Smashed Cucumber Salad 

This Smashed Cucumber Salad is a refreshing and vibrant dish that combines crisp cucumbers with a tangy lemon vinaigrette, fresh herbs, and optional feta cheese. It's a quick and easy side dish that's perfect for warm weather meals, offering a delightful balance of flavors and textures. Ready in just 10 minutes, it's a go-to recipe for busy days or casual gatherings.

🧄 Ingredients

• 1 medium English cucumber

• 7–8 medium red radishes

• 1 shallot, peeled

• 2 cloves garlic, peeled and minced

• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill

• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon zest (optional for garnish)

For the lemon vinaigrette:

• ¼ cup citrus vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)

• ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil

• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

• 1 tablespoon maple syrup

• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

• Salt and pepper, to taste

🔪 Directions

1. Prepare the vegetables: Rinse the radishes and cucumbers. If the radishes have greens attached, cut them off and save them for salads and soups. Dry the veggies, then use a mandolin slicer or sharp knife to thinly slice them. Then thinly slice the shallot, chop the garlic, and add everything to a medium-large bowl along with the chopped dill.

2. Mix the dressing: Add all of the dressing ingredients to a small bowl and whisk well to combine and emulsify.

3. Dress and serve: Pour the lemon dressing over the salad, toss, and garnish it with lemon zest, more dill, and cracked black pepper. Serve chilled or at room temperature and enjoy!

📊 Nutritional Estimate (per serving)

• Calories: Approximately 80 kcal

• Total Fat: 7 g

• Saturated Fat: 1 g

• Cholesterol: 0 mg

• Sodium: 50 mg

• Total Carbohydrates: 5 g

• Dietary Fiber: 1 g

• Sugars: 3 g

• Protein: 1 g