Smashed Cucumber Salad – With Feta and Dill Recipe
Meet your new go-to summer sensation: Smashed Cucumber Salad – With Feta and Dill. This dish is the very definition of fresh and lively, bursting with crunchy cucumbers, creamy avocado, tangy feta, and a pop of herby brightness from both dill and chives. Pistachios add an irresistible crunch, while a punchy lemon mustard dressing weaves all the flavors together in the way that only the best salads can. It’s eye-catching, deeply flavorful, and meant to be shared—though honestly, you may want to keep it all for yourself!
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll be amazed at how just a handful of thoughtfully chosen ingredients can create something this memorable. Every item plays a crucial role in flavor, color, or texture—making this salad a standout on any table.
- Persian cucumbers (or 1 English cucumber): These cucumbers bring a crisp, refreshing bite and act as the salad’s canvas.
- Ripe avocado: Adds creamy richness, balancing the crunch of the cucumbers perfectly.
- Crumbled feta cheese: Salty, tangy, and utterly addictive; it brings every bite to life.
- Chopped pistachios: A nutty crunch that gives this dish its signature texture and a hint of earthy sweetness.
- Fresh dill: Essential for that garden-fresh, slightly grassy flavor that wakes up the whole bowl.
- Fresh chives: Delicate onion notes that complement both the herbs and the feta.
- Extra virgin olive oil: The base for a vibrant dressing, adding silkiness and richness.
- Lemon juice: Zesty acidity that brightens everything and keeps both avocado and cucumber shining.
- Dijon mustard: Just enough kick to deepen the dressing’s flavor without overpowering the vegetables.
- Honey: Balances the lemon and mustard with a touch of floral sweetness.
- Minced garlic: For an aromatic punch that infuses every bite with flavor.
- Salt and pepper: Elevate and unify all the ingredients—don’t skip the final seasoning to taste!
How to Make Smashed Cucumber Salad – With Feta and Dill
Step 1: Prep the Cucumbers
Start by giving your cucumbers a good rinse and pat them dry, since the skin will be part of the salad! Then, chop each cucumber in half. Lay each piece flat on a cutting board, and with the flat side of a sturdy chef’s knife (or a rolling pin if you’re feeling adventurous), press down firmly until the cucumber splits and cracks—don’t hold back, smashing is encouraged! Slice the smashed pieces into 1-inch chunks and add them to your salad bowl. If your cucumbers are especially big, you can halve them lengthwise before smashing for more manageable pieces.
Step 2: Chop the Avocado
Peel your ripe avocado, remove the pit, and chop it into generous chunks. This creamy element is what turns the salad from crisp to downright luxurious. Add the avocado right into the bowl with the smashed cucumbers, letting their textures mingle from the very start.
Step 3: Add the Salad Mix-Ins
Now it’s time to pile in all the toppings that truly make Smashed Cucumber Salad – With Feta and Dill sing. Sprinkle in the crumbled feta, chopped pistachios, fresh dill, and chives. This colorful medley is about to transform a humble cucumber into the superstar of your table.
Step 4: Whisk the Dressing
In a small bowl or jar, combine your extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Whisk (or shake, if using a jar) until the mixture is glossy and thoroughly blended—this emulsifies the ingredients, making the dressing perfectly cling to every bite of salad.
Step 5: Toss and Finish
Pour the zippy, garlicky dressing right over the bowl of veggies and mix-ins. Gently toss everything together, making sure all pieces are coated but the avocado remains tender. Just before serving, I love to scatter a few extra herbs on top for a final burst of color and fragrance. Enjoy immediately for the crispest results!
How to Serve Smashed Cucumber Salad – With Feta and Dill
Garnishes
Finishing touches can make any salad stand out, and for Smashed Cucumber Salad – With Feta and Dill, a little extra chopped dill or chives sprinkled right before serving adds a beautiful pop of green and intensifies that fresh garden aroma. You could also try a quick zest of lemon on top or an extra handful of pistachios for crunch lovers.
