This Cucumber Feta Salad is a celebration of fresh produce and simple ingredients, brought together to create a light, tangy, and delightfully crisp dish. It features cool cucumber slices, juicy cherry tomatoes, sharp red onion, and crumbles of creamy feta cheese all kissed with olive oil, lemon juice, and the unmistakable aroma of fresh dill. Perfectly suited for warm days, this salad is as hydrating as it is satisfying.
Whether you’re planning a summer picnic, a backyard BBQ, or just craving something fresh and low-effort, this salad comes together in under 15 minutes with zero cooking involved. It’s also a fantastic way to make use of garden cucumbers or tomatoes during peak season. Serve it as a standalone dish, a side for grilled meats, or even spooned into pita pockets for a light Mediterranean-inspired lunch.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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2 large cucumbers, thinly sliced
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1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
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1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced
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1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
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1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped
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2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
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1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
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Juice of 1/2 lemon
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Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Directions:
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Place the sliced cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and red onion in a large salad bowl.
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Drizzle with olive oil, red wine vinegar, and lemon juice.
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Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
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Toss the salad gently until everything is well coated.
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Add crumbled feta cheese and fresh dill over the top.
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Gently toss again or leave feta layered on top for presentation.
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Chill for 15–20 minutes before serving for optimal flavor.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 0 minutes | Total Time: 10 minutes
Kcal: 145 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
The Ultimate Guide to Cucumber Feta Salad: A Refreshing Summer Classic
When it comes to creating a dish that is both light and flavorful, Cucumber Feta Salad stands out as one of the most refreshing and satisfying choices. This simple yet elegant salad is a staple in many Mediterranean and Middle Eastern kitchens, and it has become increasingly popular worldwide for its unique balance of textures and flavors. Combining the crunch of fresh cucumber with the creamy tang of feta cheese, this salad is perfect for warm weather, quick lunches, and side dishes that bring vibrance to any meal.
Whether you’re looking for a healthy lunch idea, a cooling side dish, or an easy way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet, this salad checks every box. It’s low in calories, packed with hydration, and incredibly versatile. With just a handful of fresh ingredients and a few minutes of prep, you can create a dish that’s both nutritious and visually appealing.
A Dish Rooted in Simplicity and Flavor
Cucumber Feta Salad may seem modern in presentation, but its core ingredients have long histories in culinary traditions. Cucumbers have been cultivated for thousands of years, valued not only for their refreshing taste but also for their hydrating properties. Feta cheese, on the other hand, is one of the oldest cheeses in the world and remains a cornerstone of Greek cuisine. Made from sheep’s milk or a blend of sheep and goat’s milk, it has a distinctive salty, tangy flavor that pairs beautifully with the mildness of cucumber.
What makes this salad so appealing is its minimalism. There’s no need for complex dressings or lengthy ingredient lists. Just fresh produce, quality cheese, a splash of acidity, and a touch of herbaceous brightness. The result is a crisp, vibrant, and satisfying salad that feels like summer in a bowl.
Nutritional Benefits of Cucumber Feta Salad
If you’re conscious about your diet, you’ll be pleased to know that Cucumber Feta Salad is as healthy as it is delicious. It provides numerous health benefits, thanks to its wholesome and nutrient-rich ingredients:
1. Cucumbers
Cucumbers are over 95% water, making them one of the most hydrating foods you can eat. They are also low in calories and rich in antioxidants like beta-carotene and flavonoids. Their mild flavor and crunchy texture make them an excellent addition to weight-loss diets and detox meal plans.
2. Feta Cheese
Feta cheese, while higher in sodium due to the brining process, is a great source of protein and calcium. Unlike harder cheeses, feta is lower in fat and calories per serving, and because it has such a strong flavor, a little goes a long way.
3. Red Onion
Thin slices of red onion provide a punch of flavor and beneficial plant compounds such as quercetin, which has anti-inflammatory properties. They also add a contrasting texture and a touch of sweetness to balance the acidity.
4. Tomatoes
Tomatoes add a burst of color and a juicy bite. They are an excellent source of lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that supports heart health and reduces inflammation.
