Meta Description: This Smashed Cucumber Salad is a refreshing, crunchy side dish with a creamy feta-dill dressing and roasted pistachios. Ready in 15 minutes—perfect for summer meals!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔ Ultra-Refreshing – Crisp, smashed cucumbers soak up the tangy feta dressing.
✔ Quick & Easy – Ready in 15 minutes with minimal prep.
✔ Perfect Texture – Smashing cucumbers helps them absorb more flavor.
✔ Great for Entertaining – A stunning side dish for BBQs, potlucks, or light lunches.
Ingredients
For the Salad
- 1 lb English cucumbers (about 2 medium)
- ½ tsp kosher salt
- ¼ cup roasted pistachios, finely chopped
- ¼ cup fresh dill, finely chopped (+ extra for garnish)
For the Feta-Dill Dressing
- 4 oz feta cheese
- 3 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil (+ extra for drizzling)
- 2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
- ½ tsp cracked black pepper
Instructions
1. Smash the Cucumbers
- Slice cucumbers into 4-inch pieces, then halve lengthwise.
- Lay each piece cut-side down and gently smash with a knife or rolling pin until cracked.
- Chop into bite-sized pieces, toss with salt, and let sit 5-10 minutes (drain excess liquid).
2. Make the Feta-Dill Dressing
- In a bowl, mash feta with a fork until creamy.
- Stir in olive oil, lemon juice, and black pepper.
3. Assemble the Salad
- Toss cucumbers with dressing, pistachios, and dill.
- Garnish with extra dill, black pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil.
- Serve immediately for best texture!
Tips & Variations
- Herb Swap – Try mint or parsley instead of dill.
- Dairy-Free? – Use vegan feta or whipped tahini.
- Add Heat – Sprinkle with red pepper flakes or Aleppo pepper.
- Extra Crunch – Add radishes or red onion.
Make-Ahead & Storage
- Prep Ahead: Smash & salt cucumbers up to 1 hour before serving (drain well).
- Storage: Best eaten fresh, but keeps 1 day in the fridge (dressing separate).
Enjoy This Crisp, Flavor-Packed Salad!
Perfect with grilled meats, as a light lunch, or part of a mezze platter.
