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If you haven’t tried smashing your cucumbers then you must try this SMASHED Cucumber Salad! It is so flavorful, crunchy, and satisfying. The combination of the smashed cucumbers, feta, dill, chives pistachios, and dijon dressing is so yummy. This is one salad you will want to make over and over again!
A smashed cucumber salad may sound strange to you, as it did to me but once I tried it, I was hooked! The method for smashing cucumbers comes from Asia where they make an Asian smashed cucumber salad with a ginger dressing. I decided to create my version using a more traditional Dijon dressing and fresh ingredients like feta, dill, chives, pistachios, and lemon.
The result is this fresh crunchy, creamy smashed cucumber salad that is so delicious and satisfying you will want to make it repeatedly! And the best part is that it only takes 10 minutes!
If you love cucumber salads as much as I do, this is the recipe for you!
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Why smash cucumbers?
Smashing cucumbers disrupts the structure of the cucumbers leaving some areas crisp and firm while the other parts are smushed and no longer intact. This allows the cucumbers to fully absorb the dressing and other ingredients, making the salad more flavorful and satisfying.
Ingredients and Substitutions
This cucumber salad uses just a few simple, fresh ingredients. Here is what you’ll need to make it:
- Cucumbers – I used Persian cucumbers which are smaller and contain fewer seeds. You could also use an English cucumber or any mini cucumber. You want to use a seedless cucumber.
- Avocado – the avocado adds this nice creamy taste and texture to the salad that is simply amazing! Of course, you can leave it out if you prefer.
- Herbs – fresh dill and chives not only add an incredible layer of flavor but they also compliment the flavors of the cucumbers. Although dry herbs will work in this recipe, fresh herbs will yield the best results.
- Pistachios – pistachios bring a nutty, salty, and crunchy element that adds to the amazing texture of this cucumber salad. You can also use almonds or walnuts.
- Feta cheese – for that creamy, salty, fatty element. You can leave the cheese out if you need to keep this salad recipe dairy-free.
- Dressing – olive oil, honey, dijon mustard, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper make up the dressing. You can use maple syrup in place of the honey if you prefer.
Recommended Kitchen Tools
- Cutting board and knife
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Measuring cups + measuring spoons
How To Make This Smashed Cucumber Salad
Here is a summary of the simple steps to make the amazing cucumber salad.
Prepare your cucumbers – wash and dry the cucumbers well since they contain a lot of water. Chop the cucumbers in half, use the flat side of your kitchen knife to smash each one, then chop them into 1-inch pieces and place them into a bowl.
Add the rest of the salad ingredients to the bowl with the smashed, chopped cucumbers.
Mix up the dressing – add all of the dressing ingredients to a glass jar or bowl and whisk well to emulsify
Pour the dressing over the salad, toss and serve!
Expert tips for success
- Smash the cucumbers using the flat side of a large kitchen knife (carefully), the flat side of a meat tenderize/mallet, or a rolling pin. I recommend doing this on a cutting board.
- While you can skip smashing the cucumbers, it does bring this salad to a whole new level of deliciousness since it releases the flavors of the cucumbers and allows the dressing to seep into all the nooks and crannies.
- Cucumbers contain a lot of water so make sure to clean and dry them well before you smash them, then remove some of the seeds using a spoon to ensure they are more firm and crisp. You can also sprinkle them with a little salt and lay them on some paper towels to dry out for 5 minutes before you add them to the salad.
Ways to serve smashed cucumber salad
This salad is very light and refreshing so serving it with a hearty protein like chicken or pork tenderloin would be fantastic. It is also a great side to be served with burgers or even pizza!
FAQ’s
What kind of cucumbers should I use?
I recommend using Persian or English cucumbers since they both have smaller, less noticeable seeds and are easier to work with in salads.
How do I ensure my cucumber salad is not watery?
Since cucumbers have a higher water content, you may find that your cucumbers seem watery. If that is the case then you want to make sure to dry them well after you wash them. You can also scoop out and discard some of the seeds, which will reduce the amount of water in them. I also like to sprinkle the cucumbers with a little salt and let them sit for a few minutes on a dry towel, which will also remove some moisture. My cucumbers were less watery so these steps were not necessary for me.
Storage
Smashed cucumber salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-5 days. Give it a good stir and add a squeeze of lemon to freshen it up a bit before you serve it again.
More Quick and Easy Salads!
- Viral Cucumber Pepper Salad
- 10 Minute Chopped Italian Salad
- Mediterranean Chickpea Salad
- Chopped Kale Salad
Check out all of my healthy salads on PMG!
Did you try this smashed cucumber salad recipe? If you did then please leave a rating and comment below. I would love to hear how yours turned out!
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Smashed Cucumber Salad – With Feta and Dill
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This trendy smashed cucumber salad can be made in 10 minutes! It is wonderfully light, fresh, tasty, and satisfying and can be served with so many things. You are going to love it!
Ingredients
For the cucumber salad
- 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
For the dressing
- 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
Instructions
- Prepare the cucumbers – wash and dry the cucumbers well, then chop each one in half. Place each half of the cucumber onto a cutting board and use the flat side of your knife and your hand to smash each one. Then chop them into 1-inch pieces and place them into a medium-sized bowl. Note: If your cucumbers are larger then you can cut each one in half horizontally then vertically to make them easier to smash.
- Peel the avocado, chop it, and place it into the bowl with the cucumbers. Add the rest of the salad ingredients to the same bowl with the cucumbers and avocado.
- Add all of the dressing ingredients to a glass jar or bowl and whisk well to emulsify.
- Pour the dressing over the salad toss an enjoy! I like to add a sprinkle of more fresh herbs on top.
Notes
- Dry the cucumbers well since they contain a lot of water. You can also use a spoon to remove any seeds to reduce the water content in the salad.
- Smashing the cucumbers is not required but highly recommended for the best, most delicious results.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-5 days. Give it a good stir and add a squeeze of lemon juice to freshen it up before you serve it again!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Quick and Easy Salads
- Method: No cook
- Cuisine: American
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