This Smashed Cucumber Salad – With Feta and Dill is a refreshing and vibrant dish that you can whip up in just 10 minutes! Perfect for picnics, barbecues, or simply as a light side, this salad combines the crispness of cucumbers with creamy avocado and tangy feta. The addition of fresh herbs elevates the flavors, making it a delightful treat for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: This salad comes together in just 10 minutes, making it perfect for busy days.
- Fresh Ingredients: The use of fresh cucumbers, herbs, and avocado provides a burst of flavor and nutrition.
- Versatile Dish: It pairs well with grilled meats, sandwiches, or can be enjoyed on its own as a light meal.
- No Cooking Required: Simply smash, mix, and serve—no heat needed!
- Healthy Choice: Packed with healthy fats from avocado and protein from feta, it’s a satisfying yet guilt-free option.
Tools and Preparation
To make this salad efficiently, having the right tools on hand can make all the difference.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Cutting board
- Chef’s knife
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk or jar for emulsifying dressing
Importance of Each Tool
- Cutting board: Provides a stable surface for chopping vegetables safely.
- Chef’s knife: A sharp knife allows for easy smashing and chopping of cucumbers without hassle.
- Mixing bowl: A spacious bowl ensures you can toss all ingredients together thoroughly without spilling.
- Whisk or jar: Essential for combining the dressing ingredients smoothly.
Ingredients
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 smashed cucumbers. Next, incorporate all remaining salad ingredients—crumbled feta cheese, chopped pistachios, fresh dill, and chives—into the same bowl.
Step 3: Whisk Together Dressing
In a glass jar or small bowl, add all dressing ingredients: extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Whisk well until fully emulsified.
Step 4: Combine Salad with Dressing
Pour the dressing over the salad mixture. Toss everything together gently until evenly coated. For an extra touch of flavor, sprinkle additional fresh herbs on top before serving. Enjoy your delightful Smashed Cucumber Salad!
How to Serve Smashed Cucumber Salad – With Feta and Dill
This Smashed Cucumber Salad – With Feta and Dill is a versatile dish that can complement many meals. Whether you’re looking for a light side or a refreshing appetizer, there are plenty of ways to enjoy this salad.
As a Side Dish
- Pair it with grilled chicken for a light, fresh contrast.
- Serve alongside roasted vegetables to enhance the meal’s colors and flavors.
As a Light Lunch
- Top it with sliced turkey for added protein while keeping it light.
- Enjoy it with whole grain pita bread for a satisfying lunch option.
As an Appetizer
- Serve in small cups as an elegant starter at gatherings.
- Offer it with crispy tortilla chips for a fun twist on traditional dips.
With Quinoa or Rice Bowls
- Mix it into quinoa bowls for extra texture and flavor.
- Use it as a topping for rice bowls to add freshness and crunch.
How to Perfect Smashed Cucumber Salad – With Feta and Dill
To make your Smashed Cucumber Salad truly shine, consider these helpful tips. They will elevate the flavors and textures of your dish.
- Choose the right cucumbers: Persian cucumbers are ideal due to their sweetness and crunchy texture. English cucumbers work well too.
- Fresh herbs matter: Always use fresh dill and chives for the best flavor. Dried herbs won’t give you the same vibrant taste.
- Adjust seasoning: Taste before serving; you may want more salt, pepper, or lemon juice to enhance the flavors.
- Make ahead: Prepare the salad ahead of time but add dressing just before serving to keep ingredients crisp.
Best Side Dishes for Smashed Cucumber Salad – With Feta and Dill
Smashed Cucumber Salad – With Feta and Dill pairs beautifully with various side dishes that can complement its fresh flavors. Here are some excellent options:
- Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken: Juicy chicken marinated in lemon juice and herbs complements the salad’s brightness.
- Quinoa Tabbouleh: A refreshing bulgur wheat salad packed with parsley, tomatoes, and lemon—perfectly matches the cucumber’s crunch.
- Roasted Sweet Potatoes: Sweetness from roasted sweet potatoes balances the salad’s tanginess beautifully.
- Chickpea Salad: A protein-rich salad with chickpeas, tomatoes, and cucumbers complements the textures in your main dish.
