Refreshing Cucumber Feta Salad Recipe for Summer Bliss

Cucumber feta salad is a refreshing dish that dances on your taste buds like a summer breeze. Imagine the crispness of fresh cucumbers mingling with the creamy, salty goodness of feta cheese – it’s a flavor party that you won’t want to miss. The bright colors and vibrant tastes make this salad a perfect addition to any picnic or barbecue, promising smiles all around.

This cucumber feta salad doesn’t just look good; it brings back memories of lazy summer afternoons spent with friends and family, where every bite feels like a celebration. Whether lounging by the pool or gathering for a backyard grill-out, this dish shines as a star player in your culinary lineup. Get ready for an explosion of flavor that’s as delightful as running through a sprinkler on a hot day!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • This cucumber feta salad is easy to prepare and bursting with flavor
  • You can customize it based on seasonal vegetables or your favorite herbs
  • Its vibrant colors make it an eye-catching centerpiece at any gathering
  • Perfect as a side dish or light meal, it’s versatile enough for any occasion

Sharing this cucumber feta salad at my last family reunion had everyone coming back for seconds and thirds, claiming they were only β€œtesting” it to ensure they got the recipe right.

Recipe preparation

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

  • Fresh Cucumbers: Look for firm cucumbers with smooth skin for the best crunch in your salad.

  • Feta Cheese: Crumbled feta adds a creamy texture; opt for blocks of feta that you crumble yourself for freshness.

  • Cherry Tomatoes: These bite-sized gems add sweetness and color; choose vibrant, ripe tomatoes for maximum flavor.

  • Red Onion: Thinly sliced red onion offers a sharp contrast; soak them in water briefly to lessen their bite if preferred.

  • Olive Oil: A drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil elevates the flavors beautifully; don’t skimp here!

  • Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice brightens up the dish; use it right before serving for optimal zestiness.

  • Fresh Herbs (Dill or Parsley): Chopped fresh herbs lend aromatic notes; dill pairs especially well with both cucumbers and feta.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Prep Your Veggies: Start by washing the cucumbers and cherry tomatoes under cool water. Slice cucumbers into half-moons and halve the cherry tomatoes for easy eating.

Mix It Up: In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced cucumbers, halved cherry tomatoes, and thinly sliced red onion. Toss gently to combine all those vibrant colors.

Add Feta and Herbs: Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese over the vegetable mix along with your choice of chopped fresh herbs. This step adds richness that balances the freshness beautifully.

Citrus Splash Dressing: Drizzle olive oil and freshly squeezed lemon juice over the salad. Use about two tablespoons of each to give everything a lovely glaze without overpowering it.

Toss and Chill: Gently toss all ingredients together until fully coated in dressing. For best results, let your salad chill in the fridge for 15-30 minutes before serving – this allows flavors to meld.

Serve & Enjoy!: Once chilled, give your cucumber feta salad one last gentle toss before serving! Pair with grilled meats or enjoy as is for a light meal.

With its tangy dressing complemented by creamy feta, every mouthful promises satisfaction! Enjoy sharing this dish at gatherings or keeping it all to yourselfβ€”no judgment here!

You Must Know

  • Cucumber feta salad is a refreshing dish that brightens any meal
  • Its crunchy cucumbers and creamy feta create a delightful contrast, making it a perfect side for grilled meats or a light lunch
  • Plus, it’s quick to make, so you can enjoy it anytime!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by slicing the cucumbers evenly for uniform texture. Then crumbling the feta and mixing with olive oil creates a creamy dressing. Toss everything together gently to avoid crushing those precious cucumber slices.

Serving and storing

Add Your Touch

Feel free to toss in some cherry tomatoes or red onion for extra flavor and color. Fresh herbs like dill or mint can also elevate your cucumber feta salad game significantly, adding freshness and aroma.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover cucumber feta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It stays fresh for about two days, but the texture is best enjoyed immediately, as cucumbers lose their crunch over time.

Chef's Helpful Tips

  • For extra crunch, use Persian cucumbers instead of regular ones; they are sweeter and less watery
  • Always taste before serving to adjust seasoningβ€”sometimes a pinch of salt makes all the difference
  • Serving chilled enhances the flavors beautifully!

Sometimes I whip up this cucumber feta salad when friends drop by unexpectedly. Their smiles as they take that first bite always remind me why I love cookingβ€”it brings people together!

FAQs

FAQ

Can I prepare cucumber feta salad ahead of time?

Yes, but it’s best to add cucumbers just before serving to keep them crunchy.

What type of cucumber is best for this salad?

Persian cucumbers are ideal due to their sweetness and smaller seeds.

How can I make this salad vegan?

Replace feta with tofu or a nut-based cheese for a delicious vegan version.

Print
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Cucumber Feta Salad


  • Author: Ethan Brooks
  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: Serves 4

Description

Cucumber feta salad is a vibrant and refreshing dish that embodies the essence of summer. With crisp cucumbers, creamy feta, and a burst of cherry tomatoes, this easy-to-make salad is perfect for picnics, barbecues, or as a light meal. Tossed in a zesty lemon and olive oil dressing, every bite offers a delightful contrast of flavors and textures that will have everyone coming back for seconds.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups fresh cucumbers, sliced
  • 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
  • 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 1/4 cup fresh dill or parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Wash cucumbers and cherry tomatoes under cool water. Slice cucumbers into half-moons and halve the cherry tomatoes.
  2. In a large bowl, combine sliced cucumbers, halved cherry tomatoes, and thinly sliced red onion. Toss gently to mix.
  3. Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese and chopped herbs over the vegetable mix.
  4. Drizzle olive oil and freshly squeezed lemon juice over the salad. Toss carefully to coat all ingredients.
  5. Chill in the refrigerator for 15-30 minutes to let flavors meld.
  6. Serve chilled as a side dish or light meal.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Side Dish
  • Method: No Cooking
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
  • Calories: 180
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 700mg
  • Fat: 14g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 8g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 6g
  • Cholesterol: 30mg

Keywords: For extra crunch, opt for Persian cucumbers. Customize with additional veggies like bell peppers or radishes for more color and flavor. This salad can be prepared ahead of time; just add cucumbers right before serving to maintain their crunch.

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