Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Cucumber Feta Salad is light, bright, and full of flavor. With a perfect balance of crisp cucumbers, salty feta cheese, and a zesty dressing, it’s both satisfying and refreshing. The combination of ingredients is not only healthy but also incredibly easy to make. It’s a perfect addition to your summer gatherings or a light meal on its own.
Ingredients
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2 cups cucumber, sliced
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1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
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1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
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1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
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1/4 cup olive oil
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2 tbsp red wine vinegar
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1 tsp dried oregano
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Salt and pepper to taste
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
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In a large bowl, combine the sliced cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, and thinly sliced red onion.
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In a separate bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, oregano, salt, and pepper until well combined.
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Pour the dressing over the vegetables and toss gently to coat.
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Sprinkle crumbled feta on top and give the salad a light toss again.
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Serve immediately or chill for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Servings and Timing
This recipe makes 4 servings. It takes about 10 minutes to prepare.
Variations
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Add some protein: You can add grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas for extra protein.
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Switch up the cheese: Try goat cheese or mozzarella if you’re not a fan of feta.
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Add herbs: Fresh herbs like parsley, dill, or mint can elevate the flavors further.
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Make it creamy: For a creamier version, mix in a dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream.
Storage/Reheating
The salad is best served fresh, but you can store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. The vegetables may soften slightly, but the flavors will continue to develop. Avoid freezing this salad, as the cucumbers will lose their texture when thawed.
FAQs
1. Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the salad ahead of time, but it’s best to add the feta just before serving to keep it from becoming soggy.
2. Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, you can substitute feta with other cheeses such as goat cheese, mozzarella, or even Parmesan.
3. Can I use a different type of vinegar?
Yes, you can substitute red wine vinegar with white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar for a slightly different flavor.
4. Can I make this salad vegan?
Yes, simply omit the feta or use a plant-based feta alternative to make this salad vegan-friendly.
5. How do I cut the cucumbers for this salad?
Slice the cucumbers into thin rounds or half-moons, depending on your preference. You can also peel them if you prefer.
6. Can I add other vegetables to the salad?
Absolutely! Bell peppers, olives, or radishes can be great additions to this salad.
7. Can I add a sweet element to this salad?
Yes, you can add a few slices of avocado or drizzle with a bit of honey to bring a sweet contrast to the tangy vinaigrette.
8. What kind of cucumbers are best for this recipe?
English cucumbers or Persian cucumbers are best for salads as they have a thinner skin and fewer seeds.
9. How can I adjust the flavor of the dressing?
If you prefer a more tangy flavor, add more vinegar. For a more mellow taste, reduce the amount of vinegar and add a bit more olive oil.
10. Can I add nuts or seeds for crunch?
Yes, adding toasted pine nuts or sunflower seeds can provide an extra layer of texture and flavor.
Conclusion
This Cucumber Feta Salad is a quick, healthy, and refreshing dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a light side dish or a simple meal, this salad is versatile, easy to make, and packed with flavor. Try it out at your next gathering or enjoy it as a solo meal — it’s sure to be a hit!
Cucumber Feta Salad
This refreshing Cucumber Feta Salad is a perfect side dish for any meal. Packed with fresh, crunchy cucumbers and creamy feta cheese, it’s drizzled with a tangy vinaigrette dressing. A light, healthy option full of flavor!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Tossing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 2 large cucumbers, thinly sliced
- 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup kalamata olives, pitted and sliced (optional)
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cucumbers, feta cheese, red onion, olives (if using), and fresh dill.
- In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and toss gently to coat.
- Chill for 10-15 minutes before serving to allow flavors to blend.
Notes
- If you want to add more crunch, consider adding some chopped bell peppers or cherry tomatoes.
- For a creamier version, you can substitute the feta cheese with Greek yogurt or add a dollop on top.
- This salad can be made a few hours in advance but is best served fresh to keep the cucumbers crisp.
