Smashed Cucumber Salad
Crisp, fresh, and flavorful: the trifecta of summer salads. Smashing cucumbers helps break down their flesh, creating little nooks and crannies for the dressing to steep into. It's a genius way to elevate classic cucumber salads and really enhance their flavor.
Ingredients
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1 lb Cucumber, English
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1/2 tsp Salt, kosher
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4 oz Feta Cheese
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3 Tbsp Olive oil, extra virgin
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2 Tbsp Lemon Juice, fresh
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1/2 tsp. Black Pepper, cracked
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1/4 cup Pistachios, chopped, roasted
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1/4 cup Dill, chopped, fres
Directions
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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.
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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.
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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
7/2/2023 -
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.
7/2/2023 -
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.