Smashed Cucumber Salad With Za'atar and Feta

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Are you tired of the same old boring salads? Looking for a refreshing and flavorful dish to add to your repertoire?

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Smashed Cucumber Salad With Za'atar and Feta
Servings
4

Method

  1. Gently crush the cucumbers using a rolling pin or the back of a heavy knife until they break apart.

  2. Tear the cucumbers into irregular pieces of about 2 size and place them in a medium bowl. Lightly season with salt.

  3. Allow the cucumbers to sit for at least 5 minutes and up to 1 hour.

  4. In the meantime, heat garlic and oil in a small saucepan or skillet over medium-low heat. Turn the garlic once and cook until it turns golden brown and becomes fragrant, which should take around 5 to 7 minutes.

  5. Add za'atar and red pepper flakes to the saucepan/skillet and remove it from the heat. Let it cool until it is just warm, and then stir in lime juice. Season the dressing with salt and transfer it to a medium-sized bowl.

  6. Drain the cucumbers, getting rid of any liquid they released, and add them to the bowl with the dressing.

  7. Toss the cucumbers with the dressing several times to ensure they are well coated.

  8. Finally, sprinkle some feta cheese on top of the cucumbers before serving.

About this recipe

Are you tired of the same old boring salads? Looking for a refreshing and flavorful dish to add to your repertoire? Look no further! This smashed cucumber salad with za'atar and feta is the perfect combination of crispness, tanginess, and creaminess that will leave your taste buds begging for more.

Why Smashed Cucumbers?

Smashing the cucumbers instead of slicing or dicing them may seem unconventional, but it's a game-changer. Smashing the cucumbers breaks down their cell walls, allowing them to absorb the flavors of the dressing more effectively. The result is a salad that bursts with flavor in every bite.

The Magic of Za'atar

Za'atar, a Middle Eastern spice blend, adds a unique and aromatic flavor to this salad. Made from a combination of dried herbs like thyme, oregano, and sumac, as well as sesame seeds and salt, za'atar brings a warm and earthy taste to the dish. It's the secret ingredient that takes this salad to the next level.

The Creamy Tang of Feta

No Mediterranean-inspired salad is complete without some crumbled feta cheese. The creamy, tangy flavor of the feta perfectly complements the freshness of the cucumbers and the aromatic za'atar. It adds a delightful richness to the dish that will keep you coming back for more.

How to Make Smashed Cucumber Salad With Za'atar and Feta

To make this delicious salad, start by smashing the cucumbers. Simply place a cucumber on a cutting board and use the flat side of a knife or a rolling pin to gently press down on it until it cracks and breaks apart. Repeat with the remaining cucumbers.

Next, prepare the dressing. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, honey, za'atar, salt, and pepper. Adjust the seasoning to taste.

In a large bowl, combine the smashed cucumbers and the dressing. Toss until the cucumbers are well coated. Let the salad marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

When ready to serve, crumble feta cheese over the top of the salad. The creamy, tangy cheese will add a burst of flavor and texture to every bite.

Frequently asked questions

. Can I use regular cucumbers instead of English cucumbers?

Yes, you can use regular cucumbers in this recipe. However, English cucumbers are preferred because they have fewer seeds and a milder flavor.

. Can I substitute za'atar with another spice blend?

While za'atar is the recommended spice blend for this salad, you can experiment with other blends like Herbes de Provence or even a simple mix of dried herbs like thyme and oregano.

. Can I make this salad in advance?

Absolutely! In fact, this salad tastes even better when it has had time to marinate in the fridge. Just make sure to add the feta cheese right before serving to prevent it from getting too soggy.

. Can I add other vegetables to this salad?

Of course! Feel free to get creative and add other vegetables like cherry tomatoes, red onions, or bell peppers to the salad for extra crunch and flavor.

. Is this salad suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, this salad is vegetarian-friendly. It's the perfect option for vegetarians looking for a light and refreshing dish.

. Can I make this salad dairy-free?

If you want to make this salad dairy-free, you can omit the feta cheese or substitute it with a dairy-free alternative like tofu feta or vegan cheese.

. Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh lemon juice?

While fresh lemon juice is always preferred for its bright and tangy flavor, you can use bottled lemon juice if that's all you have on hand. Just make sure it's 100% lemon juice without any added sugars or preservatives.

. Can I adjust the amount of za'atar and feta cheese?

Yes, you can adjust the amount of za'atar and feta cheese to suit your personal taste preferences. Start with the recommended amount and add more or less according to your liking.

In conclusion, this smashed cucumber salad with za'atar and feta is a delightful and refreshing dish that will elevate your salad game. The combination of smashed cucumbers, aromatic za'atar, and creamy feta cheese creates a burst of flavors that will keep you coming back for more. So why settle for boring salads when you can enjoy this vibrant and delicious creation? Give it a try and let your taste buds thank you!

AprilCook, recipe developer and the heart of Chefwiz. More about April

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