Description
This Smashed Cucumber Salad with Feta & Dill is a cool, crunchy, and flavor-packed summer side dish that comes together in just 15 minutes. Fresh smashed cucumbers are tossed in a creamy feta-lemon dressing, sprinkled with dill and roasted pistachios for extra texture. Perfect for BBQs, picnics, or an easy weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
2 English cucumbers (or 4–5 Persian cucumbers), washed and patted dry
1 teaspoon kosher salt
½ cup feta cheese, crumbled (preferably from a block)
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (about 1 lemon)
2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped (plus more for garnish)
¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
¼ cup roasted, salted pistachios, roughly chopped
Instructions
Smash the cucumbers:
Lay cucumbers on a cutting board and gently smash each one with the flat side of a knife or rolling pin until cracked. Slice into bite-size pieces and transfer to a bowl. Sprinkle with kosher salt and let sit for 10–15 minutes.Make the dressing:
In a medium bowl, mash the feta with a fork until crumbly. Stir in olive oil, lemon juice, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using) until creamy.Drain the cucumbers:
After resting, drain off any liquid from the cucumbers and gently pat them dry with a clean towel.Toss and combine:
Add the cucumbers to the feta dressing, along with fresh dill and pistachios. Toss gently to coat.
Serve:
Transfer to a serving dish, garnish with extra feta and dill, and enjoy immediately.
Notes
Make-Ahead Tip: Smash and salt cucumbers up to 1 hour before serving; drain and pat dry before tossing with the dressing.
Storage: Best eaten fresh, but can be refrigerated up to 1 day.
Variations: Swap dill for mint or parsley, or pistachios for almonds or pine nuts.
Dairy-Free Option: Use vegan feta or a creamy cashew-based cheese alternative.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Side Dish, Salad
- Method: No-cook
- Cuisine: Mediterranean, American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 440mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: smashed cucumber salad, feta dill cucumber salad, easy summer salad, Mediterranean side dish
