If you are craving a fresh, vibrant, and incredibly tasty salad that bursts with Mediterranean flavors, this Greek Cucumber Salad Recipe is the perfect choice. Packed with crisp cucumber slices, juicy tomatoes, tangy feta, and a zesty homemade dressing, this salad is a celebration of simple, wholesome ingredients coming together in perfect harmony. Whether you want a light side dish or a refreshing snack, this salad is not only easy to make but also endlessly satisfying.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Greek Cucumber Salad Recipe shines because of its simplicity and the quality of each ingredient. Every item contributes a unique texture, flavor, or color, making the salad a delightful fiesta for your palate and eyes.
- Large English cucumber: The base of the salad, crisp and refreshing with minimal seeds for a smooth texture.
- Salt: Sprinkled on cucumbers to draw out excess moisture, ensuring your salad stays crisp and not watery.
- Tomatoes: Juicy and sweet, they add color and a juicy burst to every bite.
- Red onion: Thinly sliced for a mild sharpness that livens up the mix without overpowering it.
- Black olives: Pitted and halved, delivering a salty, savory depth that complements the other fresh ingredients.
- Feta cheese: Crumbled for that creamy, tangy contrast that makes a Greek salad truly authentic.
- Fresh parsley: Finely chopped, adding an herbaceous brightness and a splash of green color.
- Avocado or olive oil: Creates a rich, smooth dressing base that binds the salad flavors.
- Fresh lemon juice: Adds a zesty kick and fresh acidity to balance the richness of the feta and oil.
- Dried oregano: Infuses each bite with classic Greek herbal notes.
- Garlic powder: A gentle hint of savory warmth without overpowering the salad.
- Sugar: Balances the acidity and rounds out the flavors for a harmonious dressing.
How to Make Greek Cucumber Salad Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Salt the Cucumbers
Start by trimming the ends off your English cucumber and slicing it in half lengthwise, then cut into thin ¼” slices. Sprinkle the salt over the cucumber pieces and let them sit for 15 to 30 minutes. This step is critical because it gently draws out excess water, resulting in a crispier cucumber that won’t turn your salad watery. After this resting period, pat the cucumbers dry with a paper towel.
Step 2: Make the Dressing
While the cucumbers are resting, whisk together the avocado or olive oil, freshly squeezed lemon juice, dried oregano, garlic powder, and a pinch of sugar in a medium bowl. This well-balanced dressing is the magic touch that ties all the fresh ingredients together with a tangy, herby flavor.
Step 3: Combine the Salad Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, add the sliced cucumbers, halved tomatoes, thinly sliced red onion, pitted and halved black olives, crumbled feta cheese, and finely chopped parsley. Drizzle the dressing over the top and gently toss until every piece is evenly coated. This step merges all those wonderful textures and flavors that make the Greek Cucumber Salad Recipe so irresistible.
Step 4: Serve or Chill
You can serve this salad immediately for a fresh, room-temperature experience or pop it in the refrigerator for 1 to 2 hours to enjoy it chilled, which enhances the refreshing qualities of the cucumber and lemon dressing.
How to Serve Greek Cucumber Salad Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle additional fresh parsley or oregano on top just before serving to amplify the salad’s vibrant herbal notes. For an extra pop of color and texture, consider adding finely chopped green onions or a few crushed red pepper flakes for a subtle kick.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs beautifully with grilled meats like chicken or lamb, making it perfect for a Mediterranean-inspired meal. It also complements hearty pita bread and hummus or can be served alongside your favorite seafood dishes to brighten and balance richer flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the Greek Cucumber Salad Recipe in a rustic wooden bowl for a casual feel or use individual glass jars for an elegant presentation at picnics or dinner parties. Layer it with other Mediterranean veggies or add a scoop atop a bed of quinoa for a light, nourishing lunch bowl.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Greek Cucumber Salad Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep in mind that the cucumbers might release more moisture over time, so giving the salad a quick stir before serving helps maintain the best texture.
