Smashed Cucumber Salad with Feta & Pistachio with Preserved Lemon
This dish captures the essence of summer and makes for a delightful appetizer or light meal.
INGREDIENTS
8-10 Persian cucumbers, cut into 1” pieces and smashed
⅓ small red onion, cut into very thin slices
¼ cup champagne vinegar
4 oz feta cheese, crumbled
¼ cup pistachios, roasted and roughly chopped
½ cup mixed parsley and mint, torn or chopped and loosely packed
¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
Salt and pepper, to taste
Thinly sliced preserved lemon, for garnish
Greek Yogurt Dressing:
½ cup Greek yogurt
2 tsp dried dill
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp onion powder
2 tbsp lemon juice
Salt and pepper, to taste
Start by chopping 8-10 Persian cucumbers into 1” pieces. Gently press each cucumber piece with a flat knife side to lightly smash it, leaving the seeds aside. Put the smashed cucumber pieces on a paper towel, and sprinkle with salt to remove excess moisture.
In a big bowl, mix the smashed cucumber pieces with thinly sliced red onion. Add champagne vinegar, a pinch of salt, and a bit of pepper. Gently toss the mixture. Let the cucumbers marinate for at least 20 minutes, tossing halfway through.
While the cucumbers marinate, make the dressing. In a separate bowl, whisk together ½ cup of Greek yogurt, 2 tsp dried dill, ½ tsp garlic powder, ½ tsp onion powder, fresh lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
Chop the pistachios, parsley, and mint. Thinly slice the preserved lemon. Mix the dressing into the salad.
Serve by placing the marinated cucumber and onion mixture on a plate, draining any extra liquid. Garnish with feta, mint, parsley, pistachios, and thinly sliced preserved lemon. Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil. Add more salt and pepper if needed.
Dovetail : Preserved Lemons
Preserved lemons are a staple in Moroccan cuisine, known for their intense lemon flavor and unique texture. Made from lemons that are salted and left to ferment for several weeks or months, preserved lemons add a complex depth of flavor to any dish they are used in. The bright and tangy flavor is perfect for adding a pop of freshness to salads, marinades, and sauces.