Name: Smashed Cucumber Salad with Feta and Dill
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean-Inspired
Ingredients: 4 Persian cucumbers (or 1 English cucumber)1 ripe avocado ¼ cup crumbled feta ¼ cup chopped pistachios ¼ cup fresh dill, chopped ¼ cup fresh chives, chopped; For the Dressing 2–3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil 1 tbsp lemon juice1tbsp Dijon mustard2 tsp honey2 cloves garlic, minced Salt and pepper, to taste

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Looking for a light, ultra-fresh salad that takes just 10 minutes to make? This Smashed Cucumber Salad with Feta and Dill is crisp, creamy, herby, and tangy all in one bite. It’s a refreshing twist on traditional cucumber salad, made even better with creamy avocado, salty feta, crunchy pistachios, and an easy homemade lemon-Dijon dressing.

Perfect for summer picnics, Mediterranean-style meals, or as a quick lunch on a hot day, this salad is all about clean flavors and satisfying textures. And thanks to the smashing technique, the cucumbers soak up every bit of that flavorful dressing.

Smashed Cucumber Salad with Feta and Dill

Why You’ll Love This Smashed Cucumber Salad

It’s ready in just 10 minutes – no cooking, no hassle.
Fresh, crunchy, and creamy all in one dish.
Perfect side or light meal – goes with grilled meats, falafel, or even as a sandwich topping.
Naturally gluten-free and easily made vegan.
A great way to use up fresh herbs and summer cucumbers.

Once you try this combo of cool cucumbers, creamy feta, avocado, and fresh herbs, you’ll want to put it on repeat all season long.

Ingredients

For the 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, minced
– Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Smash the Cucumbers

Wash and dry your cucumbers thoroughly. Cut each one in half, then use the flat side of a large knife and your hand to press and gently smash them. Chop the smashed cucumbers into 1-inch chunks and place them in a medium bowl.

Tip: If using larger cucumbers, slice them in half both lengthwise and crosswise before smashing to make the job easier.

2. Prep the Avocado and Herbs

Peel and chop the avocado and add it to the bowl with the cucumbers. Then add the crumbled feta, chopped pistachios, dill, and chives.

3. Make the Dressing

In a small bowl or jar, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey, minced garlic, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Whisk well until fully emulsified.

4. Toss and Serve

Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine. Sprinkle with additional herbs if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy the fresh, zesty flavors.

Variations

Make it vegan: Use a dairy-free feta or omit cheese entirely.
Add protein: Toss in grilled shrimp or chickpeas for a more filling dish.
Swap the nuts: Use walnuts, sunflower seeds, or almonds if pistachios aren’t available.
Spice it up: Add a pinch of chili flakes or a drizzle of hot honey.
Use other herbs: Basil or mint would be great substitutions for dill or chives.

How to Store

This salad is best enjoyed fresh, as the avocado may brown and the cucumbers can release water over time. However, you can prep everything ahead (except the avocado) and store in separate containers. Combine right before serving.

Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 1 day.
Not freezer-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does “smashed cucumber” mean?

Smashed cucumbers are lightly crushed before being chopped. This technique creates jagged edges and tenderizes the flesh so the cucumbers absorb more dressing.

Can I use English cucumbers instead of Persian?

Yes, English cucumbers are a great alternative. Just remove large seeds if needed and slice them down to a manageable size for smashing.

Can I make this ahead of time?

You can prep everything except the avocado and dressing in advance. Add those just before serving to keep it fresh and creamy.

How do I keep avocado from browning?

Tossing the avocado in lemon juice helps, but it’s best added right before eating for maximum freshness.

What’s the best feta to use?

A block of feta in brine offers the creamiest, richest flavor. Crumbled feta works too, but choose a good quality brand.

Can I skip the pistachios?

Yes, but they add a great crunch. You can replace them with other nuts or seeds if desired.

Is this salad good for meal prep?

It’s not ideal for long-term meal prep due to the avocado and moisture from the cucumbers, but it works well for next-day leftovers if you store components separately.

Can I use lime instead of lemon?

Absolutely. Lime adds a slightly different citrus flavor that still works well.

Is this salad gluten-free?

Yes, all ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

What dishes go well with this salad?

It pairs beautifully with grilled meats, falafel, grain bowls, or even wraps.

Conclusion

This Smashed Cucumber Salad with Feta and Dill is a 10-minute flavor bomb—cool, crunchy, creamy, and tangy with bright herbal notes. It’s the kind of no-fuss dish that instantly elevates any meal, whether you’re serving grilled chicken, fresh seafood, or just enjoying it solo. Keep it in your rotation for warm-weather meals or whenever you want something light and delicious.