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Smacked Cucumber + Tzatziki Salad

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Smacked Cucumber + Tzatziki Salad is a refreshing and vibrant dish that celebrates simplicity and flavor. This salad takes the classic combination of cucumber and yogurt to new heights by “smacking” the cucumbers to release their natural juices and create an intriguing texture. The result is a crisp, flavorful, and incredibly refreshing salad that’s perfect for a light lunch, a side dish, or a cooling snack on a hot day. The creamy tzatziki sauce, infused with garlic, dill, and lemon, elevates the humble cucumber into a culinary delight.

Ingredients

Scale

Gather these ingredients to make your Smacked Cucumber + Tzatziki Salad:

  • 2 large cucumbers (English or Persian), unpeeled
  • 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Optional garnishes: fresh mint, red pepper flakes, a drizzle of olive oil

Instructions

Prepare the Cucumbers:

  1. Smack the Cucumbers: Place the cucumbers on a cutting board. Using the flat side of a large knife or a rolling pin, gently “smack” the cucumbers along their entire length. The goal is to bruise and crack the cucumbers without completely crushing them.

  2. Roughly Chop the Cucumbers: After smacking, roughly chop the cucumbers into bite-sized pieces.

Make the Tzatziki Sauce:

  1. Combine Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, minced garlic, chopped dill, lemon juice, and olive oil.

  2. Season: Season the tzatziki sauce with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.

  3. Mix Well: Stir all ingredients together until well combined.

Assemble the Salad:

  1. Combine Cucumbers and Tzatziki: Add the chopped cucumbers to the bowl with the tzatziki sauce.

  2. Gently Mix: Gently toss the cucumbers and tzatziki sauce together, ensuring that the cucumbers are evenly coated.

  3. Chill (Optional): For best results, let the salad chill in the refrigerator for at least 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

Serve:

  1. Garnish (Optional): Garnish the Smacked Cucumber + Tzatziki Salad with fresh mint, red pepper flakes, or a drizzle of olive oil, if desired.

  2. Serve Immediately: Serve the salad immediately as a refreshing side dish or light lunch.

Equipment

Nutrition