Smashed Cucumber Salad with Feta-Dill Dressing

Fresh, zesty, and crunchy, the Smashed Cucumber Salad with Feta-Dill Dressing is a quick side that pairs perfectly with your favourite mains.

Smashed Cucumber Salad with Feta-Dill Dressing Recipe

The Smashed Cucumber Salad with Feta-Dill Dressing is a refreshing and healthy dish that breaks from the usual. Brought to life with crisp cucumbers that have been artfully shattered to better absorb the zesty feta-dill dressing, this salad also gains depth from a sprinkle of rich, roasted pistachios.

Ingredients

• 1 lb. English cucumbers
• 1/2 tsp. kosher salt
• 4 oz. feta cheese
• 3 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for garnish
• 2 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice
• 1/2 tsp. cracked black pepper
• 1/4 cup finely chopped roasted pistachios (sub pine nuts)
• 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh dill

Instructions

• Slice the cucumbers crosswise into 4-inch long pieces. Cut each piece in half lengthwise. Place each piece of cucumber cut side down on a work surface.
• Lay the blade of a chef’s knife flat on top of the cucumber and lightly smash it down using your fist or the palm of your hand. The skin will begin to crack, and the flesh will break down.
• Break or slice diagonally into bite-size pieces, and transfer to a bowl. Season cucumbers with salt.
• Place feta in a separate bowl and use a fork to thoroughly mash. Mix in extra-virgin olive oil, lemon juice, and cracked black pepper.
• Add feta dressing to the bowl with cucumbers, along with pistachios and fresh dill. Toss to combine, and garnish with extra dill, cracked black pepper, and/or a drizzle of olive oil, if desired. Serve immediately.

Serving Suggestions

• Salmon Burgers with Lemon-Caper Spread
• Greek-Marinated Shrimp Skewers with Lemon-Dill Sauce
• Chipotle Black Bean Burgers
• Chicken Fried Tofu Sandwiches

Tips and Tricks

• Gently smash cucumbers to create crevices for dressing without completely pulverizing them.
• Start your feta-dill dressing by mashing a block of quality feta cheese for better texture.
• Substitute feta with cottage cheese or Greek yogurt if desired, or change up the herbs to your preference.
• Opt for roasted, salted pistachios for a richer flavor, or toast pine nuts as an alternative.