Smashed Cucumber Salad – With Feta and Dill as a vibrant side dish or as a light main course on its own!

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

Creating the perfect smashed cucumber salad is a breeze with these handy tips!

• Choose the right cucumbers: Persian or English cucumbers have a thin skin and fewer seeds, making them perfect for smashing and adding a refreshing crunch to your salad.

• Smash gently but firmly: Applying just the right amount of pressure when smashing helps maintain some texture in the cucumbers, giving your salad that delightful contrast between crunchy and creamy.

• Use fresh herbs: Fresh dill and chives not only enhance the flavor but also brighten up the salad visually. Always opt for fresh over dried for the best taste.

• Let it chill: Allowing your salad to sit in the fridge for 10-15 minutes before serving can help meld the flavors together, making each bite even more delicious.

• Experiment with textures: Adding nuts like pistachios adds a crunchy element that balances the creaminess of the avocado and feta. Feel free to swap in your favorite nuts or seeds!

How to Serve Smashed Cucumber Salad – With Feta and Dill

This smashed cucumber salad is as versatile as it is delicious! Here are some delightful ways to present this dish at your next gathering or meal.

Garnishes

• Fresh herb sprigs: A few sprigs of dill or chives on top not only look beautiful but also reinforce those fresh flavors in every bite.
• Extra feta crumbles: Adding a sprinkle of feta on top just before serving makes the dish feel even more indulgent and appealing.
• Chili flakes: For those who enjoy a bit of spice, a dash of chili flakes can add an exciting kick that contrasts beautifully with the cool cucumbers.

Side Dishes

• Grilled Chicken Skewers: Juicy grilled chicken skewers seasoned with lemon and herbs make a protein-packed pairing with this refreshing salad.
• Quinoa Pilaf: A light quinoa pilaf mixed with colorful veggies provides a hearty side that complements the freshness of the cucumber salad perfectly.
• Roasted Vegetable Medley: A mix of seasonal roasted vegetables adds depth to your meal, creating a lovely balance alongside the cool, crisp salad.
• Hummus with Pita Chips: This creamy dip served with crispy pita chips offers a fun snack option that works wonderfully as an appetizer alongside your cucumber salad.

Enjoy bringing this vibrant Smashed Cucumber Salad – With Feta and Dill to life at your dining table! Whether you serve it as a side or make it the star of your meal, it’s sure to impress!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Smashed Cucumber Salad is not only quick to prepare but also perfect for meal prep! You can make it ahead of time and enjoy its refreshing flavors throughout the week.

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• The salad is best enjoyed within 2-3 days for optimal freshness.
• If separating the dressing, you can keep it in a separate jar to prevent the salad from becoming soggy.

Freezing

• It’s not recommended to freeze this salad due to the high water content in cucumbers and avocado, which can change their texture when thawed.
• Instead, prepare the individual components separately if you plan to store them long-term.

Reheating

• This salad is meant to be served cold, so there’s no need for reheating.
• Simply take it out of the fridge and enjoy it straight away or let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this delicious recipe:

Can I make Smashed Cucumber Salad – With Feta and Dill without feta cheese?

Absolutely! You can omit feta cheese or substitute it with a vegan alternative if you prefer. The salad will still maintain its delightful flavor profile!

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

When stored properly in an airtight container, this salad lasts about 2-3 days in the refrigerator. For best results, consume it fresh!

What variations can I try with this smashed cucumber salad?

Feel free to mix in other ingredients like cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, or even quinoa for added texture and flavor!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making this vibrant Smashed Cucumber Salad – With Feta and Dill! It’s a dish that embodies freshness and simplicity, perfect for any meal. Whether as a side dish or a light lunch, this salad is sure to become a favorite. Enjoy every bite, and don’t hesitate to share your own twist on this recipe! Happy cooking!