Smashed Cucumber Salad – With Feta and Dill

If you’re looking for a quick, refreshing dish that’s perfect for any occasion, look no further! This Smashed Cucumber Salad – With Feta and Dill is a delightful blend of flavors and textures that can be prepared in just 10 minutes. It’s light, fresh, and filled with satisfying ingredients, making it an ideal side for barbecues, family gatherings, or even a busy weeknight dinner. Trust me, once you try this salad, it will become a staple in your kitchen!

This recipe captures the essence of summer in every bite. The crunchy cucumbers paired with creamy avocado and tangy feta create a harmonious balance that’s hard to resist. Plus, it’s versatile enough to complement a variety of main dishes or stand alone as a light meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: This salad comes together in just 10 minutes, making it perfect for last-minute meals.
• Fresh and Flavorful: The combination of cucumbers, dill, and feta gives this salad a vibrant taste that will brighten up any table.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will enjoy the fun textures and delicious flavors. It’s a great way to sneak in some veggies!
• Healthy Ingredients: Packed with wholesome ingredients like avocado and nuts, this salad is both nutritious and satisfying.
• Customizable: You can easily adapt this recipe with different herbs or toppings based on your preferences.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering these simple, wholesome ingredients is part of the fun! Each one adds its own unique touch to the salad. Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this tasty dish:

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 get creative with these variations:

• Add more crunch: Toss in some diced bell peppers or radishes for an extra layer of texture.
• Change up the cheese: If you’re not a fan of feta, try using crumbled goat cheese or vegan alternatives for a different flavor profile.
• Make it spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or some chopped jalapeños if you like a kick in your salad.
• Herb swap: Experiment with other herbs such as mint or parsley to give the salad your personal twist.

How to Make Smashed Cucumber Salad – With Feta and Dill

Step 1: Prepare the Cucumbers

Start by washing and drying the cucumbers thoroughly. Halve each cucumber lengthwise. Place each half on your 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 enhances their flavor when mixed with other ingredients!

Step 2: Chop the Ingredients

Once smashed, cut the cucumbers into 1-inch pieces. Place them into a medium-sized bowl. Next, peel and chop the avocado before adding it into the same bowl along with all the other salad ingredients—feta cheese, chopped pistachios, dill, and chives.

Step 3: Mix the Dressing

In a separate 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 is what brings all those wonderful flavors together!

Step 4: Combine Everything

Pour the dressing over your cucumber-avocado mixture in the bowl. Toss everything gently but thoroughly until well combined. I like to finish off with an extra sprinkle of fresh herbs on top for that added burst of flavor!

And there you have it—a delightful Smashed Cucumber Salad – With Feta and Dill that’s sure to impress! Enjoy this refreshing dish any day of the week!

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

This delightful salad is not only quick to prepare but also versatile, making it a fantastic addition to any meal. Here are some tips to elevate your smashed cucumber salad:

• Choose the right cucumbers: Opt for Persian or English cucumbers for their thinner skins and fewer seeds, which provide a crunchier texture and enhance the overall flavor of the salad.
• Use fresh herbs: Fresh dill and chives make all the difference! Their vibrant flavors brighten up the dish, adding depth and freshness that dried herbs simply can’t replicate.
• Adjust the dressing: Feel free to tweak the dressing by adding more lemon juice or honey according to your taste preferences. This allows you to customize the acidity and sweetness to suit your palate.
• Let it chill: For an even more refreshing experience, let your salad sit in the refrigerator for about 10-15 minutes before serving. This helps meld the flavors together beautifully.
• Add some crunch: Consider including some chopped nuts or seeds beyond pistachios for an extra layer of texture. Almonds or sunflower seeds can add a delightful crunch!

How to Serve Smashed Cucumber Salad – With Feta and Dill

Serving this smashed cucumber salad can be as creative as you like! It’s perfect for a light lunch or as a refreshing side dish at dinner. Here are some ideas on how to present this colorful salad:

Garnishes

• Fresh herb sprigs: A few sprigs of dill or chives placed on top can add a pop of color and highlight the fresh ingredients.
• Lemon wedges: Serve with lemon wedges on the side for guests who might enjoy an extra squeeze of citrus just before digging in.

Side Dishes

• Quinoa Pilaf: A fluffy quinoa pilaf seasoned with herbs complements this salad well, adding protein and fiber for a wholesome meal.
• Grilled Chicken Skewers: These lean protein skewers marinated in lemon juice and herbs pair beautifully with the refreshing cucumber salad.
• Roasted Sweet Potatoes: The sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes balances out the savory notes of feta and dill, creating a satisfying plate.
• Hummus & Pita Chips: A creamy hummus served with crispy pita chips makes for a delightful appetizer that pairs nicely with the fresh cucumber flavors.

Enjoy creating your own version of this smashed cucumber salad, and don’t forget to share it with friends and family!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Smashed Cucumber Salad – With Feta and Dill is perfect for meal prep! You can easily make it in advance and store it, making your weeknight dinners a breeze. Here’s how to keep it fresh.

Storing Leftovers

• Store leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• It will stay fresh for up to 2 days, but for the best taste, enjoy within 24 hours.
• If possible, keep the dressing separate until ready to eat to maintain the crunch of the cucumbers.

Freezing

• This salad is not recommended for freezing due to the texture of cucumbers and avocado after thawing.
• Instead, prepare only what you need and save the extra ingredients for another day.

Reheating

• There’s no need to reheat this salad; it’s best enjoyed chilled!
• Simply toss it again before serving if it sits for a while in the fridge.

FAQs

Got questions? We’ve got answers! Here are some frequently asked questions about our Smashed Cucumber Salad – With Feta and Dill.

Can I make Smashed Cucumber Salad – With Feta and Dill in advance?

Yes! You can prepare this salad ahead of time. Just store it in the refrigerator, and it will be good for up to 2 days.

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

If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, try using crumbled tofu that has been marinated or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without the dairy!

How do I make this Smashed Cucumber Salad spicier?

For a kick, add sliced jalapeños or a dash of red pepper flakes to your salad. Adjust according to your heat preference!

Can I use different herbs in my Smashed Cucumber Salad?

Absolutely! While dill and chives bring great flavor, feel free to experiment with mint or parsley for a fresh twist.

Final Thoughts

This Smashed Cucumber Salad – With Feta and Dill is not just a dish; it’s a celebration of freshness that’s quick to prepare and bursting with flavor! I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do. It’s perfect as a side dish or on its own during warm days. Remember, cooking should be fun, so don’t hesitate to add your personal touch! Happy cooking!