Smashed Cucumber Salad

Smashed Cucumber Salad is a refreshing twist on a classic summer side dish. By gently smashing the cucumbers, we release their natural flavor and texture, then pair them with a cool and creamy yogurt sauce infused with fresh dill and mint.

The result is a light and revitalizing salad perfect for hot summer days.

Ingredients

• 4 large cucumbers, peeled
• 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh dill
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

Peel the cucumbers and place them on a flat surface. Using a rolling pin or the bottom of a heavy skillet, smash each cucumber gently to break down the cell structure and release excess water.

Cut the cucumbers into 1-inch pieces and transfer them to a colander.

Sprinkle the salt over the cucumbers and let them sit for 10-15 minutes to draw out excess moisture. Rinse the cucumber pieces with cold water to remove excess salt.

In a large bowl, whisk together the yogurt, olive oil, vinegar, and black pepper in a bowl.

Add the chopped dill and mint to the bowl and stir to combine. Add the cucumber pieces to the bowl and toss to coat with the yogurt mixture.

Serve chilled, garnished with additional fresh herbs if desired.

Notes

For best results, use fresh and fragrant dill and mint leaves, as they’ll add tons of flavor to the salad. Make sure to peel the cucumbers thinly, as it will help to remove some of the bitterness.

Don’t over-smash the cucumbers, as you want to break down the cell structure just enough to release excess water, not turn them into mush.

If you’re short on time, you can skip the salting step, but it really does help to remove excess moisture. Adjust the amount of vinegar to your taste – if you prefer a stronger flavor, add a bit more! You can also add some grated garlic or a pinch of red pepper flakes to give the salad an extra kick.

Cover and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

This salad is perfect for hot summer days, as it’s super refreshing and light.

Nutrional Value

• Calories: 70
• Total Fat: 4g
• Saturated Fat: 0.5g
• Cholesterol: 5mg
• Sodium: 150mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 8g
• Dietary Fiber: 1g
• Sugars: 2g
• Protein: 4g