Smashed Cucumber Dill Salad

Micah Siva December 16, 2024

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My zaida (grandfather), named Arnold, was a natural host. Every time we went to his house, he would come in with a tray of candies, Mrs. Fields cookies, Coke, and ice cream floats (with unique flavor combinations, like cream soda or orange soda in place of cola, no less). He made freshly squeezed orange juice for my bubbe (grandmother) every morning, and if you were lucky, he would make you a batch of “Zaida’s Pickles,” made with pickling cucumbers, salt, sugar, and vinegar. It was a perfectly tangy treat that we looked forward to and craved every summer. Since then, I often make my own pickle variations and think of how he took such pride in caring for others. The flavors of Arnie’s pickles inspired me to create this cucumber salad, a modern twist of a side dish that is a hybrid between a salad and a plate of his pickles. It’s a great dinner party option.

49
49

40m 4-6

Easy Vegetarian Pescatarian Gluten Free Low Carb Vegan Low Fat Parve

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Ingredients

Smashed Cucumber Dill Salad

2 large English cucumbers or 6 Persian cucumbers
1/2 teaspoon Haddar Kosher Salt, plus more as needed
2 tablespoons Tuscanini White Wine Vinegar
1 teaspoon sugar
1 clove garlic, minced or 1 cube Gefen Frozen Garlic
1/2 cup chopped fresh dill
black pepper

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cucumber salad cucumbers easy prep flavorful fresh Micah Siva nosh quick-and-easy Shabbos

Directions

Cut the ends off the cucumbers and cut them in half lengthwise. Place the cucumber halves, cut side down, on a cutting board and, using the handle of a wooden spoon or spatula, press down firmly using the heel of your hand until the cucumber splits, repeating the motion along the length of the cucumber. Once it is evenly smashed, cut the cucumbers into diagonal one-inch slices.
Transfer the cucumbers to a large bowl, add the salt, toss until combined, and let sit for 20 minutes.
Using a colander, drain the excess liquid from the cucumbers, and then return them to the bowl. Add the vinegar, sugar, and garlic, toss, and let sit for 10 minutes.
Add the dill and mix until combined. Taste, season with salt and pepper, and serve.

Tips:
Instead of white wine vinegar, try substituting white balsamic vinegar or any white vinegar.

Notes:
This salad gets better the longer it sits. Make it up to one day in advance and toss with the fresh dill just before serving.

Description:
Recipe excerpted from Nosh: Plant-Forward Recipes Celebrating Modern Jewish Cuisine. Purchase on Amazon.

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Smashed Cucumber Dill Salad

Micah Siva

Recipe Description:

My zaida (grandfather), named Arnold, was a natural host. Every time we went to his house, he would come in with a tray of candies, Mrs. Fields cookies, Coke, and ice cream floats (with unique flavor combinations, like cream soda or orange soda in place of cola, no less). He made freshly squeezed orange juice for my bubbe (grandmother) every morning, and if you were lucky, he would make you a batch of “Zaida’s Pickles,” made with pickling cucumbers, salt, sugar, and vinegar. It was a perfectly tangy treat that we looked forward to and craved every summer. Since then, I often make my own pickle variations and think of how he took such pride in caring for others. The flavors of Arnie’s pickles inspired me to create this cucumber salad, a modern twist of a side dish that is a hybrid between a salad and a plate of his pickles. It’s a great dinner party option.

Ingredients

Smashed Cucumber Dill Salad

2 large English cucumbers or 6 Persian cucumbers
1/2 teaspoon Haddar Kosher Salt, plus more as needed
2 tablespoons Tuscanini White Wine Vinegar
1 teaspoon sugar
1 clove garlic, minced or 1 cube Gefen Frozen Garlic
1/2 cup chopped fresh dill
black pepper

Directions

Step 1

Cut the ends off the cucumbers and cut them in half lengthwise. Place the cucumber halves, cut side down, on a cutting board and, using the handle of a wooden spoon or spatula, press down firmly using the heel of your hand until the cucumber splits, repeating the motion along the length of the cucumber. Once it is evenly smashed, cut the cucumbers into diagonal one-inch slices.
Transfer the cucumbers to a large bowl, add the salt, toss until combined, and let sit for 20 minutes.
Using a colander, drain the excess liquid from the cucumbers, and then return them to the bowl. Add the vinegar, sugar, and garlic, toss, and let sit for 10 minutes.
Add the dill and mix until combined. Taste, season with salt and pepper, and serve.

Step 2 - About