Can I use dry herbs instead of fresh?

You can , but fresh dill and chives really make the flavor pop. If you go dry, cut the amount in half and mix them into the dressing.

How do I keep the avocado from browning?

A squeeze of lemon in the dressing helps, but if you’re prepping this ahead, wait to add the avocado until just before serving.

Is this cucumber salad keto-friendly or low-carb?

Yep! Just skip the honey/maple in the dressing or reduce the amount to keep carbs even lower.

How should I store leftovers?

Pop it into an airtight container and refrigerate. It’s best eaten within 1-2 days, especially because of the avocado.

Smashed Cucumber Salad: 10-Minute Refreshing Fix

Description

This vibrant Smashed Cucumber Salad is bursting with fresh herbs, creamy avocado and feta, crunchy pistachios, and a zesty lemon dressing. It’s the perfect no-cook side dish that’s as refreshing as it is flavorful—ideal for hot days, busy nights, or light lunches.

Ingredients

4–5 Persian cucumbers (or 1 large English cucumber), halved and smashed
1 ripe avocado, peeled and chopped
2 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
2 tbsp fresh chives, chopped
2 tbsp pistachios, chopped (or almonds/walnuts)
1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)

For the dressing:

3 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp Dijon mustard
1 tsp honey (or maple syrup for vegan option)
1 clove garlic, minced
Salt and pepper, to taste

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Instructions

Wash and dry cucumbers. Cut in half lengthwise. Smash with the flat side of a knife, then chop into 1-inch chunks. Place in a medium bowl.
Add chopped avocado, dill, chives, pistachios, and feta to the bowl with the cucumbers.
In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey, garlic, salt, and pepper until well emulsified.
Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat.
Top with extra herbs and a few crushed pistachios for serving. Enjoy immediately!

Notes

Want it dairy-free? Skip the feta or use a vegan substitute.
If prepping ahead, wait to add the avocado just before serving to avoid browning.
Try sunflower seeds or toasted almonds if you’re out of pistachios!

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Salad, Side Dish
Method: No cook
Cuisine: Mediterranean-Inspired

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 210 kcal
Sugar: 3 g
Sodium: 220 mg
Fat: 18 g
Saturated Fat: 4 g
Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 10 g
Fiber: 3 g
Protein: 4 g
Cholesterol: 10 mg