If you are looking for a refreshing, vibrant dish that bursts with Mediterranean charm, this Cucumber Feta Salad Recipe is a must-try. Crisp cucumber slices, tangy feta cheese, and fresh herbs come together with a zesty lemon-olive oil dressing to create a salad that feels light yet satisfyingly flavorful. Perfect as a side, a quick lunch, or a party favorite, this recipe is simple to prepare but delivers big on taste and texture, making it a staple for warm days and any time you crave a bright, healthy bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully simple yet each plays a crucial role in making the salad come alive. The fresh cucumbers provide crunch and coolness, while the herbs and feta give it aromatic depth and creamy saltiness.
- 2 large cucumbers: Choose firm cucumbers for crisp, refreshing slices that hold their texture well.
- 1 small red onion: Thinly sliced for a mild sweetness and a sharp color contrast that livens up the salad.
- 1/4 cup fresh dill: Chopped to add a fragrant, slightly tangy herbal note that lifts the flavors.
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley: Fresh and bright, parsley balances the dill with its clean, green earthiness.
- 1 cup feta cheese: Crumbled for a creamy, salty finish that perfectly complements the crisp vegetables.
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil: The kissing agent that brings everything together with luscious silkiness.
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice: Freshly squeezed to brighten the entire dish with citrus zing.
- Salt and pepper: To taste, enhancing all the natural flavors without overpowering them.
How to Make Cucumber Feta Salad Recipe
Step 1: Combine the Fresh Ingredients
Start by tossing the thinly sliced cucumbers, red onion, dill, and parsley in a large mixing bowl. This ensures the fresh, crisp components are gently mixed without bruising the veggies, setting the foundation for your salad’s texture and flavor.
Step 2: Fold in the Crumbled Feta
Sprinkle the creamy, salty feta over your vegetable mixture and fold it in carefully. This gentle incorporation helps maintain the integrity of the feta chunks, allowing every bite to have a delightful hint of cheese without dominating the salad.
Step 3: Prepare the Dressing
Whisk the extra virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a separate bowl until fully combined. This simple dressing is the magic touch that ties the entire salad together, enhancing each ingredient’s natural flavor while adding a subtle tang.
Step 4: Dress the Salad
Pour the dressing evenly over the salad and toss gently to coat every slice and crumble in a refreshing, glossy layer of flavor. Take care to mix lightly so the cucumbers stay crisp and the feta doesn’t mash.
Step 5: Let the Flavors Meld
Allow the salad to rest for 10 to 15 minutes before serving. This short wait lets the dressing infuse the ingredients, marrying the textures and flavors into a harmonious, irresistible salad experience.
How to Serve Cucumber Feta Salad Recipe
Garnishes
Add a few extra sprigs of fresh dill or a sprinkle of cracked black pepper on top for a beautiful finishing touch. These small additions elevate the salad’s visual appeal and reinforce its vibrant herbal notes.
Side Dishes
This refreshing salad pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, crispy pita bread, or a hearty grain bowl. It offers a cool, tangy counterpoint to warm or richly flavored mains, making it a perfect partner for Mediterranean or summer meals.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving this cucumber feta salad in mini mason jars for a picnic or party presentation. Alternatively, layer it over a bed of arugula or baby spinach for added greens and a slight peppery bite, creating a more substantial salad option.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover cucumber feta salad keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. The flavors intensify, but the cucumbers may lose some crunch, so consume soon for the best texture.
Freezing
This salad is not ideal for freezing because fresh cucumbers and herbs become mushy after thawing, and feta cheese texture can change. It’s best enjoyed fresh.
Reheating
Since this is a cold salad, reheating isn’t necessary or recommended. Instead, simply stir well before serving if any dressing has settled at the bottom.
FAQs
Can I use different types of cheese in this Cucumber Feta Salad Recipe?
Absolutely! While feta provides a salty creaminess that’s classic, you can experiment with goat cheese or ricotta salata for variations in flavor and texture.
Is it possible to make this salad vegan?
Yes, substitute the feta cheese with a plant-based cheese alternative or omit it entirely and add some toasted nuts like almonds for crunch and richness.
How can I make this salad more filling?
Adding cooked quinoa, chickpeas, or sliced avocado can increase the salad’s heartiness without sacrificing its fresh appeal.
What’s the best cucumber variety to use?
English cucumbers or Kirby cucumbers work best as they have fewer seeds and firmer flesh, making them ideal for salads.
Can I add other vegetables to this salad?
Definitely! Cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, or radishes add color and crunch, complementing the core cucumber and feta ingredients beautifully.
Final Thoughts
If you haven’t yet added this lovely Cucumber Feta Salad Recipe to your repertoire, I promise it’s worth the try. It’s so fresh, easy, and endlessly adaptable that it quickly becomes a go-to for brightening up any meal. Give it a whirl, and soon it will feel like an absolute staple in your kitchen, just as it is in mine!
Print
Cucumber Feta Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A refreshing and light Cucumber Feta Salad combining crisp cucumbers, tangy red onions, fresh herbs, and creamy feta cheese, all tossed in a zesty lemon-olive oil dressing. Perfect as a quick side dish or a healthy snack, this salad requires no cooking and is ready in just 15 minutes.
Ingredients
Vegetables and Herbs
- 2 large cucumbers, thinly sliced
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Dairy
- 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
Dressing
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Combine Vegetables and Herbs: In a large mixing bowl, combine the thinly sliced cucumbers, red onion, fresh dill, and parsley. Toss gently to evenly distribute the ingredients without bruising the delicate herbs.
- Add Feta Cheese: Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese over the vegetable and herb mixture. Carefully fold the cheese in to maintain its texture and avoid breaking it apart too much.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until the mixture is well combined and slightly emulsified.
- Toss Salad with Dressing: Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad mixture. Toss gently to ensure all the ingredients are coated evenly with the dressing without crushing the delicate components.
- Rest to Meld Flavors: Let the salad rest at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to combine and develop fully.
Notes
- For a crispier cucumber texture, consider removing the seeds before slicing.
- Use high-quality extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor.
- This salad can be served chilled or at room temperature depending on preference.
- If you prefer, add a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes for a slight kick.
- Leftovers can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days but are best enjoyed fresh.
