Description
A refreshing and tangy Smashed Cucumber Salad combining crunchy cucumbers, zesty lemon dressing, and a hint of mint and sumac, topped with creamy feta and toasted sesame seeds for added texture and flavor. Perfect as a light side dish or a healthy snack.
Ingredients
Cucumbers
- 2 English cucumbers
- 2 teaspoons sea salt (plus more as needed)
Dressing
- 1 small shallot (finely minced)
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ teaspoon dried mint
- ½ teaspoon sumac
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Toppings
- 2 tablespoons crumbled feta cheese
- 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds
Instructions
- Smasher Preparation: Place the cucumbers on a cutting board and slice each cucumber in half lengthwise. Then cut into 1 ½-inch thick slices. Use a meat mallet or a heavy flat object to gently pound and smash the cucumber slices until they flatten slightly, releasing their juices and creating a textured bite.
- Salt and Drain: Transfer the smashed cucumber slices to a strainer set over a bowl. Sprinkle with 2 teaspoons of sea salt and mix well to combine. Let the cucumbers rest for 30 minutes to allow excess liquid to drain out, ensuring a crisp salad.
- Prepare the Dressing: While the cucumbers are draining, whisk together the minced shallot, lemon juice, olive oil, dried mint, sumac, and black pepper in a serving bowl. This mixture will provide a tangy and aromatic flavor punch to the salad.
- Dry and Combine: After draining, dab the cucumber slices dry with a paper towel to remove remaining moisture. Transfer the cucumbers into the bowl with the dressing and toss gently to coat all pieces evenly.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese and toasted sesame seeds on top of the dressed cucumbers. Serve immediately as a refreshing side dish or appetizer.
Notes
- For best results, use English cucumbers as they have fewer seeds and a thinner skin.
- Allowing the cucumbers to drain properly ensures the salad isn’t watery and retains a crisp texture.
- Sumac adds a unique lemony tang but can be substituted with extra lemon zest if unavailable.
- Toast sesame seeds lightly in a dry pan over medium heat until golden and fragrant for added crunch.
- This salad is best enjoyed fresh but can be refrigerated for up to 4 hours.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