Freezing
This salad is best enjoyed fresh and does not freeze well because cucumbers and tomatoes become watery and mushy upon thawing. For maximum flavor and texture, plan to consume it within a couple of days.
Reheating
Since this salad is served cold or at room temperature, reheating isn’t necessary. If you prefer a slightly warmer version, simply let it sit out for 15 minutes before serving instead of heating it.
FAQs
Can I use regular cucumbers instead of English cucumbers?
Absolutely! Just be aware that regular cucumbers have more seeds and higher water content, so you may want to scoop out the seeds and salt them a little longer to avoid excess moisture in the salad.
What can I substitute for feta cheese if I’m allergic to dairy?
You can try using a vegan feta alternative or omit the cheese altogether and add some toasted nuts like almonds or walnuts to retain a bit of that creamy texture and crunch.
Is it necessary to salt the cucumbers?
Salting the cucumbers is a key step to remove excess water and keep your salad from becoming watery. If you’re short on time, at least lightly salting helps, but for the best crunch, the full 15 to 30-minute wait is worth it.
Can this salad be made vegan?
Yes! Simply omit the feta cheese or replace it with a plant-based cheese or tofu seasoned with lemon and herbs for a similar tangy bite.
How long can I keep the salad before it loses its freshness?
This Greek Cucumber Salad Recipe is freshest within 24 to 48 hours when stored properly in the fridge. Beyond that, the vegetables may soften and the dressing could separate, so it’s best enjoyed sooner.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the simplicity and freshness of this Greek Cucumber Salad Recipe. It’s one of those dishes that makes you feel like you’ve captured a bit of sunshine and brought it right to your plate. Whether you’re serving it as a quick lunch or a side for your dinner spread, give this salad a try—you’ll find it’s a refreshing crowd-pleaser that’s as easy to make as it is to love.
Print
Greek Cucumber Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Greek
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A refreshing and vibrant Greek Cucumber Salad featuring crisp cucumbers, ripe tomatoes, tangy feta cheese, and a zesty lemon-oregano dressing. Perfect as a quick side dish or a light meal, this salad balances fresh vegetables with Mediterranean flavors in just 20 minutes.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 1 large English cucumber (seedless)
- 1 pint tomatoes (cut in half)
- ½ cup red onion (thinly sliced)
- ½ cup black olives (pitted, drained, cut in half)
Cheese and Herbs
- 4 oz. Feta cheese (crumbled)
- 3 Tbsp. parsley (fresh, finely chopped)
Dressing
- 3 Tbsp. oil (avocado or olive)
- 2 Tbsp. lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- ½ tsp. oregano (dried)
- ¼ tsp. garlic powder
- ½ tsp. sugar
- ½ tsp. salt (for cucumbers)
Instructions
- Prep the cucumber: Trim the ends from the cucumber and slice it in half lengthwise. Cut into ¼” slices.
- Salt and drain cucumbers: Add sliced cucumber to a large bowl and sprinkle with ½ tsp salt. Let sit for 15-30 minutes to draw out excess moisture. After resting, use a paper towel to gently dab off the moisture.
- Make the dressing: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons of oil, 2 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice, ½ teaspoon dried oregano, ¼ teaspoon garlic powder, and ½ teaspoon sugar until well combined.
- Combine salad ingredients: Add the halved tomatoes, thinly sliced red onion, pitted and halved black olives, crumbled feta, and chopped parsley into the bowl with the drained cucumbers.
- Toss and serve: Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently until all ingredients are evenly coated. Serve immediately or chill in the refrigerator for 1–2 hours for a cold, refreshing salad.
Notes
- Letting the cucumbers sit with salt reduces excess water and prevents a watery salad.
- For best flavor, use fresh lemon juice and high-quality olive or avocado oil.
- This salad is best served chilled but can be enjoyed immediately.
- Can be customized by adding other Mediterranean ingredients like capers or fresh mint.
- Store leftover salad covered in the refrigerator and consume within 2 days for freshness.