- Mediterranean Couscous: Fluffy couscous mixed with olives, tomatoes, and feta pairs nicely with this cucumber salad.
- Grilled Vegetables: Seasonal veggies like zucchini and bell peppers bring a smoky flavor that enhances freshness in the salad.
- Herbed Rice Pilaf: Fragrant rice cooked with herbs provides a simple yet flavorful base alongside the vibrant salad.
With these tips and suggestions, your Smashed Cucumber Salad – With Feta and Dill will be an unforgettable addition to any meal!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When preparing your Smashed Cucumber Salad – With Feta and Dill, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes that can affect the overall taste and texture. Here are some tips to ensure you get it right.
- Using the wrong cucumbers: Not all cucumbers have the same flavor! Choose Persian or English cucumbers for their sweetness and crunch. Avoid larger varieties that can be watery.
- Over-mixing the salad: Gently toss the ingredients together to keep the avocado creamy and the feta intact. Over-mixing can lead to a mushy salad.
- Neglecting the dressing balance: Ensure your dressing has a good balance of acidity and sweetness. Taste as you go, adjusting lemon juice or honey to suit your palate.
- Skipping fresh herbs: Fresh dill and chives are essential for flavor. Dried herbs won’t provide the same vibrant taste, so always opt for fresh when possible.
- Cutting cucumbers too small: If you chop the cucumbers into pieces that are too small before smashing, it will lose its texture. Aim for larger chunks after smashing for a satisfying bite.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Keep away from strong-smelling foods to avoid flavor absorption.
Freezing Smashed Cucumber Salad – With Feta and Dill
- This salad is not recommended for freezing due to its fresh ingredients.
- The texture of cucumbers does not hold up well after thawing.
Reheating Smashed Cucumber Salad – With Feta and Dill
- Oven: Not recommended as this dish is served cold.
- Microwave: Not suitable; reheating may spoil the texture of fresh ingredients.
- Stovetop: Best enjoyed fresh; avoid reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Smashed Cucumber Salad – With Feta and Dill unique?
This salad is unique due to its refreshing flavors from fresh ingredients like cucumbers, avocado, and feta cheese, making it light yet satisfying.
Can I customize the Smashed Cucumber Salad – With Feta and Dill?
Absolutely! Feel free to add other veggies like bell peppers or even fruits such as tomatoes or berries for extra flavor.
How do I prevent my cucumbers from becoming watery?
Use smaller cucumber varieties like Persian or English, and avoid salting them too early, which can draw out moisture.
Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
Yes, you can prepare it ahead of time! Just store it in the fridge in an airtight container without dressing until you’re ready to serve.
Final Thoughts
The Smashed Cucumber Salad – With Feta and Dill is a delightful dish that combines fresh ingredients with vibrant flavors. It’s perfect as a side or light meal on its own. Feel free to customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or nuts. Enjoy this versatile salad at your next gathering!
Smashed Cucumber Salad – With Feta and Dill
Smashed Cucumber Salad – With Feta and Dill is a delightful and refreshing dish that bursts with flavor in every bite. This vibrant salad requires just 10 minutes to prepare, making it an ideal choice for busy days or unexpected gatherings. The crisp cucumbers pair beautifully with creamy avocado and tangy feta cheese, while fresh dill and chives elevate the taste profile. Perfect as a side dish, light lunch, or appetizer, this salad is versatile enough to complement any meal. Enjoy it alongside grilled meats or on its own for a satisfying treat!
- Total Time: 51 minute
- Yield: Serves approximately 4 people 1x
Ingredients
- 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
- 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
Instructions
- Wash the cucumbers and chop them in half. Smash each half with the flat side of a knife and cut into 1-inch pieces.
- In a bowl, combine smashed cucumbers and diced avocado along with feta cheese, pistachios, dill, and chives.
- In a separate jar or bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey, minced garlic, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
- Pour the dressing over the salad mix and gently toss until everything is well combined. Optional: sprinkle additional fresh herbs on top before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: None
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 215
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: Use Persian or English cucumbers for optimal crunch and sweetness. Feel free to customize by adding other vegetables or nuts based on your preferences. For best results, add the dressing just before serving to maintain freshness.
