The Greek Cucumber Tomato Feta Salad Recipe is a vibrant, refreshing dish that bursts with Mediterranean flavors in every bite. It brings together crisp cucumbers, juicy cherry tomatoes, briny Kalamata olives, and creamy feta cheese, all dressed in a simple yet flavorful blend of olive oil, red wine vinegar, and oregano. This salad is the perfect way to brighten up any meal or enjoy a light, wholesome lunch with minimal fuss and maximum taste. Whether you’re craving something fresh on a warm day or looking to add a colorful side to your dinner, this recipe never disappoints.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this salad is simple but plays a crucial role in creating a harmonious balance of taste, texture, and color. Freshness is key here, and each component brings its own unique charm to the table.
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved: Sweet and juicy, these add a burst of red color and freshness.
- 1 English cucumber, sliced into half moons: Crisp and cool, they provide a refreshing crunch.
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced: Adds a bit of sharpness and slight sweetness for depth.
- 1 cup Kalamata olives, pitted: Their briny punch contrasts beautifully with the mild veggies.
- 6 oz block feta cheese, cubed or crumbled: Creamy and tangy, feta is a classic Greek salad staple.
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil: For richness and a silky dressing base.
- 1 tbsp red wine vinegar: Brings acidity that balances the olive oil’s softness.
- 1 tsp dried oregano: Earthy and aromatic, this herb elevates the whole salad.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste: Essential seasonings that tie all the flavors together.
How to Make Greek Cucumber Tomato Feta Salad Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Fresh Vegetables
Start by slicing the cherry tomatoes in half so their juicy interiors can mingle easily with the rest of the salad. Cut the English cucumber into half moons to create bite-sized, refreshing pieces. Finally, thinly slice the red onion for a mild yet noticeable sharpness. Drop all these vibrant veggies into a large bowl where the magic will happen.
Step 2: Add Olives and Feta
Next, add the pitted Kalamata olives and gently toss in the feta cheese. Whether you prefer it cubed or crumbled, the feta adds a wonderful creamy tang that complements the salty olives and fresh vegetables perfectly.
Step 3: Whisk the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, and a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper. This dressing is simple but packs a punch with its balance of rich, tangy, and herby notes that will bring all the salad’s flavors together.
Step 4: Combine and Toss
Drizzle the dressing over your vegetable and feta mixture, then toss lightly to coat everything evenly. The key is to be gentle so the feta doesn’t break down too much but still lets the dressing soak into each delicious bite.
Step 5: Let It Rest
Allow the salad to rest for about 10 minutes before serving. This quiet time lets the flavors meld beautifully, intensifying the taste and making each mouthful a fresh yet perfectly seasoned delight.
How to Serve Greek Cucumber Tomato Feta Salad Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra touch of color and flavor, sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or a few torn basil leaves on top just before serving. A light dusting of ground sumac or a few lemon zest flakes can also add a lovely tangy brightness that enhances the Mediterranean vibe.
Side Dishes
This salad is incredibly versatile and pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken or fish, warm pita bread, or even as a topping for roasted vegetables. It also works as a vibrant side next to hearty grains like quinoa or couscous to make a complete, satisfying meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider serving this Greek Cucumber Tomato Feta Salad Recipe in individual glasses or small bowls for a fun appetizer or picnic snack. You can also layer the ingredients in a mason jar for a portable lunch that’s beautiful and practical. Another playful idea is to spoon the salad onto crispy flatbreads or pita chips as a refreshing dip alternative.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best to enjoy it within 2 days, as the cucumbers and tomatoes start to release water and can make the salad a bit soggy over time.
Freezing
Freezing is not recommended for this salad because the fresh vegetables and feta will lose their texture and flavor upon thawing. It’s best enjoyed fresh to keep that crisp and creamy balance intact.
Reheating
This salad is designed to be served cold or at room temperature, so reheating is unnecessary. If you prefer, take it out of the fridge 15 minutes before serving to let it warm slightly for the best flavor experience.
FAQs
Can I use regular cucumbers instead of English cucumbers?
Absolutely! Regular cucumbers work just fine; just make sure to peel and deseed them if desired to avoid excess bitterness and watery texture. English cucumbers offer a thinner skin and fewer seeds, but both are delicious in this salad.
Is this salad suitable for vegans?
This particular Greek Cucumber Tomato Feta Salad Recipe includes feta cheese, which is a dairy product, so it is not vegan. However, you can substitute the feta with a vegan cheese or marinated tofu for a plant-based twist without losing much flavor.
Can I add other vegetables or herbs?
Definitely! Feel free to add chopped bell peppers, fresh mint, or green onions to enhance the flavor and texture profile. Just keep the ingredients balanced to maintain the salad’s classic Mediterranean crispness.
How long does the dressing keep?
The olive oil and vinegar dressing can be stored separately in the fridge for up to a week. Shake or whisk well before drizzling over your salad for the freshest taste.
Can this salad be made in advance for a party?
You can prep the vegetables and dressing ahead of time, but it’s best to combine them shortly before serving to keep everything fresh and crisp. If you must make it early, toss everything together but add the salt and feta just before serving to avoid sogginess.
Final Thoughts
This Greek Cucumber Tomato Feta Salad Recipe is a delightful fresh dish that brings sunshine to any meal. It’s effortless to make, packed with wholesome ingredients, and full of vibrant flavors that always impress. I encourage you to give it a try and enjoy a little taste of the Mediterranean any day of the week!
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Greek Cucumber Tomato Feta Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Greek
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This refreshing Greek Cucumber Tomato Feta Salad combines crisp cucumbers, juicy cherry tomatoes, tangy feta cheese, and briny Kalamata olives, all tossed in a simple, vibrant dressing of olive oil, red wine vinegar, and oregano. Perfect as a light lunch or a colorful side dish, this salad captures the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean in just 15 minutes with no cooking required.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 English cucumber, sliced into half moons
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
Other Ingredients
- 1 cup Kalamata olives, pitted
- 6 oz block feta cheese, cubed or crumbled
Dressing
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Vegetables: Slice the cherry tomatoes in half, cut the English cucumber into half-moon shapes, and thinly slice the red onion. Combine all of these fresh vegetables in a large salad bowl.
- Add Olives and Feta: Add the pitted Kalamata olives to the bowl, then gently mix in the cubed or crumbled feta cheese to maintain its texture.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, salt, and freshly ground black pepper until well combined, creating a flavorful Mediterranean dressing.
- Toss the Salad: Drizzle the dressing evenly over the salad ingredients and toss lightly to coat everything without breaking up the feta too much.
- Rest Before Serving: Allow the salad to sit for 10 minutes at room temperature so that the flavors meld together beautifully before serving.
Notes
- Use a block of feta cheese and cube or crumble it yourself for the best texture and flavor.
- Letting the salad rest allows the dressing to infuse the vegetables, enhancing the overall taste.
- Feel free to add fresh herbs like parsley or mint for extra freshness.
- This salad is best served fresh but can be refrigerated for up to a day; add olives and feta just before serving for best texture.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper according to your taste, as feta and olives may add saltiness.
