Smashed Cucumber Salad – With Feta and Dill

This Smashed Cucumber Salad – With Feta and Dill is a refreshing dish that can be whipped up in just 10 minutes! It’s wonderfully light, fresh, and bursting with flavor. Perfect for summer picnics, barbecues, or as a side for any meal, this salad will surely impress with its delightful combination of ingredients.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: You can make this dish in just 10 minutes, making it an ideal choice for busy days.
• Fresh Ingredients: The use of cucumbers, herbs, and avocado makes it a vibrant and healthy option.
• Versatile Dish: This salad pairs well with grilled meats or can be enjoyed on its own as a light lunch.
• Unique Flavor Profile: The combination of feta cheese and fresh dill adds a savory touch that elevates the dish.
• Nutritious Choice: Packed with vitamins and healthy fats, this salad is not only tasty but also good for you.

Tools and Preparation

To make the Smashed Cucumber Salad – With Feta and Dill efficiently, gather your kitchen tools ahead of time. Having everything ready will streamline your cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Cutting board
• Knife
• Medium-sized bowl
• Glass jar or bowl for dressing

Importance of Each Tool

• Cutting board: Provides a stable surface to chop ingredients safely.
• Knife: A sharp knife ensures clean cuts for the cucumbers and other vegetables.
• Medium-sized bowl: Ideal for mixing all the ingredients without spilling.
• Glass jar or bowl for dressing: Makes it easy to whisk and emulsify the dressing thoroughly.

REMEMBER

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE? CLICK BELOW AND PIN IT

PIN

Ingredients

For this Smashed Cucumber Salad – With Feta and Dill, you will 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

How to Make Smashed Cucumber Salad – With Feta and Dill

Step 1: Prepare the Cucumbers

• Wash and dry the cucumbers well.
• Chop each cucumber in half. Place each half onto a cutting board.
• Use the flat side of your knife and your hand to smash each cucumber half.
• Chop them into 1-inch pieces and place them into a medium-sized bowl. If using larger cucumbers, cut them in half horizontally then vertically to make smashing easier.

Step 2: Add Avocado and Other Ingredients

• Peel the avocado, chop it into bite-sized pieces, and add it to the bowl with the cucumbers.
• Include the crumbled feta cheese, chopped pistachios, fresh dill, and chives in the same bowl.

Step 3: 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 emulsified.

Step 4: Combine Everything

• Pour the dressing over the salad mix. Toss gently to combine all ingredients evenly.
• Enjoy immediately! You might like to sprinkle some extra fresh herbs on top for added flavor.

How to Serve Smashed Cucumber Salad – With Feta and Dill

This Smashed Cucumber Salad – With Feta and Dill is a versatile dish that pairs beautifully with many meals. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue or enjoying a casual lunch, here are some great ways to serve it.

As a Side Dish

• Accompany grilled chicken – The refreshing flavors balance the richness of grilled meats.
• Serve with roasted vegetables – This salad adds a crisp texture to warm, savory dishes.

In a Wrap

• Use in a turkey wrap – Spread the salad inside a whole grain tortilla for an easy, nutritious meal.
• Pair with falafel – The fresh crunch complements the spices in the falafel perfectly.

On Top of Toast

• Spread on crusty bread – Serve the salad on toast for an open-faced sandwich option.
• Add to pita bread – Stuff some pita with the salad for a delightful snack or quick lunch.

How to Perfect Smashed Cucumber Salad – With Feta and Dill

For an even tastier Smashed Cucumber Salad – With Feta and Dill, keep these helpful tips in mind.

• Choose fresh cucumbers – Opt for Persian or English cucumbers for optimal crunchiness.
• Use ripe avocados – Ensure your avocados are perfectly ripe for creaminess without being mushy.
• Add more herbs – Experiment with other fresh herbs like mint or parsley for extra flavor.
• Adjust seasoning – Taste and tweak salt and pepper levels according to your preference.

Best Side Dishes for Smashed Cucumber Salad – With Feta and Dill

Pairing side dishes with your Smashed Cucumber Salad – With Feta and Dill enhances your meal experience. Here are some excellent options:

1. Grilled Chicken Breasts – Simple yet flavorful; season with herbs before grilling.
2. Quinoa Pilaf – A nutty side that complements the freshness of the salad; add nuts or dried fruits if desired.
3. Roasted Sweet Potatoes – Their natural sweetness contrasts nicely with the tanginess of the salad; toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper before roasting.
4. Mediterranean Couscous – Fluffy couscous mixed with olives and tomatoes adds depth to your meal.
5. Lentil Soup – A hearty soup that pairs well; make it spiced or mild based on your taste.
6. Stuffed Bell Peppers – Fill bell peppers with rice, beans, and spices for a colorful addition to your plate.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making a smashed cucumber salad can be easy, but some common mistakes can ruin your dish. Here are a few to keep in mind:

• Using the wrong cucumbers: Not all cucumbers are created equal. Choose Persian or English cucumbers for the best texture and flavor.

• Over-mixing the salad: Mixing too much can make the ingredients mushy. Gently toss them together to maintain their freshness.

• Skipping the salt: Salt enhances the flavors of your ingredients. Don’t forget to season your salad to taste before serving.

• Not letting it chill: For a refreshing flavor, let your salad chill in the fridge for about 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together.

• Ignoring fresh herbs: Fresh herbs elevate your salad’s taste. Always use fresh dill and chives for maximum flavor.

REMEMBER

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE? CLICK BELOW AND PIN IT

PIN

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Keep in the refrigerator for up to 2 days for optimal freshness.

Freezing Smashed Cucumber Salad – With Feta and Dill

• Freezing is not recommended as it may alter the texture of cucumbers and herbs.
• If necessary, you can freeze individual components separately but expect changes in quality.

Reheating Smashed Cucumber Salad – With Feta and Dill

• Oven: Not recommended as this dish is best served cold or at room temperature.
• Microwave: Use briefly if needed; however, avoid heating too long to preserve texture.
• Stovetop: Again, not recommended since this salad should be enjoyed fresh.

Frequently Asked Questions

Have questions about making Smashed Cucumber Salad – With Feta and Dill? Here are some answers!

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

Yes, you can prepare it a few hours in advance. Just wait until you’re ready to serve before adding the dressing.

What can I substitute for feta cheese?

You can use crumbled goat cheese or a vegan cheese alternative if preferred.

How do I customize my Smashed Cucumber Salad – With Feta and Dill?

Feel free to add other ingredients like cherry tomatoes, red onion, or olives for extra flavor!

Is this salad gluten-free?

Yes! All ingredients used in this recipe are naturally gluten-free.

Final Thoughts

This Smashed Cucumber Salad – With Feta and Dill is light, refreshing, and perfect for any occasion. Its versatility allows you to customize it with your favorite ingredients or enjoy it as is. We encourage you to give this quick and easy salad a try; it’s sure to become a favorite!