Cucumber feta salad

When you need a fresh, crisp, and flavorful side that’s light yet satisfying, this Cucumber Feta Salad hits all the right notes! Cool cucumbers are tossed with briny feta cheese, red onions, and a simple lemon-herb dressing for a salad that’s bursting with Mediterranean flair. Perfect for warm weather, potlucks, or as a refreshing complement to grilled mains.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Light & Refreshing – Crisp cucumbers and tangy feta make for a cooling dish.
Quick & Easy – Ready in just 10 minutes with minimal prep.
Healthy & Wholesome – Low in calories but high in flavor.
Versatile Side – Pairs perfectly with almost any meal.
Make-Ahead Friendly – Stays fresh and flavorful when chilled.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Salad:

• 2 large cucumbers, thinly sliced (English or Persian preferred)
• ½ small red onion, thinly sliced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (optional)
• ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh dill or parsley
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh mint (optional)

For the Lemon-Herb Dressing:

• 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1 tsp lemon zest
• 1 tsp honey or maple syrup
• 1 clove garlic, finely minced
• ½ tsp dried oregano
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

For Garnish (Optional):

• Lemon wedges
• Extra feta crumbles
• Cracked black pepper

Tools You’ll Need

• Sharp knife and cutting board
• Mixing bowl
• Whisk or small jar for dressing
• Salad tongs or spoon

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Vegetables
Wash and slice the cucumbers thinly (you can peel if desired).
Thinly slice the red onion and halve the cherry tomatoes, if using.
Place all the vegetables in a large mixing bowl.

Step 2: Make the Dressing
In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, honey, garlic, and oregano.
Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

Step 3: Toss the Salad
Pour the dressing over the cucumber mixture.
Add the crumbled feta, chopped dill, parsley, and mint (if using).
Toss gently to combine, ensuring the veggies are coated evenly.

Step 4: Chill & Serve
Let the salad sit for 10–15 minutes in the fridge to allow flavors to meld.
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Serve cold with a few extra feta crumbles and lemon wedges on the side.

Tips for the Best Cucumber Feta Salad
Use Seedless Cucumbers – English or Persian cucumbers stay crisper and are less watery.
Slice Evenly – Thin slices give a better texture and absorb more flavor.
Let It Marinate – Even a short chill helps deepen the flavor.
Add Crunch – Toss in some chopped walnuts or sunflower seeds for extra texture.
Avoid Watery Salad – Lightly salt cucumbers and let them sit for 5 minutes, then pat dry before adding.

Serving Suggestions
Grilled Chicken or Fish – Complements smoky, savory mains beautifully.
Falafel or Shawarma Wraps – Adds brightness and crunch.
Quinoa or Couscous – Serve over grains for a light lunch.
Pita Bread & Hummus – As part of a Mediterranean mezze platter.
Picnic Spread – A perfect cool side for outdoor meals.

How to Store & Reuse

Storing:
Refrigerate: Keep in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Note: Salad may release water over time—just give it a quick toss before serving.

Reusing Leftovers:
Wraps: Use as filling in pita or flatbread.
Topping: Spoon over grilled meat or grain bowls.
Dip Base: Mix with yogurt or tzatziki for a chunky dip.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use bottled dressing?
   You can, but homemade lemon-herb dressing offers fresher, more vibrant flavor.
2. What type of feta is best?
   Block feta in brine has the best texture and flavor. Crumble it yourself for a fresher taste.
3. Can I make this dairy-free?
   Yes! Omit the feta or use a plant-based cheese alternative.
4. How do I prevent the salad from getting soggy?
   Serve it shortly after assembling, or keep the dressing separate until ready to eat.
5. What other herbs work well?
   Basil, cilantro, or chives can be great additions or substitutions.

Final Thoughts
Cucumber Feta Salad is the kind of side dish that never goes out of style—cool, crunchy, tangy, and herby. It’s quick to throw together and easy to customize with whatever fresh ingredients you have on hand. Whether you’re serving it with a grilled dinner, packing it for lunch, or enjoying it solo, this salad delivers crisp, clean flavors every time.

Try it out and let me know what you think! Don’t forget to leave a review below and share your photos on Pinterest! I can’t wait to see your fresh and colorful salad creations.
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 0 minutes
Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 160 | Protein: 4g | Carbohydrates: 8g | Fat: 13g | Fiber: 2g | Sodium: 340mg

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