Smashed Cucumber Salad – With Feta and Dill

If you’re looking for a quick and delightful dish that bursts with freshness, then you’re in the right place! This Smashed Cucumber Salad – With Feta and Dill is one of my absolute favorites. It’s light, refreshing, and so satisfying that I find myself making it all the time, especially during busy weeknights or when I have friends over. The combination of ingredients makes this salad feel special while still being incredibly easy to whip up. Trust me; once you try it, you’ll want to keep it on your table for any occasion!

This salad not only tantalizes your taste buds but also brings a vibrant splash of color to your plate. With its crunchy cucumbers, creamy avocado, and tangy feta, it’s perfect as a side dish or even as a light meal on its own.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Prep Time: This salad comes together in just 10 minutes! Perfect for those busy days.
• Family-Friendly: Kids love the fun texture of smashed cucumbers, making this a hit at family dinners.
• Versatile: Serve it alongside grilled meats or as part of a picnic spread; it complements so many dishes!
• Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with fresh veggies and healthy fats from avocado and olive oil.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare it ahead of time for gatherings or meal prep; it tastes great after marinating!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple, wholesome ingredients that make this Smashed Cucumber Salad – With Feta and Dill truly shine. You probably have most of these 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

One of the best parts about this recipe is how flexible it can be! Feel free to mix things up based on what you have on hand or what flavors you love.

• Add more crunch: Toss in some sliced radishes or bell peppers for an extra layer of crunch.
• Change up the cheese: Swap feta for goat cheese if you’re looking for a creamier texture.
• Herb it up: Experiment with different herbs like basil or mint for a unique twist.
• Make it protein-packed: Add some chickpeas or grilled chicken to turn this salad into a hearty meal.

How to Make Smashed Cucumber Salad – With Feta and Dill

Step 1: Prepare the Cucumbers

Start by washing and drying the cucumbers thoroughly. Then chop each one in half. Place each cucumber half onto a cutting board and use the flat side of your knife along with your hand to smash them down gently. This step releases their juices and creates a fun texture! After smashing, chop them into 1-inch pieces and transfer them into a medium-sized bowl. If your cucumbers are larger, feel free to cut them in half both horizontally and vertically first.

Step 2: Add the Avocado

Next up, peel the avocado and chop it into bite-sized pieces before adding it to the bowl with the smashed cucumbers. The creamy avocado not only adds richness but also pairs beautifully with the crisp cucumbers.

Step 3: Combine All Ingredients

Now it’s time to enhance our salad! Add all the remaining ingredients—crumbled feta, chopped pistachios, dill, chives—into the bowl with cucumbers and avocado. Each ingredient contributes its own flavor that melds together wonderfully.

Step 4: Whisk Together the Dressing

In a glass jar or small bowl, combine all dressing ingredients: olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Whisk well until they emulsify into a smooth dressing. This will add zesty flavor throughout your salad!

Step 5: Dress Your Salad

Pour the dressing over your salad mixture and toss gently yet thoroughly to ensure everything is coated nicely. I love adding an extra sprinkle of fresh herbs on top for that finishing touch!

And there you have it—a delightful Smashed Cucumber Salad – With Feta and Dill ready to enjoy!

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

Making this smashed cucumber salad is a breeze, but with a few extra tips, you’ll elevate it to perfection!

• Choose the right cucumbers: Persian cucumbers are ideal due to their thin skin and seedless nature, but if you opt for an English cucumber, be sure to peel it first for a better texture.

• Smash with care: When smashing your cucumbers, use just enough pressure to break them without turning them into mush. This helps maintain some crunch while allowing the dressing to soak in beautifully.

• Fresh herbs are key: Use fresh dill and chives for the best flavor. Dried herbs simply won’t deliver that vibrant taste that fresh herbs bring to this dish.

• Adjust seasoning to taste: Since everyone’s palate is different, start with a little salt and pepper, then adjust according to your preference. A little tasting goes a long way!

• Make ahead: You can prep the salad ingredients ahead of time and mix them right before serving. This keeps everything fresh and vibrant while saving you time during meal prep.

How to Serve Smashed Cucumber Salad – With Feta and Dill

This salad is not only delicious but also visually appealing! Here’s how you can present it in delightful ways.

Garnishes

• Extra dill or chives: A sprinkle of fresh herbs on top can enhance both the flavor and presentation.
• Crushed pistachios: Adding more chopped pistachios on top provides an extra crunch that complements the creamy avocado.

Side Dishes

• Grilled Chicken Skewers: Marinated chicken skewers grilled to perfection make a great protein-packed complement to this refreshing salad.

• Quinoa Pilaf: A light quinoa pilaf flavored with lemon and herbs offers a nutritious side that pairs well with the flavors of the salad.

• Roasted Vegetables: Seasoned roasted vegetables add warmth and earthy flavors, creating a satisfying balance with the coolness of the salad.

• Pita Bread with Hummus: Soft pita bread served with flavorful hummus adds a wonderful dip option that enhances your dining experience.

With these serving ideas and pro tips, your Smashed Cucumber Salad – With Feta and Dill will surely impress friends and family at any gathering! Enjoy!

Make Ahead and Storage

This smashed cucumber salad is not only quick to prepare but also makes for a fantastic meal prep option! You can enjoy it fresh or store it for later, making it perfect for busy weeknights or packed lunches.

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• It’s best enjoyed within 2 days to keep the cucumbers crisp and fresh.
• If you’ve added avocado, consider storing that separately to prevent browning.

Freezing

• Unfortunately, this salad doesn’t freeze well due to the texture of the cucumbers and avocado.
• For best results, prepare it fresh and consume it within a few days.

Reheating

• This salad is best served cold or at room temperature.
• If you prefer it slightly warm, allow it to sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes before serving.

FAQs

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

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

Yes! You can prepare the salad components ahead of time and assemble them just before serving for optimal freshness.

What can I substitute for feta cheese in Smashed Cucumber Salad?

You can use crumbled tofu or a dairy-free feta alternative if you’re looking for a non-dairy option while still keeping that delicious flavor!

How long does Smashed Cucumber Salad last in the fridge?

This salad is best consumed within 2 days when stored properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Is there a way to make this salad vegan?

Absolutely! Simply replace the feta with a plant-based alternative, and you’ll have a delightful vegan version of this smashed cucumber salad!

Can I add other ingredients to my Smashed Cucumber Salad?

Definitely! Feel free to get creative by adding other veggies like bell peppers or cherry tomatoes, or even fruits like mango or peach for a twist!

Final Thoughts

This Smashed Cucumber Salad – With Feta and Dill is not just a dish; it’s a celebration of flavors that come together beautifully. The crunch of cucumbers, creaminess of avocado, and the zing from lemon create a refreshing experience that’s hard to resist. I hope you enjoy making this vibrant salad as much as I do—it’s perfect for any occasion! Don’t hesitate to share your own variations; I’d love to hear about your delicious creations!