2English cucumbersends trimmed, cut into quarters lengthwise
Kosher salt
1clovegarlicminced
¼teaspoondried oregano
1/8teaspoonred pepper flakes
2tablespoonsred wine vinegar
2tablespoonslemon juice
¼cupextra-virgin olive oil
Freshly ground black pepper
3tablespoonsraw slivered almonds
3tablespoonsraw sunflower seeds
½medium red onionpeeled and thinly sliced
½cupcrumbled feta
½cuppacked fresh mint leaves
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Instructions
Lay the cucumbers out on a cutting board. Sprinkle heavily with salt, about 1 tablespoon per English cucumber. Toss to coat all around. Let sit for 20-25 minutes.
Meanwhile, make the dressing. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the minced garlic, dried oregano, red pepper flakes, red wine vinegar, and lemon juice. While whisking, slowly drizzle in the olive oil, little by little, until emulsified. Season with ½ teaspoon of Kosher salt (double this amount if doubling the recipe) and a decent grinding of freshly ground black pepper.
Heat a small dry pan over medium heat. Add almonds and cook, stirring occasionally, for 1 minute. Then add sunflower seeds and cook, stirring occasionally, for 1-2 more minutes, until nuts and seeds are golden and toasted. Remove from heat.
Rinse the cucumbers under cold water and pat dry thoroughly with paper towels. Transfer to a cutting board and smash with a mallet or the bottom of a heavy bowl (Be careful of cucumber pieces flying). Then cut into 1-inch pieces.
Place cucumbers, red onion, feta, mint, almonds, and sunflower seeds into a serving bowl with as much of the dressing as you'd like. Toss to combine. Taste and season with additional salt and pepper, if desired.
Notes
Marinated and smashed cucumbers can be prepped one day ahead of time and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Salad is best served immediately after dressing.