Name: Cucumber Feta Salad – Healthy & Refreshing Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: Cucumber (mini or large English cucumber); Red onion, thinly sliced; Feta cheese, crumbled; Olive oil; Red wine vinegar; Dried oregano; Salt; Black pepper

Jump to Recipe

This Cucumber Feta Salad is the perfect side dish for any meal. Its refreshing crunch, vibrant flavors, and simple ingredients make it an ideal choice for a quick and healthy addition to your menu. Whether you’re serving it with grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or enjoying it on its own, this salad never disappoints. With its Greek-inspired flavors, this dish offers a delightful mix of cucumbers, feta, and olive oil. Read on to learn how to make this easy, delicious, and nutritious salad.

Table of Contents

Why You Should Make This Cucumber Feta Salad

This Cucumber Feta Salad is not only quick and easy to prepare but also incredibly healthy. Featuring cucumbers as the main ingredient, it is low in calories and packed with hydrating properties. The addition of feta cheese provides a creamy, salty contrast, while the olive oil and red wine vinegar give it a Mediterranean touch. Perfect for a side dish, this salad can complement a wide variety of meals, from grilled pork tenderloin to Greek-style roasted chicken.

Ingredients for Cucumber Feta Salad

To make this refreshing salad, you’ll need a few simple ingredients. Here’s a breakdown of each ingredient and its role in the dish:

Cucumber: Adds a refreshing crunch and hydrating quality. You can use mini cucumbers or a large English cucumber.
Red Onion: Thinly sliced to provide a subtle, sweet bite that complements the other ingredients.
Feta: Crumbled feta adds a creamy, salty richness that enhances the salad’s flavor.
Olive Oil: A high-quality olive oil creates a smooth dressing and enhances the Mediterranean flavors.
Red Wine Vinegar: Balances the richness of the olive oil and feta with a tangy acidity. White wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar are good substitutes.
Dried Oregano: Offers a distinct herbal flavor that elevates the Greek-style taste.
Salt and Pepper: Used to season the salad to perfection. Taste and adjust accordingly.

Alternative Ingredient Suggestions

If you’re looking to adjust this salad to meet dietary preferences or to accommodate what you have on hand, here are some great swaps:

Vegan Feta: For a dairy-free version, try using a plant-based feta.
Apple Cider Vinegar: For a slightly sweeter tang, swap out the red wine vinegar for apple cider vinegar.
Red Bell Pepper: Add some extra crunch and color with red bell peppers in place of onions for those who prefer a milder flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Cucumber Feta Salad

Making this Cucumber Feta Salad is as simple as it gets. Follow these easy steps:

Start by chopping the cucumber into bite-sized pieces. If you’re using a large cucumber, peel and remove the seeds before chopping.
Thinly slice the red onion.
Place the chopped cucumber and onion in a large salad bowl.
Crumble the feta cheese over the top of the vegetables.
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, and dried oregano.
Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper, if needed.
Serve immediately or refrigerate for later use.

Tips & Tricks for the Best Cucumber Feta Salad

Don’t Overdress the Salad: If you plan to store leftovers, keep the dressing separate and toss just before serving. This prevents the salad from getting soggy.
Choose Fresh Ingredients: The quality of your cucumber, feta, and olive oil will make a big difference in flavor. Opt for fresh, high-quality ingredients.
Adjust to Taste: Feel free to add more or less oregano and vinegar based on your personal preferences. A squeeze of lemon juice can also brighten up the salad.

Pairing Ideas and Variations

This Cucumber Feta Salad pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes. It’s an excellent side to grilled meats like Grilled Pork Tenderloin or Oven Roasted Lemon Chicken Drumsticks. For a vegetarian twist, serve it alongside a hearty Greek Stuffed Eggplant (Papoutsakia) or Spanakopita. This salad can even stand alone as a light lunch or a picnic dish. You can also experiment by adding olives, cherry tomatoes, or even grilled chicken for a more substantial meal.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

If you’re making this salad in advance, it’s best to keep the dressing separate until just before serving to maintain the crispness of the cucumber. Store the salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. As with most salads, it’s best enjoyed fresh.

This Cucumber Feta Salad is a versatile, healthy, and delicious dish that can be adapted to your tastes and enjoyed with a variety of meals. It’s the perfect blend of simplicity and flavor, making it a go-to side dish for any occasion.

Conclusion: Refreshing and Simple Cucumber Feta Salad

The Cucumber Feta Salad is a quick, healthy, and flavorful dish that can easily complement any meal. With its light texture and tangy dressing, it brings a burst of freshness to your plate. Whether you are serving it as a side for grilled meats, a topping for your favorite salad, or simply enjoying it on its own, this salad offers a delightful and nutritious choice. Simple to make yet full of Greek-inspired flavors, this salad will surely become a regular on your menu, offering great versatility and endless pairing options.

FAQs About Cucumber Feta Salad

Can I make this Cucumber Feta Salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can make this salad ahead of time, but it’s best to keep the dressing separate and add it just before serving to prevent the cucumbers from getting soggy. You can prep the cucumbers, onions, and feta, then store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a day. When you’re ready to serve, simply toss with the dressing.

What can I serve with Cucumber Feta Salad?

This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled or roasted meats like Grilled Pork Tenderloin or Oven Roasted Lemon Chicken Drumsticks. It also goes well with Mediterranean dishes such as Greek Stuffed Eggplant (Papoutsakia) or Spanakopita. For a vegetarian option, serve it with roasted vegetables or a vegetable pasta.

Can I make the Cucumber Feta Salad vegan?

Yes, you can easily make this salad vegan by substituting the feta cheese with a plant-based feta or other dairy-free alternatives. The rest of the ingredients in this salad are naturally vegan, so the substitution will still yield a delicious and fresh salad.

How long does the Cucumber Feta Salad stay fresh?

This salad is best enjoyed fresh, but it can last up to 2 days in the refrigerator if stored properly in an airtight container. To maintain its crispness, be sure to add the dressing right before serving, as it can cause the cucumbers to become soggy over time.