Smashed Cucumber Salad with Feta-Dill Dressing and Pistachios
Smashed Cucumber Salad with Feta-Dill Dressing and Pistachios leans on minimal ingredients with big flavor. This fresh, simple side dish is delicious served with burgers, sandwiches, or anything hot off the grill.
Servings: 4
Equipment
- Chef's knife
- Mixing bowls
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 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.
Notes
- Make-Ahead: You can smash, slice, and salt the cucumbers up to 1 hour ahead. Just make sure to drain them before mixing in the dressing, as they will expel water.
- Store: This salad is best enjoyed fresh, however if you plan on making it advance, take the time to salt and drain the cucumbers first. This will help prevent the salad from becoming too watery.
Nutrition
Serving: 1.25cups | Calories: 220kcal | Carbohydrates: 6g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 17.5g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Sodium: 610mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 3g