If you’re seeking the ultimate easy-to-make and refreshing dish that screams summer with every bite, look no further than the Smashed Cucumber Salad – With Feta and Dill. This dish takes center stage with its vibrant mix of crisp cucumbers and creamy, nutrient-rich avocado, all dressed up in a zesty dressing that brings everything to life. All it takes is a simple smash, chop, and toss to bring together an ensemble of flavors and textures that seems almost too good to be true—in just under 10 minutes, you’re ready to serve up a salad that’s bursting with freshness. This dish is not only a breeze to assemble but also a delight to the senses with a medley of colors and maximum flavor impact due to the smashing technique that beautifully absorbs the rich taste of the dressing.
The real beauty of this salad lies in its simplicity without compromising on flavor. Fresh dill adds a fragrant herbal note that’s beautifully complemented by the creaminess of crumbled feta cheese. For a little extra crunch and an unexpected hint of sweetness, sprinkle in some chopped pistachios. The dressing itself—an exciting blend of minced garlic, a hint of honey, extra virgin olive oil, zesty lemon juice, and Dijon mustard—embodies the essence of modern, healthy cooking. With seasonings like salt and pepper, personalized to taste, each person’s bowl is a masterpiece fitting for a light meal or nutritious side. The best part? You have complete control over every ingredient, ensuring it suits your dietary needs and preferences according to taste, meaning it’s as easy as pie to turn this into a staple dish!
Why You’ll Love This Smashed Cucumber Salad – With Feta and Dill
Here are some irresistible reasons to fall in love with this salad:
- Quick Preparation: Ready in 10 minutes, it’s perfect for busy days or last-minute meals.
- Flavor Explosion: Packed with fresh dill, creamy avocado, and salty feta that creates a perfect balance.
- Healthy Ingredients: Loaded with nutrients from cucumbers, avocado, and pistachios.
- Customizable Dressing: Adjust the lemon juice, honey, and mustard to taste for personal preference.
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use
Before you dive into crafting this delightful salad, you’ll want to prepare your kitchen area for efficient workflow. Start by clearing your countertops for a spacious, clutter-free workspace. Gather the necessary ingredients and ensure that your staples—like olive oil, honey, and Dijon mustard—are within easy reach. This streamlined organization helps create a stress-free cooking experience.
Equip yourself with the essential kitchen tools. Having a good chef’s knife is essential for both the initial cucumber smashing and any necessary chopping, while a sturdy chopping board will steady the vegetables during preparation. You’ll also need a small mixing bowl or jar, ideal for the whisking of your zesty dressing. Finally, opt for a large salad bowl to combine all your ingredients with ease, ensuring the dressing is evenly distributed.
Ingredients
Here is what you’ll need to serve four people:
- 1 ripe avocado, chopped
- ¼ cup chopped fresh dill
- 4 Persian cucumbers (or 1 English cucumber)
- ¼ cup chopped pistachios
- ¼ cup chopped fresh chives
- ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons honey
- 2–3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Smash and Chop Cucumbers
Start by ensuring your cucumbers are both washed and properly dried to remove any excess water that might dilute the flavor. Slice them in halves lengthwise, and with a flat, sturdy knife, apply light pressure to smash them flat. This method helps in absorbing the dressing better, ensuring each bite is full of flavor. Once smashed, cut the cucumbers into bite-sized pieces and transfer them to a large salad bowl.
Step 2: Assemble the Salad
In your salad bowl, introduce the creamy chopped avocado, partnering it with the smashed cucumbers. Add the crumbled feta cheese, providing a delightful salty contrast, and the chopped pistachios for a crunchy, sweet surprise. Incorporate the aromatic fresh dill and chives, mixing them through to evenly distribute these flavorful herbs throughout the dish.
Step 3: Prepare the Dressing
For the dressing, take a small bowl or jar and whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and honey. Ensure these liquids are well combined before stirring in the minced garlic as well as a pinch of salt and pepper according to your preference. The dressing should be adequately emulsified, ready to infuse a zesty punch into your fresh ingredients.
Step 4: Dress and Serve
Pour your freshly mixed dressing over the cucumber salad. Use a gentle tossing technique to combine, careful not to mush the avocado. For those yearning for a little more aromatic flavor, garnish with extra dill or chives. Present the salad immediately to enjoy it at its freshest.
Variations
- Protein: Add grilled chicken slices or tofu for added protein.
- Vegetables: Incorporate cherry tomatoes or red bell peppers for extra color and nutrition.
- Spices: Enhance the dressing with red pepper flakes for an extra kick of heat.
Cooking Notes
- Ensure cucumbers are towel-dried to absorb the dressing properly.
- Avocado should be ripe but firm for easy chopping.
- Feel free to adjust the amount of garlic and mustard to suit your taste.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with grilled poultry or fish for a complete meal.
- Serve as a side with a toasted flatbread or pita for a light yet fulfilling option.
Tips
- Cucumbers taste best and stay crunchier when kept cold before preparation.
- Use a mason jar to mix dressing ingredients and shake them together for a perfectly blended vinaigrette.
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes (raw preparation)
- Total Time: 10 minutes
Nutritional Information
- Calories: Approximately 250 per serving
- Protein: 7g per serving
- Sodium: Moderate, reduces if feta is minimized
FAQs
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Indeed! Just keep the dressing separated until you’re ready to serve to prevent the cucumbers and avocados from becoming soggy.
Is there a substitute for feta cheese?
Yes, you can use goat cheese or a plant-based cheese alternative.
Can I use a different type of nut?
Absolutely! Walnuts or almonds could be a great substitute while still providing a crunchy texture.
What if I don’t have Dijon mustard?
Opt for spicy brown mustard or a hint of balsamic vinegar for a slightly different flavor profile.
Conclusion
This Smashed Cucumber Salad – With Feta and Dill is an epitome of culinary simplicity that’s delightful for any occasion. Whether it’s a quick fix during busy weekdays or a delicious starter for a summer gathering, this salad offers a vibrant mix of textures and flavors that’s hard to resist. Its flexibility allows you to adapt it based on available ingredients or dietary preferences, ensuring it’s a hit in any household. We encourage you to try it, experiment with the variations provided, and let the freshness carry you to culinary bliss. Feel free to share your experience, feedback, or tweaks with our community so that we can continue to inspire culinary creations together!
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Smashed Cucumber Salad – With Feta and Dill
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This dish offers vibrant, refreshing flavors with fresh cucumbers and creamy avocado in a zesty dressing.
Ingredients
- 1 ripe avocado, chopped
- ¼ cup chopped fresh dill
- 4 Persian cucumbers (or 1 English cucumber)
- ¼ cup chopped pistachios
- ¼ cup chopped fresh chives
- ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons honey
- 2–3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Ensure cucumbers are washed and dried. Slice them lengthwise and smash using a flat knife. Cut into bite-sized pieces and add to a large bowl.
- Add chopped avocado, crumbled feta, pistachios, dill, and chives to the bowl.
- Whisk olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and honey in a small bowl. Add minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Blend well.
- Pour dressing over salad and gently toss to coat evenly. Garnish with extra dill or chives. Serve immediately.
Notes
Personalize the dressing and ingredient amounts to suit taste preferences.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
Nutrition
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sodium: Moderate
- Protein: 7 g