Mashed Feta Cucumber Salad

A vibrant, creamy, and tangy Mediterranean-inspired dish that combines the salty richness of feta cheese with fresh, crisp cucumber. The feta is mashed to create a slightly chunky and spreadable dressing, offering the rich flavor of feta in every bite!

By @foodiefromvt

Original recipe source

Cook time: 15 minutes

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 8 pieces mini cucumbers
• 1 whole shallot
• 1 can chickpeas
• 0.67 cup pistachios
• 0.33 cup dill
• 5 oz feta
• 0.33 cup olive oil
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 0 to taste black pepper
• 8 pieces mini cucumbers
• 1 whole shallot
• 1 can chickpeas
• 0.67 cup pistachios
• 0.33 cup dill
• 1 whole avocado
• 0.33 cup olive oil
• 0 to taste salt
• 0 to taste black pepper

Instructions

1. Wash and dry 8 mini cucumbers. Cut half into small dice and the other half into coin-shaped slices, about 1/4 inch thick.
2. Peel and mince 1 shallot finely.
3. Drain and rinse 1 can of chickpeas under cold running water, then set aside to drain thoroughly.
4. Roughly chop 2/3 cup of pistachios.
5. Pick leaves off from 1/3 cup of fresh dill and give them a rough chop.
6. In a small bowl, combine 5 oz feta with 1/3 cup olive oil, 2 tbsp lemon juice, and a few cracks of fresh black pepper. Use a fork to mash them together until slightly chunky.
7. In a large bowl, combine the diced and sliced cucumbers, minced shallot, chickpeas, chopped pistachios, and dill. Pour over the mashed feta dressing and toss gently to combine.
8. Dice 1 avocado just before serving to prevent browning, and gently fold it into the salad.
9. Drizzle a little more olive oil over the salad if it seems dry, then season with additional salt and pepper to taste before serving.