Side Dishes
This salad shines alongside anything from the grill—think juicy grilled chicken, salmon, or lamb skewers. It also pairs beautifully with pita bread and hummus for a Mediterranean-inspired meal, or as a bright side to classic picnic dishes like roast potatoes and veggie platters.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party wow factor, serve your Smashed Cucumber Salad – With Feta and Dill piled on a wide platter instead of a bowl. Individual portions can be arranged in small glass jars or bowls for a grab-and-go appetizer. For lunch, spoon it onto hearty toast or pile it into lettuce cups for a fun, hands-on twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers (which is far from guaranteed once everyone digs in), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. The flavors actually mingle even more, though the cucumbers and avocado will soften slightly. For best texture, enjoy as soon as possible after assembling.
Freezing
This fresh dish isn’t freezer-friendly, since freezing will wreck the vibrant textures of cucumber and avocado. The salad is best enjoyed fresh or within a day or so of making. If you want to prep ahead, consider chopping ingredients in advance and combining just before serving.
Reheating
Smashed Cucumber Salad – With Feta and Dill is designed to be a cold, refreshing experience—no reheating necessary! If it’s been chilled in the fridge, simply give it a gentle toss and let it sit out for a few minutes to take the chill off before serving.
FAQs
Can I make Smashed Cucumber Salad – With Feta and Dill ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prep the cucumbers, herbs, and dressing a day in advance—just keep the avocado and dressing separate until just before serving to prevent sogginess and browning.
What if I don’t have pistachios?
No pistachios? No problem! Substitute with chopped almonds, walnuts, or even toasted pumpkin seeds for a different but delightful crunch and nutty flavor profile.
How can I make this salad vegan?
To create a vegan version of Smashed Cucumber Salad – With Feta and Dill, simply omit the feta cheese or swap it for a plant-based feta alternative. The salad is richly flavorful and satisfying even without dairy.
What type of cucumber works best?
Persian cucumbers are ideal for their sweet, crisp texture and minimal seeds, but an English cucumber also works beautifully—just remove excess seeds if you use the latter to avoid watery salad.
Can I serve this salad as a main course?
Definitely! While Smashed Cucumber Salad – With Feta and Dill is a stellar side, you can easily turn it into a main by adding cooked quinoa, chickpeas, or shredded rotisserie chicken for extra heartiness.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something joyful about sharing a bowl of Smashed Cucumber Salad – With Feta and Dill—every forkful bursts with color and flavor. If you’ve been searching for a salad that’s as impressive as it is effortless, this one is sure to be a new classic. Go on and give it a place at your next gathering or weeknight dinner; your taste buds will thank you!
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Smashed Cucumber Salad – With Feta and Dill Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A refreshing and flavorful Smashed Cucumber Salad with creamy avocado, tangy feta cheese, crunchy pistachios, and fragrant dill and chives, dressed in a zesty lemon-Dijon vinaigrette. This salad is a perfect balance of textures and flavors, ideal for a light and healthy meal or a side dish.
Ingredients
Persian Cucumbers:
4
Avocado:
1 medium ripe
Feta Cheese:
1/4 cup crumbled
Pistachios:
1/4 cup chopped
Fresh Dill:
1/4 cup chopped
Chives:
1/4 cup chopped
Extra Virgin Olive Oil:
2-3 tablespoons
Lemon Juice:
1 tablespoon
Dijon Mustard:
1 tablespoon
Honey:
2 teaspoons
Garlic:
2 cloves, peeled and minced
Salt and Pepper:
to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the cucumbers: Wash and dry the cucumbers well. Chop each cucumber in half. Place each half on a cutting board, smash with the flat side of a knife, chop into 1-inch pieces, and transfer to a bowl.
- Prepare the salad: Peel and chop the avocado, add it to the bowl with cucumbers. Add feta, pistachios, dill, and chives.
- Make the dressing: Combine olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey, minced garlic, salt, and pepper in a jar. Whisk well to emulsify.
- Assemble the salad: Pour the dressing over the salad, toss gently to coat. Serve with a sprinkle of fresh herbs.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: Smashed Cucumber Salad, Avocado Salad, Feta and Dill Salad, Healthy Salad Recipe
