Smashed Cucumber Salad – With Feta and Dill Recipe

Imagine a salad that bursts with fresh, vibrant flavors and textures in every bite—that’s exactly what you get with this Smashed Cucumber Salad – With Feta and Dill. It’s a sensational combination of crisp smashed cucumbers, creamy avocado, tangy feta, and fragrant dill, all brought together by a luscious honey-mustard dressing. This salad not only excites your palate but also comes together in minutes, making it a perfect, refreshing dish any time of year.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Smashed Cucumber Salad – With Feta and Dill is how straightforward the ingredients are, yet each plays a vital role in delivering remarkable flavor and texture. Fresh herbs add a burst of green vibrancy, creamy avocado balances the crunch, and the dressing ties everything together with a perfect zing and subtle sweetness.

• Persian or English cucumbers: Crisp and watery, they form the refreshing base of the salad and work best when smashed for maximum texture.
• Ripe avocado: Adds a silky, buttery contrast to the crunchy cucumbers.
• Crumbled feta cheese: Brings a salty, tangy punch that enhances every bite.
• Chopped pistachios: Provide a delightful nutty crunch that surprises the palate.
• Fresh dill: Infuses the salad with its lovely, aromatic herbal flavor.
• Fresh chives: Add a mild oniony freshness to lift the dish.
• Extra virgin olive oil: Creates a rich and smooth dressing base with healthy fats.
• Lemon juice: Delivers zesty brightness to cut through the creaminess.
• Dijon mustard: Brings a subtle spicy depth and helps emulsify the dressing.
• Honey: Balances the acidity and adds a gentle sweetness.
• Garlic cloves: Punctuate the salad with a punchy, savory aroma.
• Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance and unify all the flavors.

How to Make Smashed Cucumber Salad – With Feta and Dill

Step 1: Prepare the Cucumbers

Start by washing and drying your cucumbers thoroughly. Cut each cucumber in half lengthwise, then place the flat side down on your cutting board. Using the flat side of a large knife or the heel of your hand, smash each cucumber half firmly to break it up and release its juices. Then chop the smashed pieces into roughly 1-inch chunks to create that wonderful mix of textures we love in Smashed Cucumber Salad – With Feta and Dill.

Step 2: Combine Avocado and Fresh Ingredients

Next, peel and chop the ripe avocado into chunks and add it directly to the bowl with your smashed cucumbers. Toss in the crumbled feta, chopped pistachios, fresh dill, and chives. These ingredients turn a simple cucumber dish into a party of flavors and textures that feel both comforting and exciting.

Step 3: Whisk the Dressing

In a separate jar or bowl, whisk together extra virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Whisk or shake until the dressing becomes smooth and emulsified. This simple dressing is the magic component that pulls all the flavors of this Smashed Cucumber Salad – With Feta and Dill into a harmonious experience.

Step 4: Toss and Serve

Pour the dressing over the cucumber mixture and toss gently to coat every piece. Feel free to add a final sprinkle of fresh herbs on top for an extra burst of color and brightness. Now your salad is ready to enjoy immediately or chill for a little while to meld the flavors beautifully.

How to Serve Smashed Cucumber Salad – With Feta and Dill

Garnishes

This salad becomes even more irresistible with thoughtfully chosen garnishes. Toasted pistachios or slivered almonds add crunch and richness, while a few sprigs of fresh dill or chives on top enhance its presentation and elevates the herbaceous notes.

Side Dishes

Smashed Cucumber Salad – With Feta and Dill pairs wonderfully with grilled seafood or chicken, acting as a cooling counterpoint to smoky or spicy mains. It also works beautifully alongside crusty bread or wrapped in warm pita for a light lunch or snack.

Creative Ways to Present

You can serve this salad family-style in a bright, rustic bowl that invites sharing. For a fun twist, try layering it in clear glass jars to show off the vibrant colors or spoon it onto individual plates topped with a slice of crusty bread for a chic appetizer.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftover Smashed Cucumber Salad – With Feta and Dill in an airtight container and refrigerate. It stays fresh and flavorful for up to two days, but be aware that cucumbers may release extra water over time, so a gentle stir before serving is a good idea.

Freezing

Due to the fresh cucumbers and creamy avocado, this salad is not suitable for freezing as it will affect the texture negatively. It’s best enjoyed fresh to maintain that crisp, vibrant quality.

Reheating

Since this is a refreshing cold salad, reheating is not recommended. Instead, if needed, just give it a quick toss with a little extra lemon juice or olive oil to revive flavors before serving again.

FAQs

Can I use regular cucumbers instead of Persian or English cucumbers?

Yes, you can, but regular cucumbers have more seeds and a thicker skin, which might affect the texture slightly. If using larger cucumbers, it helps to peel them and scoop out some seeds before smashing.

Is there a substitute for feta cheese if I’m lactose intolerant?

Absolutely! You can opt for a dairy-free feta alternative or even crumbled firm tofu seasoned lightly with lemon and salt to mimic that tangy flavor.

Can I prepare the dressing in advance?

Definitely. The dressing can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just give it a good shake or whisk before adding it to the salad to recombine ingredients.

How do I keep the avocado from browning in the salad?

Using ripe avocado and tossing it immediately with the lemony dressing helps slow browning. Also, serving the salad fresh or shortly after assembling preserves its lovely green color.

Can I add other vegetables or herbs to the salad?

Of course! This salad is versatile, so feel free to experiment with thinly sliced red onions, fresh mint, or even roasted cherry tomatoes to add your personal twist.

Final Thoughts

This Smashed Cucumber Salad – With Feta and Dill is one of those effortless recipes that feels like a special treat every time you make it. From the way the fresh ingredients sing together to how easy it is to prepare, it’s a salad that never fails to impress. Give this vibrant dish a try soon—you just might find it becoming your go-to for quick, delicious, and healthy meals!

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