Smashed Cucumber Salad – With Feta and Dill

If you’re looking for a refreshing dish that’s quick to whip up, look no further! This Smashed Cucumber Salad – With Feta and Dill has become a beloved favorite in my kitchen. It’s not only vibrant and delicious but also incredibly easy to make. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a festive gathering, this salad fits right in. Its lightness and crunch pair beautifully with just about any meal, making it an instant hit with family and friends.

You’ll find that this salad is not just about flavor; it’s about enjoying food that feels good too! The combination of fresh ingredients creates a delightful harmony that you’ll want to savor again and again.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Super quick to prepare: With just 10 minutes needed, this recipe is perfect for those hectic days when time is short.
• Fresh and vibrant flavors: The combination of cucumbers, avocado, and herbs brings a burst of freshness that’s hard to resist.
• Family-friendly: Kids love the crunchy texture and mild flavors, making it an easy addition to any meal.
• Great for meal prep: Make this salad ahead of time for easy lunches or side dishes throughout the week.
• Versatile dish: It pairs well with grilled meats, sandwiches, or can be enjoyed on its own!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s take a look at the simple, wholesome ingredients that make up this delightful salad. You probably have most of these items in your pantry already!

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 wonderfully flexible. Feel free to mix things up based on what you have on hand or your personal taste!

• Add some crunch: Toss in some sunflower seeds or sliced almonds for an extra layer of texture.
• Make it spicy: Add diced jalapeño or red pepper flakes for a kick if you like some heat in your salad.
• Try different cheeses: Swap feta for goat cheese or a vegan cheese alternative for a different flavor profile.
• Mix in more veggies: Chopped bell peppers or cherry tomatoes can add additional color and nutrients.

How to Make Smashed Cucumber Salad – With Feta and Dill

Step 1: Prepare the Cucumbers

Start by washing and drying the cucumbers well. Cut each one in half. Place them on a cutting board and use the flat side of your knife along with your hand to smash each half down. This step is important because smashing releases their juices while creating fun textures in the salad! Now chop them into 1-inch pieces and place them into a medium-sized bowl.

Step 2: Add the Avocado

Peel your ripe avocado, chop it into bite-sized pieces, and add it to the bowl with the smashed cucumbers. The creamy avocado adds richness that beautifully complements the crunchiness of the cucumbers.

Step 3: Combine All Ingredients

Now it’s time to bring everything together! Add all remaining ingredients—crumbled feta cheese, chopped pistachios, dill, chives—into the same bowl with your cucumbers and avocado.

Step 4: Make the Dressing

In a glass jar or bowl, combine all dressing ingredients: extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Whisk well until everything is emulsified; this dressing will add depth of flavor to your salad!

Step 5: Toss & Serve

Finally, pour the dressing over your salad mixture. Toss gently to combine all ingredients evenly. I love adding a sprinkle of fresh herbs on top before serving—it makes everything look even more inviting!

Enjoy this light yet satisfying Smashed Cucumber Salad – With Feta and Dill as part of any meal. It’s sure to become a favorite in your home too!

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

Creating the perfect smashed cucumber salad is all about technique and freshness, so here are some tips to ensure your dish shines!

• Choose the right cucumbers: Persian or English cucumbers have fewer seeds and a thinner skin, making them ideal for smashing and enjoying raw. They provide a crisp texture that complements the other ingredients beautifully.
• Use ripe avocados: A perfectly ripe avocado adds creaminess to the salad. Look for avocados that yield slightly when pressed. This will enhance the overall flavor and texture of your dish.
• Fresh herbs are key: Using fresh dill and chives elevates the taste significantly. Dried herbs don’t provide the same vibrant flavor profile, so opt for fresh whenever possible.
• Make it ahead: You can prepare the salad a few hours in advance! Just wait to add the dressing until shortly before serving to keep everything fresh and crunchy.
• Adjust to your taste: Feel free to tweak the dressing ingredients! If you like it tangier, add more lemon juice; if you prefer sweetness, increase the honey. This salad is versatile, just like you!

How to Serve Smashed Cucumber Salad – With Feta and Dill

This smashed cucumber salad is not just delicious but also visually appealing! Here are some ideas on how to present this refreshing dish.

Garnishes

• Fresh dill sprigs: A few sprigs of dill on top will add a pop of green and reinforce those herbaceous flavors.
• Sliced radishes: Adding thinly sliced radishes provides a beautiful color contrast and an extra crunch.
• Crushed pistachios: Extra crushed pistachios sprinkled on top not only enhances presentation but also boosts flavor.

Side Dishes

• Grilled Chicken Skewers: Juicy grilled chicken skewers marinated in lemon juice complement the freshness of the salad perfectly, adding protein while keeping things light.
• Quinoa Pilaf: A fluffy quinoa pilaf seasoned with herbs pairs wonderfully with the cucumber salad, offering a hearty base that’s still healthy.
• Roasted Vegetables: Colorful roasted vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and carrots bring warmth and depth to your meal, balancing out the coolness of the salad.
• Whole Grain Pita Bread: Soft pita bread serves as a delightful vessel for scooping up this salad or can be enjoyed alongside it for added texture.

Enjoy crafting this lovely smashed cucumber salad – it’s sure to become a summertime favorite!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Smashed Cucumber Salad – With Feta and Dill is perfect for meal prep! It can be made ahead of time and stored, making it a convenient addition to your weeknight meals or lunch plans.

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• Enjoy leftovers within 2-3 days for the best flavor and texture.
• If possible, keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to serve to maintain freshness.

Freezing

• This salad is not recommended for freezing, as cucumbers have a high water content which can change their texture when thawed.
• Instead, prepare fresh servings as needed to enjoy the best taste.

Reheating

• There’s no need to reheat this salad; it’s best enjoyed cold or at room temperature.
• If you do prefer it warmed slightly, allow it to sit out for a few minutes before serving.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this delicious recipe!

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

This vibrant salad pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, fish, or served alongside wraps and sandwiches. Its lightness complements heartier dishes perfectly!

Can I customize the Smashed Cucumber Salad – With Feta and Dill?

Absolutely! Feel free to add other ingredients like cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, or even swap out herbs based on your preference. The possibilities are endless!

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

When stored properly in an airtight container, this salad will last about 2-3 days. Just remember to keep the dressing separate if you want the freshest taste!

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this Smashed Cucumber Salad – With Feta and Dill as much as I do! It’s not only quick to prepare but also refreshing and satisfying. Whether you’re enjoying it at a picnic or as part of a weeknight dinner, it’s bound to impress. Happy cooking, and don’t forget to share your creation!