When the sun is shining and you're craving something light, bright, and utterly delicious, this Cucumber Feta Salad is your answer! It's the perfect harmony of crisp, cool cucumber, tangy feta, and a simple, zesty dressing that transports your taste buds straight to the Mediterranean. Not only is it incredibly refreshing, but it's also a breeze to whip up, making it an ideal side dish or a light lunch on its own.
We all love those recipes that deliver big on flavor without requiring hours in the kitchen, and this salad absolutely fits the bill. Whether you're hosting a backyard barbecue, packing a picnic, or just looking for a healthy addition to your weeknight dinner, this vibrant salad is sure to become a new favorite.
Why You'll Love This Healthy & Refreshing Salad
Our Cucumber Feta Salad isn't just easy; it's a nutritional powerhouse wrapped in deliciousness. Cucumbers are packed with hydration and vitamins, while feta cheese, a staple in Mediterranean cuisine, offers a wonderful salty kick and some protein. The simple olive oil and red wine vinegar dressing brings everything together with a bright acidity and herbaceous notes from the oregano.
It's naturally vegetarian and gluten-free, catering to a variety of dietary needs. Plus, its vibrant colors make it a beautiful addition to any table. This salad is also incredibly versatile, pairing well with almost anything. Think about serving it alongside grilled chicken, like our Speedy Chicken Bites Garlic Butter Sauce, or a heartier dish such as Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Savory Parmesan Linguine. The options are endless!
Tips for the Best Cucumber Feta Salad
- Choose Fresh Cucumbers: English or Persian cucumbers work best as they tend to have thinner skins and fewer seeds, eliminating the need for peeling or seeding.
- Drain Feta (Optional): If your feta is packed in brine, a quick rinse and pat dry can reduce excessive saltiness, though many prefer the robust flavor straight from the package.
- Don't Overdress: Add the dressing just before serving to keep the cucumbers crisp. If making ahead, store the dressing separately and toss right before eating.
- Chill for Flavor: While delicious immediately, a short chill (15-30 minutes) allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Customize Your Herbs: While dried oregano is classic, fresh dill or mint can add another layer of refreshing flavor.
Serving Suggestions & Variations
This Cucumber Feta Salad is incredibly adaptable. Serve it as a stand-alone light lunch, a vibrant side to your favorite grilled protein, or as part of a larger Mediterranean spread. For variations:
- Add Tomatoes: Cherry tomatoes or chopped Roma tomatoes are a fantastic addition.
- Include Olives: Kalamata olives would elevate the Greek-inspired flavors even further.
- Boost the Protein: Toss in some cooked chickpeas, grilled chicken, or even shrimp for a more substantial meal.
- Spice It Up: A tiny pinch of red pepper flakes can add a subtle warmth.
Conclusion: Your New Favorite Refreshing Side
This Cucumber Feta Salad is more than just a side dish; it's a testament to how simple, fresh ingredients can come together to create something truly spectacular. It’s healthy, easy, and bursting with flavor, making it a perfect choice for any occasion. We hope this refreshing recipe brings a touch of Mediterranean sunshine to your table!
FAQs
Can I prepare Cucumber Feta Salad in advance?
Yes, you can prep the ingredients for Cucumber Feta Salad ahead of time. Chop the cucumbers and onions and store them separately from the crumbled feta. Keep the dressing in its own container. Mix everything just before serving to maintain the best crispness and prevent sogginess.
What are the best serving suggestions for Cucumber Feta Salad?
This refreshing salad pairs wonderfully with grilled meats like chicken or fish, or as a light side to a heartier meal. It's also fantastic with Mediterranean dishes, as part of a mezze platter, or even on its own for a light lunch.
Are there any variations or additions I can make to this salad?
Absolutely! Feel free to customize. You can add cherry tomatoes, Kalamata olives, a sprinkle of fresh dill or mint, or even some thinly sliced bell peppers for extra flavor and color. For a protein boost, toss in some chickpeas or grilled chicken.
How long does Cucumber Feta Salad stay fresh in the refrigerator?
For optimal freshness and texture, Cucumber Feta Salad is best enjoyed immediately. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1-2 days. Keep in mind that cucumbers can release water over time, making the salad slightly less crisp.
Cucumber Feta Salad
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free
Description
A refreshing and healthy salad featuring crisp cucumbers, tangy feta, and a light herb dressing, perfect for any meal or as a vibrant side.
Ingredients
2 large English cucumbers, chopped into bite-sized pieces
1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced
4 ounces feta cheese, crumbled
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
1 teaspoon dried oregano
Salt to taste
Freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the cucumbers. If using a large English cucumber, chop it into bite-sized pieces. If using mini cucumbers, you can slice them into rounds or half-moons.
Step 2: Thinly slice the red onion. For a milder flavor, you can soak the sliced onion in cold water for 5-10 minutes, then drain thoroughly.
Step 3: In a large salad bowl, combine the chopped cucumber and sliced red onion.
Step 4: Crumble the feta cheese over the vegetables in the bowl.
Step 5: In a small separate bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, and dried oregano. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
Step 6: Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients in the large bowl and toss gently to combine, ensuring all components are lightly coated.
Step 7: Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed, based on your preference.
Step 8: Serve the Cucumber Feta Salad immediately for the best crispness, or refrigerate for 15-30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld before serving.
Notes
For an extra burst of freshness, consider adding a sprinkle of fresh dill or mint just before serving. If preparing ahead, keep the dressing separate and add it right before serving to prevent the cucumbers from becoming watery.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Tossing
- Cuisine: Greek
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
