If you are looking for a fresh, vibrant, and utterly delicious salad that feels like a burst of sunshine on your plate, the Cucumber Feta Salad Recipe is your new best friend. This dish combines crisp cucumbers, juicy cherry tomatoes, and tangy feta cheese with zesty lemon and fragrant herbs, creating a perfect harmony of flavors and textures. Whether you need a quick side for dinner or a light lunch that refreshes your day, this salad checks all the boxes with its simplicity and irresistible taste.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe plays a starring role, contributing to the vibrant colors and delightful mouthfeel. From the crisp cucumbers to the creamy feta, these ingredients are simple but crucial for that perfect balance of freshness, creaminess, and zing.
- 2 cups fresh cucumbers, sliced: Choose firm, crisp cucumbers for the best crunch and refreshing taste.
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved: Sweet and juicy, they add a luscious pop of color and flavor.
- 1/2 cup block feta cheese, crumbled: Opt for quality feta to lend that creamy, salty bite that ties everything together.
- 1/4 small red onion, thinly sliced: Adds a mild sharpness and beautiful color contrast.
- 1/4 cup fresh dill or parsley, chopped: Fresh herbs bring brightness and an aromatic lift to the salad.
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil: A silky base for the dressing with a fruity richness.
- 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice: Provides a vibrant, tangy kick that enlivens all the ingredients.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings that enhance every bite without overpowering.
How to Make Cucumber Feta Salad Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Fresh Vegetables
The journey to an amazing Cucumber Feta Salad Recipe starts with washing all your vegetables thoroughly to ensure crispness and cleanliness. Slice your cucumbers into half-moons about half an inch thick—it’s the perfect size for crunchy, satisfying bites. Halve the cherry tomatoes to release their juicy interiors, and thinly slice the red onion so it melds into the salad rather than overpowering it.
Step 2: Crumble the Feta Cheese
Next, crumble the block feta cheese directly into a large mixing bowl. Using block feta instead of pre-crumbled ensures a fresher, creamier texture with a more vibrant flavor that steals the spotlight in this salad.
Step 3: Combine the Vegetables and Feta
Add the sliced cucumbers, halved cherry tomatoes, and thinly sliced red onion to the bowl with your feta. Gently toss everything together just enough to start mingling the flavors without breaking up the tender tomatoes or feta pieces.
Step 4: Whisk the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil and freshly squeezed lemon juice. This simple dressing is where all the fresh flavors tie together, adding silkiness and a zesty brightness that makes your salad pop with flavor.
Step 5: Season and Toss
Pour the dressing over the salad mixture along with your choice of fresh chopped dill or parsley. Sprinkle salt and pepper to your liking, then gently toss everything until each ingredient is coated beautifully and combined perfectly.
Step 6: Chill for Optimal Flavor
For best results, cover the salad and chill it in the fridge for about 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to marry fully, creating a delightful, refreshing salad that’s balanced and bursting with freshness.
How to Serve Cucumber Feta Salad Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Cucumber Feta Salad Recipe even more, consider topping it with a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts or a few extra crumbles of feta right before serving. A light drizzle of good-quality olive oil or a scattering of freshly ground black pepper can add an inviting finish that makes every bite a treat.
Side Dishes
This salad is wonderfully versatile and pairs beautifully with grilled meats like chicken or lamb, making it a classic Mediterranean combo. It also shines alongside a warm pita bread or as a refreshing complement to a hearty grain bowl or pasta dish on a sunny day.
Creative Ways to Present
Think beyond the bowl by serving your Cucumber Feta Salad Recipe in individual glass jars for a picnic or outdoor gathering. You can also use it as a topping for crispy crostini to create a light appetizer or present it inside hollowed-out cherry tomatoes for bite-sized party snacks that will impress your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This salad keeps well when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep in mind that cucumbers can release moisture over time, so it’s best enjoyed fresh for optimal crunch and flavor.
Freezing
Because of the cucumbers and fresh herbs, freezing the salad is not recommended. The texture and taste will degrade, leaving it watery and limp once thawed.
Reheating
This salad is best served cold or at room temperature, so reheating is unnecessary. Instead, simply give it a gentle toss before serving if refrigerated for a while.
FAQs
Can I use different herbs instead of dill or parsley?
Absolutely! Fresh mint or basil can be great alternatives, adding a different aromatic dimension while still keeping the salad lively and fresh.
Is this salad suitable for a vegan diet?
This particular recipe includes feta cheese, which is dairy-based, so it is not vegan. However, you can substitute the feta with a vegan-friendly cheese or tofu for a similar texture and flavor.
Can I add other vegetables to this salad?
Yes, feel free to customize it by adding ingredients like sliced radishes, bell peppers, or olives to increase the complexity and texture of the salad.
How can I make the salad more filling?
Adding cooked quinoa, chickpeas, or even grilled chicken can turn this light Cucumber Feta Salad Recipe into a satisfying meal perfect for lunch or dinner.
What type of cucumbers work best?
Kirby or Persian cucumbers are ideal for this recipe because they are less watery and have thinner skins, making your salad even crisper and more refreshing.
Final Thoughts
I cannot recommend trying the Cucumber Feta Salad Recipe enough, especially when you want something that feels as wholesome as it tastes. It’s quick, fresh, and endlessly enjoyable—a true crowd-pleaser that never fails to brighten any meal. Go ahead and give it a whirl; I promise it will become one of your favorite go-to salads.
Print
Cucumber Feta Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A refreshing and easy-to-make Cucumber Feta Salad combining crisp cucumbers, sweet cherry tomatoes, tangy feta cheese, and fresh herbs, all brought together with a zesty lemon and olive oil dressing. Perfect as a light side dish or a healthy snack.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 2 cups fresh cucumbers, sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 small red onion, thinly sliced
Dairy
- 1/2 cup block feta cheese, crumbled
Herbs & Seasoning
- 1/4 cup fresh dill or parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Dressing
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
Instructions
- Prepare Vegetables: Wash all vegetables thoroughly. Slice cucumbers into half-moons about half an inch thick. Halve the cherry tomatoes and thinly slice the red onion.
- Crumble Cheese: Crumble the feta cheese into a large mixing bowl.
- Combine Ingredients: Add sliced cucumbers, halved cherry tomatoes, and red onion to the bowl with feta. Toss gently to combine all the ingredients evenly.
- Make Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together extra virgin olive oil and freshly squeezed lemon juice until emulsified.
- Dress the Salad: Pour the dressing over the salad mixture along with the chopped fresh dill or parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then mix gently until all ingredients are well coated.
- Chill: Refrigerate the salad for about 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld for the best taste experience.
Notes
- You can use either fresh dill or parsley, depending on your taste preference.
- For added crunch, consider adding a handful of toasted pine nuts or walnuts.
- This salad pairs well with grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal.
- Use high-quality extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor impact.
- The salad is best served chilled but can be stored for up to 2 days in the fridge.
