Cucumber Feta Salad: The Ultimate Refreshing Recipe

Cucumber feta salad: Prepare to be transported to a sun-drenched Grecian island with every bite of this vibrant and refreshing salad! Forget boring side dishes; this is a flavor explosion that will awaken your taste buds and leave you craving more. I’m thrilled to share my take on this classic dish, a perfect blend of crisp textures and tangy flavors that’s incredibly easy to make.

The beauty of cucumber feta salad lies in its simplicity. While variations exist across the Mediterranean, the core ingredients – cucumber, feta cheese, and often tomatoes – remain constant. This salad speaks to the region’s agricultural bounty and the resourcefulness of its people. It’s a dish born from fresh, readily available ingredients, transformed into something truly special.

What makes this salad so universally loved? It’s the perfect balance of cool, crisp cucumber against the salty, creamy feta. The addition of herbs like mint and dill adds a layer of aromatic complexity, while a simple lemon vinaigrette ties everything together beautifully. It’s light, refreshing, and satisfying, making it ideal for warm weather gatherings, a quick lunch, or a delightful side dish to grilled meats or fish. Plus, it comes together in minutes, making it a weeknight winner!

Ingredients:

• 2 large English cucumbers, thinly sliced
• 1 red onion, thinly sliced
• 8 ounces feta cheese, crumbled
• 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
• 1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped
• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Preparing the Cucumber and Onion:

1. First, let’s get our cucumbers ready. I like to use English cucumbers because their skin is thinner and they have fewer seeds, but you can use regular cucumbers if that’s what you have on hand. Just peel them and remove the seeds before slicing. Slice the cucumbers thinly – about 1/8 inch thick is ideal. A mandoline slicer can be helpful for this, but a sharp knife works just as well. Place the sliced cucumbers in a large bowl.
2. Next, we’ll prepare the red onion. Red onion adds a nice bite and color to the salad. Thinly slice the red onion. If you find red onion too strong, you can soak the slices in cold water for about 10 minutes to mellow the flavor. Drain the onion well and add it to the bowl with the cucumbers.
3. Now, gently toss the cucumbers and red onion together. This will help distribute the flavors and prevent the onion from clumping together.

Making the Dressing:

1. In a small bowl, let’s whisk together the dressing ingredients. Start with the extra virgin olive oil. I always recommend using good quality olive oil for the best flavor.
2. Add the red wine vinegar. The vinegar provides a tangy counterpoint to the richness of the olive oil and feta cheese.
3. Squeeze in the lemon juice. Fresh lemon juice brightens the dressing and adds another layer of flavor.
4. Mince the garlic clove finely. Garlic adds a pungent aroma and flavor that complements the other ingredients. Add the minced garlic to the bowl.
5. Sprinkle in the dried oregano. Oregano is a classic Mediterranean herb that adds a warm, earthy note to the dressing.
6. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Be careful not to over-salt, as the feta cheese is already quite salty.
7. Whisk all the dressing ingredients together until they are well combined and emulsified. The dressing should be slightly thickened and have a smooth consistency.

Assembling the Salad:

1. Pour the dressing over the cucumber and red onion mixture in the large bowl.
2. Gently toss the salad to coat the cucumbers and onions evenly with the dressing. Make sure every slice is lightly coated.
3. Now, it’s time to add the feta cheese. Crumble the feta cheese over the salad. I prefer to use a block of feta and crumble it myself, as it tends to have a better texture and flavor than pre-crumbled feta.
4. Add the Kalamata olives. Kalamata olives add a briny, salty flavor that complements the feta cheese and other ingredients. Make sure they are pitted and halved before adding them to the salad.
5. Sprinkle the chopped fresh dill and mint over the salad. Fresh herbs add a vibrant aroma and flavor that elevates the salad.
6. Gently toss all the ingredients together, being careful not to overmix and crush the feta cheese. You want the feta to remain in crumbles, not turn into a paste.

