Smashed Cucumber Salad with Feta-Dill Dressing and Pistachios
In the heat of an Australian summer, there’s nothing quite as refreshing as a crisp, cool salad. Our Smashed Cucumber Salad with Feta-Dill Dressing and Pistachios is a celebration of texture and flavour, perfect for a light lunch or as a side to your main meal. The crunch of the cucumber, combined with the creamy feta and the nutty crunch of pistachios, makes for a delightful dish that’s as pleasing to the palate as it is to the eye.
Ingredients:
- 2 medium-sized Lebanese cucumbers
- 100g feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup (60ml) extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon (20ml) white wine vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon (2.5ml) honey
- 1/4 cup (30g) pistachios, chopped and toasted
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Start by lightly smashing your cucumbers. Lay them flat on a chopping board and gently press with the flat side of a knife until they begin to crack. Then, cut them into bite-sized chunks.
- For the dressing, whisk together olive oil, white wine vinegar, honey, and chopped dill in a small bowl. Season with salt and pepper to your liking.
- Toss the smashed cucumbers in the dressing until well coated. Let the mixture sit for 10 minutes to marinate and absorb the flavours.
- Crumble the feta cheese over the cucumbers and sprinkle with toasted pistachios, adding an extra layer of flavour and a satisfying crunch.
- Give the salad a final gentle mix, then transfer to a serving dish.
This salad is a testament to the beauty of simple, fresh ingredients coming together to create a dish greater than the sum of its parts. The salty feta and the fresh, herby dill elevate the humble cucumber to new heights, while the pistachios add a satisfying crunch that makes each bite moreish.
