Refreshing Cucumber Feta Salad Recipe for Summer Bliss

Recipe By:
Daniel Lawson
Updated:

The crispness of fresh cucumbers combined with the tangy zest of feta cheese makes for a refreshing cucumber feta salad that dances on your taste buds. Imagine a bowl bursting with vibrant greens, creamy white crumbles, and juicy tomatoes, all drizzled with olive oil and lemon juice—it’s like a summer party in your mouth.

Every time I whip up this salad, I’m reminded of summer BBQs at my aunt’s house, where laughter mingled with the smell of grilled meats. This cucumber feta salad was always the star of the potluck, eliciting oohs and aahs from family and friends. Perfect for picnics or as a light side dish, this salad guarantees to elevate any meal to a culinary celebration.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • This cucumber feta salad is easy to prepare and comes together in minutes
  • Its fresh flavors make it a delightful addition to any meal
  • The vibrant colors are sure to impress your guests and brighten up your dinner table
  • Enjoy it as a side or toss in some protein for a satisfying main dish

I still remember my friend’s reaction when he took his first bite—his eyes widened as if he had just discovered gold.

Recipe preparation

Essential Ingredients

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

  • Fresh Cucumbers: Look for firm, unblemished cucumbers for the best crunch; Persian cucumbers are my personal favorite!

  • Feta Cheese: Choose a block of feta instead of crumbled for creamier bites; it’s worth the extra effort.

  • Cherry Tomatoes: These bite-sized beauties add sweetness; pick bright red ones that feel firm to the touch.

  • Red Onion: Thinly sliced red onion adds a mild pungency; soak them in water for 10 minutes for milder flavor.

  • Fresh Parsley: Chopped parsley brings freshness; use flat-leaf for more flavor than curly.

  • Extra Virgin Olive Oil: A drizzle adds richness; opt for good-quality oil for better taste.

  • Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice enhances brightness; bottled just won’t cut it here.

  • Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that elevate the entire dish; adjust according to taste.

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

Let’s Make it Together

Prep Your Vegetables: Start by washing your cucumbers and cherry tomatoes thoroughly under cold water. Cut off both ends of the cucumbers and slice them into half-moons or quarters based on your preference.

Slice the Onions and Tomatoes: Take your red onion and slice it thinly—this will maximize its flavor without overpowering the dish. Halve your cherry tomatoes, showcasing their juicy insides.

Crumble the Feta Cheese: Using your hands or a fork, crumble the feta cheese into bite-sized pieces. Ensure you don’t end up with dust—nobody wants feta powder!

Toss Everything Together: In a large bowl, combine cucumbers, tomatoes, onions, parsley, and feta cheese. Gently toss everything together so you don’t crush those delicate tomatoes or cheese.

Add Your Dressing: Drizzle olive oil and fresh lemon juice over your salad mix. Season with salt and pepper to taste; toss gently until everything is well-combined but still intact.

Serve Immediately or Chill: You can serve this cucumber feta salad right away or let it chill in the fridge for about 30 minutes to meld those beautiful flavors together even more.

Now you have an amazing cucumber feta salad ready to impress! Enjoy every crunchy bite while reminiscing about summer days filled with laughter and delicious food!

You Must Know

  • Cucumber feta salad is a refreshing dish perfect for summer gatherings
  • The combination of crisp cucumbers and tangy feta creates a delightful explosion of flavors, brightening any meal
  • Plus, it’s super easy to whip up, making you look like a culinary genius with minimal effort

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by chopping the cucumbers and tomatoes first to ensure they stay crisp while the dressing mingles. Next, crumble the feta cheese and toss everything together gently to avoid mushiness.

Serving and storing

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out ingredients! Add olives for a briny kick or fresh herbs like mint or dill for an aromatic twist.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover cucumber feta salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. No reheating needed, just enjoy it cold!

Chef's Helpful Tips

  • To achieve ultimate freshness, always use ripe cucumbers and high-quality feta cheese
  • Don’t skimp on olive oil; it adds depth of flavor!
  • Lastly, let your salad sit for at least 10 minutes before serving to enhance the taste

Sharing this cucumber feta salad recipe brings back memories of summer picnics with my family, where everyone would eagerly dive into this colorful dish that disappeared faster than my cousin’s last slice of pizza.

FAQs

FAQ

Can I make cucumber feta salad ahead of time?

Yes! Prepare it a few hours in advance for flavors to meld perfectly.

What can I substitute for feta cheese?

Try goat cheese or even a dairy-free alternative for a different flavor profile.

Is cucumber feta salad gluten-free?

Absolutely! This salad is naturally gluten-free, making it great for various diets.

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Cucumber Feta Salad

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Cucumber feta salad is a vibrant and refreshing dish that combines the crispness of fresh cucumbers with creamy feta cheese, juicy cherry tomatoes, and zesty lemon juice. This easy-to-make salad bursts with flavor and color, making it the perfect side for summer gatherings or a light meal. In just minutes, you can create a delightful dish that will impress your guests and bring back memories of sunny picnics.

  • Total Time: 0 hours
  • Yield: Serves 4

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups fresh cucumbers, diced
  • 1 cup feta cheese (block style), crumbled
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Wash cucumbers and cherry tomatoes under cold water. Cut cucumbers into half-moons or quarters.
  2. Thinly slice red onion and halve cherry tomatoes.
  3. Crumble feta cheese into bite-sized pieces.
  4. In a large bowl, combine cucumbers, tomatoes, onions, parsley, and feta. Toss gently.
  5. Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice; season with salt and pepper. Toss again until well-combined.
  6. Serve immediately or chill in the fridge for 30 minutes for enhanced flavor.
  • Author: DANIEL LAWSON
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: N/A
  • Category: Salad
  • Method: No Cooking
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup (150g)
  • Calories: 180
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 400mg
  • Fat: 13g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 10g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 6g
  • Cholesterol: 20mg

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