Smashed Cucumber Salad – With Feta and Dill

If you’re looking for a refreshing and quick dish to brighten up your meal, then you’ve come to the right place! This Smashed Cucumber Salad – With Feta and Dill is one of my all-time favorite recipes. It’s light, fresh, and packed with flavor, making it perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings. Plus, it only takes about 10 minutes to whip up! You can serve it as a side dish or even enjoy it on its own for a satisfying snack.

What makes this salad truly special is how versatile it is. The crunchy cucumbers paired with creamy avocado and tangy feta create a delightful texture and taste that everyone will love. Whether you’re having friends over or just need a quick meal, this salad is sure to impress!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Prep: You can have this salad ready in just 10 minutes—perfect for those busy days!
• Flavorful Combination: The mix of cucumbers, feta, and fresh herbs creates a vibrant taste explosion.
• Healthy & Wholesome: Packed with nutritious ingredients, this salad is a guilt-free addition to any meal.
• Versatile Side Dish: It pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, sandwiches, or even on its own as a light lunch.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare it in advance for potlucks or picnics without losing freshness!

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients that are easy to find at your local grocery store. Here’s what you’ll need for the Smashed Cucumber Salad – With Feta and Dill:

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 its flexibility! Feel free to get creative with the ingredients based on what you have on hand.

• Add More Veggies: Toss in some cherry tomatoes or bell peppers for added color and crunch.
• Change Up the Cheese: If feta isn’t your favorite, try using goat cheese or a vegan cheese alternative for a different flavor profile.
• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you enjoy a bit of heat in your salads!
• Make It Vegan: Simply omit the feta cheese or replace it with your favorite plant-based cheese.

How to Make Smashed Cucumber Salad – With Feta and Dill

Step 1: Smash the Cucumbers

Start by washing and drying your cucumbers thoroughly. Then chop each one in half. Place each half onto a cutting board and gently smash them using the flat side of your knife along with your hand. This technique breaks down the cucumbers slightly, allowing them to soak up all that delicious dressing! Once smashed, chop them into 1-inch pieces and place them in a medium-sized bowl.

Step 2: Add Avocado

Next, peel your ripe avocado and chop it into bite-sized pieces before adding it to the bowl with the smashed cucumbers. The creaminess of the avocado beautifully complements the crunchiness of the cucumbers while adding richness to the salad.

Step 3: Mix in Other Ingredients

Now it’s time to add all those wonderful ingredients! Toss in crumbled feta cheese, chopped pistachios, fresh dill, and chives into the bowl with cucumbers and avocado. These ingredients not only elevate flavor but also make each bite an exciting mix of textures.

Step 4: Prepare the Dressing

In a glass jar or bowl, combine extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Whisk everything together until emulsified—this dressing is what brings everything together!

Step 5: Combine & Serve

Pour the dressing over your salad mixture and toss gently until all ingredients are well-coated. Don’t forget to taste and adjust seasoning if necessary! I love adding an extra sprinkle of fresh herbs on top just before serving for an extra pop of flavor.

And there you have it—a delightful Smashed Cucumber Salad – With Feta and Dill that’s sure to become a staple in your home! Enjoy every bite!

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

This salad is as easy to prepare as it is delicious, and with a few pro tips, you can make it even better!

• Choose the right cucumbers: Persian cucumbers are ideal for this salad due to their thin skin and sweet flavor. If you can’t find them, an English cucumber works just as well!

• Smash gently but firmly: When smashing the cucumbers, aim for a firm press without completely pulverizing them. This helps retain some crunch while allowing the dressing to soak in beautifully.

• Fresh herbs are key: Using fresh dill and chives will elevate the flavor of your salad tremendously. Dried herbs just don’t have the same vibrant taste!

• Make it ahead of time: You can prepare the salad a few hours in advance! Just keep it covered in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve; the flavors will meld together wonderfully.

• Adjust seasoning to taste: Don’t hesitate to taste as you go! Everyone’s palate is different, so feel free to add more salt or pepper according to your preferences.

How to Serve Smashed Cucumber Salad – With Feta and Dill

Serving this smashed cucumber salad is all about presentation and pairing it with delightful accompaniments. Here are some fun ideas!

Garnishes

• Extra feta crumbles: A little extra crumbled feta on top not only looks appealing but also enhances that creamy flavor in every bite.

• Lemon zest: A sprinkle of fresh lemon zest adds a burst of citrus aroma and brightness that makes this salad even more refreshing.

Side Dishes

• Grilled Chicken Skewers: Marinated chicken kebabs grilled to perfection pair wonderfully with this salad, adding protein that complements its freshness.

• Quinoa Pilaf: A light quinoa pilaf with herbs and vegetables provides a wholesome side that balances out the textures and flavors of the cucumber salad.

• Roasted Vegetable Medley: Seasonal roasted vegetables bring warmth and earthiness to your meal, creating a lovely contrast with the coolness of the salad.

• Hummus with Pita Chips: Creamy hummus served with crispy pita chips makes for an excellent appetizer or side, providing another layer of flavor while keeping everything plant-based.

Enjoy your culinary journey with this Smashed Cucumber Salad – With Feta and Dill, whether it’s a quick lunch or a vibrant side at dinner!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Smashed Cucumber Salad is not only quick to prepare but also makes an excellent choice for meal prep! You can whip it up in advance, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.

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 you anticipate leftovers, consider keeping the dressing separate until serving to maintain the salad’s crunch.

Freezing

• Unfortunately, this salad does not freeze well due to its fresh ingredients.
• The cucumbers and avocado may become mushy upon thawing, so it’s best made fresh.

Reheating

• This salad is served cold and does not need reheating.
• Simply toss it again before serving if it has settled in the fridge.

FAQs

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

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

This salad can last for about 2-3 days when stored properly in an airtight container. To keep it fresh longer, store the dressing separately until you’re ready to serve.

Can I use other types of cucumbers for Smashed Cucumber Salad?

Yes! While Persian or English cucumbers work best, you can also use regular cucumbers. Just be sure to remove the seeds if they are large to maintain a good texture.

What can I serve with Smashed Cucumber Salad – With Feta and Dill?

This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, fish, or even as part of a mezze platter. It complements many dishes with its refreshing flavors!

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you enjoy making this delightful Smashed Cucumber Salad – With Feta and Dill as much as I do! It’s perfect for a quick lunch or as a vibrant side dish at dinner. The combination of creamy avocado, crunchy pistachios, and fresh herbs makes this salad so special. Don’t hesitate to try it out; I’m sure you’ll love every bite!