10 Minute Smashed Cucumber Salad – With Feta and Dill

This 10 Minute Smashed Cucumber Salad – With Feta and Dill is the perfect way to bring a burst of freshness into your day. Imagine a bright, zesty salad that speaks to your taste buds with every bite. With just a handful of ingredients and only 10 minutes to whip up, you can have a delicious side dish or a light meal ready in no time. Seriously, who doesn’t love a salad that’s both easy to make and full of vibrant flavors?

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Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue or just looking for something refreshing to accompany dinner, this salad checks all the boxes. The creamy feta mingles wonderfully with the crispy cucumbers, while the dill adds a hint of herbaceousness that makes each forkful exciting. Trust me; once you try it, this cucumber salad will find a permanent spot in your recipe rotation. Let’s jump right into how to make this delightful dish!

Why This Recipe Works

This 10 Minute Smashed Cucumber Salad – With Feta and Dill is not just a salad; it’s a celebration of fresh, vibrant flavors. By smashing the cucumbers, you create more surface area for the dressing to cling to, ensuring every bite is packed with taste. The combination of creamy avocado, tangy feta, and aromatic dill harmonizes beautifully, making this salad a perfect side dish or light meal that bursts with freshness.

Why You’ll Love This 10 Minute Smashed Cucumber Salad – With Feta and Dill

Fast, easy, and refreshing, this salad is the ultimate summertime dish. Perfect for potlucks, picnics, or simply as a delicious addition to your dinner table, it takes only 10 minutes to prepare. Plus, it’s a wholesome, feel-good dish that makes you want to savor every bite. Whether you’re a cooking novice or a seasoned pro, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.

Ingredients

• 4 Persian cucumbers or 1 English cucumber
• 1 medium ripe avocado
• ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese
• ¼ cup chopped pistachios
• ¼ cup chopped fresh dill
• ¼ 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

Preparing the Cucumbers

Smash the Cucumbers

First, wash and dry the cucumbers thoroughly. Cut each cucumber in half and place them on a cutting board. You want to smash each cucumber half gently with the flat side of your knife and your palm. This breaks them apart nicely. After smashing, chop those pieces into 1-inch cubes and transfer them to a medium-sized mixing bowl. The smashing process is a fun and satisfying way to get your cucumbers ready!

Add the Avocado and Salad Ingredients

Now, let’s bring our salad to life! Peel the avocado and chop it into bite-sized pieces. Add it to the bowl along with the smashed cucumber. Then toss in the crumbled feta cheese, chopped pistachios, fresh dill, and chives. Stir everything gently to combine, and this is where it starts to look and smell amazing!

Whisk the Dressing

In a separate glass jar or bowl, combine the extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Whisk everything together until smooth and well-emulsified. This dressing really ties the salad together, so giving it a good whisk is key for that rich flavor.

Dress the Salad

Pour the prepared dressing over the cucumber and avocado mixture. Toss everything together until the salad is evenly coated with the dressing. Feel free to sprinkle some extra fresh herbs on top for added flavor. This step is where you can get creative and really enhance the presentation!

Serving Suggestions

This 10 Minute Smashed Cucumber Salad – With Feta and Dill works wonderfully as a side dish for grilled meats, fish, or even veggie burgers. It’s perfect served alongside pita bread or as part of a mezze platter to elevate your dining experience. You could also enjoy it as a light lunch on its own or atop a bed of greens.

Tips for Success

• Use fresh ingredients: The quality of cucumbers, feta, and herbs significantly impacts the flavor of your salad. Fresh is always best.
• Adjust textures: If you prefer crunchier cucumbers, smash them less aggressively or leave some pieces larger. It adds a fun variety to your salad.
• Chill before serving: For an even fresher taste, allow the salad to rest in the refrigerator for a few minutes before enjoying. This brings all the flavors together nicely.

Variations

Feel free to customize this salad based on your personal tastes! You can substitute the feta cheese with goat cheese or tofu for a vegan option. Add cherry tomatoes for a pop of color, or toss in some red onion for an extra bite. It’s all about making it yours!

Pairing Ideas

Pair this refreshing salad with grilled chicken skewers, baked salmon, or a hearty grain bowl. It also complements Mediterranean dishes wonderfully, so it’s a versatile addition to your meal planning. The bright flavors of this salad can truly enhance any meal.

FAQs

1. Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the salad in advance, but for the best taste, add the dressing just before serving to keep the cucumbers crisp.

2. Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! Store it in an airtight container, and it’s good for up to two days in the fridge. Just remember the dressing part!

3. What can I substitute for pistachios?
You can use your favorite nuts, such as almonds, walnuts, or sunflower seeds, for added crunch. They’ll work just as well.

4. Can I use regular cucumbers instead of Persian or English?
Yes, but regular cucumbers may have more seeds and a thicker skin. Consider peeling them for a better texture in your salad.

5. How can I make it vegan?
Simply omit the feta cheese or swap it for a vegan feta alternative. You won’t miss a beat!

This 10 Minute Smashed Cucumber Salad – With Feta and Dill is a delightful way to celebrate fresh produce in a fast, easy dish. Its invigorating flavors, coupled with a sprinkle of herbs, create a refreshing bowl that can brighten any meal. Enjoy the blend of textures and tastes, and don’t hesitate to make it your own!

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