5. Olive Oil and Lemon Juice
Extra virgin olive oil is rich in healthy monounsaturated fats and antioxidants. When paired with lemon juice, it forms a light and zesty dressing that enhances all the other ingredients without overpowering them.
Customization Ideas for Cucumber Feta Salad
One of the best things about this salad is its flexibility. It’s easy to adjust the ingredients based on your preferences, what’s in season, or what you have in your fridge. Here are a few delicious variations to consider:
1. Add Protein
Turn this salad into a full meal by adding grilled chicken, chickpeas, shrimp, or quinoa. This turns a light side into a protein-rich main course perfect for lunch or dinner.
2. Swap the Cheese
If feta isn’t your favorite or you’re looking for a plant-based option, try substituting it with goat cheese, cotija, or vegan feta crumbles.
3. Add More Vegetables
Bell peppers, radishes, or avocados add extra flavor, color, and nutrients. A handful of arugula or baby spinach can also turn this into a leafy green salad.
4. Try Different Herbs
Fresh mint, parsley, or cilantro can offer new flavor profiles. Dill is traditional and highly recommended, but don’t be afraid to experiment with other herbs.
5. Change the Dressing
While the olive oil and lemon combo is classic, you can also try red wine vinegar, balsamic glaze, or even a light yogurt-based dressing for a creamy variation.
When and How to Serve It
Cucumber Feta Salad is wonderfully versatile and fits into many different meal settings:
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As a Starter or Side Dish: It pairs beautifully with grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or even pasta dishes.
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For a Light Lunch: Serve it on its own or over a bed of greens with pita bread on the side.
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At Summer Gatherings: Bring it to a picnic, potluck, or barbecue it holds up well even after sitting out for a bit.
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As a Mezze Plate Component: Serve alongside hummus, olives, dolmas, and flatbreads for a Mediterranean-style appetizer spread.
It’s also a great prep-ahead dish. Just keep the cucumbers and feta separate until right before serving to maintain the texture and freshness.
Tips for Making the Best Cucumber Feta Salad
To get the most out of this simple dish, keep the following tips in mind:
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Use Fresh Ingredients: Since the salad has so few components, freshness is key. Choose firm cucumbers, ripe cherry tomatoes, and a good-quality feta.
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Salt Cucumbers if Needed: If your cucumbers are especially watery, sprinkle them with a little salt and let them drain in a colander for 10–15 minutes to prevent the salad from becoming soggy.
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Chill Before Serving: A short time in the fridge (15–30 minutes) helps meld the flavors together and makes the salad more refreshing.
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Don’t Overmix: Toss gently to avoid breaking up the feta too much you want those nice, creamy crumbles to stay intact.
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Balance the Acidity: Taste and adjust the lemon juice and vinegar to suit your palate. You want a bright tang, not overwhelming sourness.
Why You’ll Keep Coming Back to This Salad
Once you try this Cucumber Feta Salad, you’ll understand why it’s a favorite in so many households. It’s incredibly easy to prepare, highly adaptable, and perfect for busy days when you want something healthy but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. The contrast of crisp vegetables and creamy cheese, enhanced with a bright vinaigrette and aromatic herbs, hits all the right notes making every bite feel fresh and indulgent at the same time.
Moreover, this is a dish that works equally well year-round. In summer, it’s a no-brainer with its cooling and hydrating properties. But even in cooler months, it offers a refreshing contrast to heavier meals and can be customized to suit more autumnal or wintery flavors by adding roasted vegetables or grains.
Conclusion
In a world full of complicated recipes and endless ingredients, Cucumber Feta Salad reminds us of the beauty of simplicity. It’s a dish that anyone can make, regardless of cooking experience, and it consistently delivers flavor, texture, and visual appeal. With just a few ingredients and a little care, you can serve up a salad that not only satisfies hunger but also nourishes the body and delights the senses.
Whether you’re enjoying it on your own or sharing it at the table with friends and family, this salad is sure to leave an impression. Bookmark this recipe and make it a staple, you’ll be glad you did. For those looking for a light, refreshing, and incredibly delicious dish, the Cucumber Feta Salad is truly hard to beat.