Chilling and Serving:

1. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and the salad to chill, making it even more refreshing. You can chill it for longer, even up to a few hours, but be aware that the cucumbers may release some water, so you might want to drain off any excess liquid before serving.
2. Before serving, give the salad one final gentle toss to redistribute the ingredients.
3. Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning if necessary. You may want to add a little more salt, pepper, or lemon juice to taste.
4. Serve the cucumber feta salad chilled. It’s a perfect side dish for grilled meats, fish, or vegetables. It’s also delicious on its own as a light lunch or snack.
5. Garnish with a few extra sprigs of fresh dill or mint, if desired.

Tips and Variations:

• Add Tomatoes: Cherry tomatoes or diced Roma tomatoes would be a great addition to this salad.
• Use Different Herbs: If you don’t have dill or mint, you can use other fresh herbs like parsley or chives.
• Add Bell Peppers: Diced bell peppers (any color) would add a nice crunch and sweetness.
• Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dressing for a little heat.
• Add Chickpeas: For a heartier salad, add a can of drained and rinsed chickpeas.
• Use Different Vinegar: White wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar can be substituted for red wine vinegar.
• Make it Vegan: Use a vegan feta cheese alternative.
• Grilled Halloumi: Add grilled halloumi cheese for a salty and savory twist. Cut the halloumi into slices and grill until golden brown on both sides before adding to the salad.

Serving Suggestions:

• Serve as a side dish with grilled chicken, fish, or lamb.
• Serve as a topping for pita bread or wraps.
• Serve as part of a Mediterranean mezze platter.
• Serve as a light lunch with a side of crusty bread.

Storage Instructions:

Store leftover cucumber feta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Be aware that the cucumbers may release some water as they sit, so the salad may become a bit watery over time. You can drain off any excess liquid before serving.

Nutritional Information (approximate, per serving):

Calories: 250

Fat: 20g

Saturated Fat: 8g

Cholesterol: 40mg

Sodium: 500mg

Carbohydrates: 10g

Fiber: 2g

Sugar: 5g

Protein: 10g

Conclusion:

This isn’t just another salad; it’s a vibrant explosion of flavor and texture that will leave you craving more. The cool, crisp cucumbers perfectly complement the salty tang of the feta, all brought together by a bright and zesty dressing. Seriously, you need this cucumber feta salad in your life! It’s the perfect embodiment of simple elegance, proving that you don’t need a million ingredients to create something truly special. But why is this recipe a must-try? Beyond the incredible taste, it’s incredibly versatile and adaptable to your preferences. Looking for a light lunch? This salad is perfect on its own. Need a side dish to impress at your next barbecue? Look no further! Want to elevate your weeknight dinner? This salad adds a touch of freshness and sophistication to any meal. It’s also incredibly quick and easy to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights or when you need a last-minute dish. Think of the possibilities! For a heartier meal, try adding grilled chicken or shrimp. A sprinkle of toasted pine nuts or walnuts adds a delightful crunch. If you’re feeling adventurous, a pinch of red pepper flakes will give it a subtle kick. And for those who prefer a creamier dressing, a dollop of Greek yogurt will do the trick. You can even swap out the red onion for shallots for a milder flavor. The beauty of this recipe lies in its flexibility – feel free to experiment and make it your own! Serving suggestions are endless. I love pairing this salad with grilled fish, chicken, or lamb. It’s also fantastic alongside a simple pasta dish or as a refreshing addition to a picnic basket. For a vegetarian option, try serving it with grilled halloumi cheese or falafel. And don’t forget the crusty bread for soaking up all that delicious dressing! I truly believe this cucumber feta salad will become a staple in your kitchen. It’s a crowd-pleaser, a time-saver, and a guaranteed way to brighten up any meal. It’s also a fantastic way to use up those garden cucumbers during the summer months. The combination of fresh ingredients and simple preparation makes it a winner in my book. So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients and get ready to experience the magic of this incredible salad. I promise you won’t be disappointed. And once you’ve tried it, I’d love to hear about your experience! Did you make any variations? What did you serve it with? Share your photos and comments below – I can’t wait to see your creations! I am confident that you will love this recipe as much as I do. It’s a refreshing, flavorful, and easy way to enjoy the best of summer’s bounty. Don’t hesitate, give this cucumber feta salad a try today! You’ll be so glad you did.

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