August 6, 2020

Smashed Cucumber Salad with Za’atar and Feta

It’s often difficult for cucumbers to absorb sauces and dressings but not if you are using the “smash” method. Smashed Cucumbers with Za’atar and Feta is a crunchy, full-flavored summer dish that will transport you to your favorite Mediterranean country. If you want to get away, you better get smashing!

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Cucumber Preparation

smash cucumbers with a rolling pin or mallet

Semi-peel cucumbers and cut off ends as shown in photos above and then smash cucumbers with a rolling pin, mallet, or the back of a heavy knife to break open. Tear (or cut) into irregular 2″ pieces and place in a medium bowl; season lightly with salt. Let sit at least 10 minutes and up to 1 hour.

Za’atar Dressing Preparation

za'atar, olive oil, garlic, salt, hot pepper flakes, and lime juice

olive oil and garlic heating up in a small sauce pan

Meanwhile, organize the dressing ingredients. Cook garlic and oil in a small saucepan over medium-low heat, turning garlic once, until golden brown and very fragrant, 2 1/2 -5 minutes. Add za’atar and red pepper flakes and remove from heat. Let cool until just warm and stir in lime juice; season dressing with salt.

Assembly of Cucumber Salad with Za’atar and Feta

Just before assembling, drain any excess liquid from the cucumbers. Combine smashed cucumbers with the za’atar dressing. Then crumble feta onto cucumber salad.

Smashed Cucumber Salad with Za’atar and Feta

smashed cucumber salad w za'atar and feta

Transfer cucumber salad to a serving platter or bowl. Season with more salt if necessary. Garnish with lemon or lime zest; optional.

Print Recipe

Smashed Cucumber Salad with Za’atar and Feta

Prep Time15

Cook Time3

Total Time18

Course: Side Dish, Vegetable

Cuisine: Mediterranean, Middle Eastern

Keyword: cucumber salad, cucumbers, feta, gluten free, za’atar

Servings: 4 people

Author: GFchow @ gfchow.com

Ingredients

5 medium-sized cucumbers or 1-2 English hothouse cucumbers semi-peeled and ends cut off
kosher salt
2 garlic cloves lightly smashed
4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons za’atar if you can't find za'atar in your local market, see NOTES section below for a za'atar substitute
½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice approx. 1 juicy lime
1/3 cup feta my preference is french or israeli feta, use more or less feta to taste
lemon or lime zest as garnish

Instructions

Smash cucumbers with a rolling pin, mallet, or the back of a heavy knife to break open cucumbers. Tear (or cut) into irregular 2" pieces and place in a medium bowl; season lightly with salt. Let sit at least 10 minutes and up to 1 hour and then drain any excess liquid from the cucumbers.
Meanwhile, cook garlic and oil in a small saucepan over medium-low heat, turning garlic once, until golden brown and very fragrant, 2 1/2-5 minutes. Add za’atar and red pepper flakes and remove from heat. Let cool until just warm and stir in lime juice; season dressing with salt. Transfer to a medium bowl.
Combine smashed cucumbers with the za'atar dressing. Then crumble feta onto cucumber salad.
Transfer to a serving platter or bowl. Season with more salt if necessary. Garnish with lemon or lime zest, optional.

Notes

Substitute sliced shallots for the garlic as an alternative.

Add other veggies to the salad…peppers, tomatoes, edamame, etc

If your market doesn’t sell za’atar, you can make a version of it at home by combining 1 tablespoon dried thyme with 1/2 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt and 1 tablespoon sumac. (If you don’t have sumac use 1 tablespoon lemon zest instead). If you happen to have dried mint, add 1/2 teaspoon into the mixture. The above measurements are an approximation.

Recipe from Bon Appetit.

If you like this recipe, you may also like these other GFchow recipes. Greek Salad with Homemade Dressing, Homemade Dill Pickles…Easy as 1,2,3, and Quick-Style Korean Cucumbers.

GLUTEN FREE DISCLAIMER

The recipes you find here are considered by me to be gluten free. However, it is up to you to make sure the ingredients you use are gluten free. Whenever possible, I will list specific brands of ingredients that I use, but always be sure to check the labels yourself to verify the item is gluten free.