If you love fresh, vibrant flavors combined in a refreshing dish, then you are going to fall head over heels for this Greek Cucumber Tomato Feta Salad Recipe. It is a perfect celebration of crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, tangy feta, and zesty herbs all dressed up in a simple, bright dressing. Each bite bursts with Mediterranean sunshine, making it an ideal salad for warm days, quick lunches, or as a stunning side that elevates any meal. Trust me, once you try this, it will become a beloved staple in your recipe collection.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is the secret to nailing the perfect Greek Cucumber Tomato Feta Salad Recipe. Each element is simple yet essential, combining to create a balance of flavors, textures, and colors that make this salad unforgettable.
- Cherry tomatoes: Their natural sweetness and juiciness give the salad a vibrant red color and fresh bite.
- Cucumber (English or Persian): Adds a crisp refreshing crunch that cools the palate.
- Red onion: Thin slices contribute a mild sharpness and a lovely purple hue.
- Feta cheese (crumbled from a block in brine): Brings a creamy, tangy saltiness that’s quintessential to a classic Greek salad.
- Fresh parsley or dill: These herbs infuse brightness and an herby, earthy lift.
- Extra virgin olive oil: A rich, fruity oil that ties the salad together with smoothness.
- Red wine vinegar: Adds acidity and a subtle tang that balances the richness of the olive oil and feta.
- Dried oregano: Brings that unmistakably Mediterranean fragrance and flavor.
- Salt and pepper: Season generously to enhance all the natural flavors and create harmony.
How to Make Greek Cucumber Tomato Feta Salad Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables
Start by washing your cucumbers thoroughly, then slice them into half-moons or rounds depending on your preference. Halve the cherry tomatoes to release their juicy sweetness, and thinly slice the red onion to add a subtle bite without overpowering the dish. Toss these fresh veggies together in a large bowl to form the vibrant base of your salad.
Step 2: Add the Feta Cheese
Now for the star ingredient, crumble the feta cheese over the mixed vegetables using your hands or a fork. This allows you to control the size of the crumbles so you get bursts of creamy, salty goodness throughout every bite.
Step 3: Whisk the Dressing
In a small bowl, combine extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, salt, and freshly cracked black pepper. Whisk these together to create a silky dressing that perfectly complements the freshness of the vegetables and the richness of the feta. Taste and adjust to your liking!
Step 4: Toss and Combine
Pour your homemade dressing over the salad and toss gently but thoroughly. Take care to coat every slice of cucumber and tomato, ensuring a harmonious blend of flavors in every forkful.
Step 5: Garnish with Fresh Herbs
Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or dill over the tossed salad. These herbs add not only a pop of green but also a lovely layer of aromatic freshness that lifts the entire dish.
Step 6: Chill and Serve
For the best flavor, refrigerate the salad for 10 to 15 minutes before serving. This resting time lets all the ingredients meld beautifully, delivering a cool and refreshing salad experience that you will relish on your palate.
How to Serve Greek Cucumber Tomato Feta Salad Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance this salad further by adding a few pitted Kalamata olives or a light sprinkle of toasted pine nuts for crunch. A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil on top before serving adds a luscious finish and deepens the flavors.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled meats like chicken souvlaki or lamb chops, adding a fresh counterpoint to smoky, savory flavors. It also works perfectly alongside crusty bread or warm pita for a light Mediterranean-inspired meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning presentation, serve your Greek Cucumber Tomato Feta Salad Recipe in a rustic wooden bowl or a bright ceramic dish to show off its colorful ingredients. Layering the salad in clear glass jars for picnics or packed lunches not only looks charming but keeps the textures crisp until you’re ready to dig in.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To prevent sogginess, store the dressing separately if possible and toss just before serving.
Freezing
This salad is best enjoyed fresh as freezing will alter the texture of cucumbers and tomatoes, making them watery and mushy. For optimal freshness, avoid freezing.
Reheating
Since this is a chilled, fresh salad, reheating is not recommended. Simply stir and serve cold for the best experience.
FAQs
Can I use regular cucumbers instead of English or Persian cucumbers?
Absolutely! Regular cucumbers work fine, but English and Persian cucumbers are preferred because they have fewer seeds and thinner skins, which means less bitterness and a smoother texture.
Is it okay to substitute feta cheese with another type of cheese?
Feta brings a unique tang and creaminess that’s hard to replicate, but you can try fresh mozzarella or goat cheese as alternatives. Just keep in mind the flavor profile will change slightly.
Can I make this salad vegan?
Yes! Simply omit the feta or replace it with a plant-based cheese that mimics feta’s salty tang, or add marinated tofu cubes for some protein.
How long can I keep the salad refrigerated before it loses freshness?
For best taste and texture, consume within 1 to 2 days. After that, the cucumbers and tomatoes release more liquid, which can make the salad watery.
What’s the best way to keep the salad crisp if making it in advance?
Store the vegetables and dressing separately and combine them just before serving. This keeps the cucumbers and tomatoes crisp and fresh.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly satisfying about the simplicity and brightness of this Greek Cucumber Tomato Feta Salad Recipe. It celebrates fresh ingredients in a way that feels both elegant and effortless. Whether for a quick weekday meal or a colorful addition to your next gathering, this salad promises to be a delicious crowd-pleaser. Give it a try and watch how quickly it becomes a favorite!
Print
Greek Cucumber Tomato Feta Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Greek
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A refreshing and vibrant Greek Cucumber Tomato Feta Salad combining crisp cucumbers, juicy cherry tomatoes, tangy feta cheese, and a zesty olive oil and red wine vinegar dressing, perfect for a quick, healthy, and flavorful side dish or light meal.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 cups cucumber, sliced (English or Persian preferred)
- 1/3 cup red onion, thinly sliced
Dressing & Seasoning
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 1/2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Other
- 3/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled (from a block in brine)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or dill, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare Vegetables: Wash and slice the cucumbers into half-moons or rounds. Halve the cherry tomatoes and thinly slice the red onion. Add all the vegetables to a large mixing bowl.
- Add Feta Cheese: Using your hands or a fork, crumble the feta cheese evenly over the vegetables in the bowl to add a creamy tangy texture.
- Make Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Adjust the seasoning to your taste preference.
- Combine Salad and Dressing: Pour the prepared dressing over the salad ingredients and toss gently to combine all flavors without breaking up the feta too much.
- Garnish: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or dill on top of the salad for a fresh herbal note.
- Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the salad for 10 to 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld perfectly. Serve chilled for the best taste experience.
Notes
- Use English or Persian cucumbers for a less bitter and seedless texture.
- For a stronger herb flavor, increase the parsley or dill according to taste.
- Refrigerating the salad helps the flavors to blend but don’t leave it too long to avoid soggy vegetables.
- Adjust the amount of red wine vinegar for desired acidity.
- Feta cheese in brine adds saltiness; adjust salt in dressing accordingly.
