This Fresh and Easy Greek Cucumber Salad is a crunch of cool cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and tasty feta cheese, all drizzled with olive oil. It’s light, refreshing, and perfect for any meal!
Making this salad is so simple, you might just do a little happy dance! 🕺 I love serving it on warm days or as a side dish. It pairs nicely with almost everything! 🌞
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cucumbers: I recommend using English cucumbers for their crisp texture and mild flavor. If they’re not available, any variety will work! You can even use pickling cucumbers if you like them extra crunchy.
Tomatoes: Ripe tomatoes add sweetness and juiciness. If you can’t find fresh ones, cherry or grape tomatoes are great substitutes. They pack a punch of flavor!
Red Onion: The gentle bite of red onion brightens the salad. For a milder taste, you could use sweet onions or green onions instead. Just slice them thin!
Kalamata Olives: These black olives add depth to the dish. If you prefer green olives, feel free to swap them in; they’ll create a different but tasty flavor profile.
Feta Cheese: Feta is the star here. If you’re dairy-free, try using a plant-based feta or omit it entirely. For a different cheese, crumbled goat cheese works well too.
How Do I Ensure a Perfectly Balanced Salad?
To create a well-rounded flavor, pay attention to the dressing! The combination of olive oil and red wine vinegar brings everything together.
- Always taste the dressing before adding it to the salad. Adjust oil and vinegar according to your preference!
- Letting the salad chill is key. This allows the vegetables to absorb the dressing and enhances the overall flavor.
- Be gentle when mixing; you don’t want to break up the feta too much. It should stay slightly chunky for best texture.
- Season to your liking. A little salt and pepper can elevate all the fresh flavors!
Fresh and Easy Greek Cucumber Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 large cucumbers, peeled and diced
- 3 medium ripe tomatoes, diced
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This refreshing salad takes about 10-15 minutes to prepare. You’ll need an extra 15-20 minutes in the refrigerator to let the flavors come together. In no time at all, you’ll have a vibrant dish ready to serve!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Combine the Fresh Vegetables:
Start by gathering a large mixing bowl. In it, toss together the diced cucumbers, tomatoes, sliced red onion, and halved Kalamata olives. Make sure everything is evenly distributed for the best flavor in every bite!
2. Add Flavor with Oregano:
Sprinkle the dried oregano over your veggie mix. Oregano adds a lovely Mediterranean flair to the salad, so don’t be shy with it!
3. Prepare the Dressing:
Grab a small bowl and whisk together the olive oil and red wine vinegar until they’re well mixed. This dressing is simple but oh-so-delicious!
4. Dress the Salad:
Pour the dressing over the salad mixture in the large bowl. Use a gentle tossing motion to coat all the ingredients evenly—be careful not to crush the veggies or break up the feta!
5. Incorporate the Feta:
Next, add the crumbled feta cheese on top of your salad. Lightly toss everything again, just enough to mix in the feta without making it too crumbly. It adds a wonderful creaminess!
6. Season to Perfection:
Now it’s time to season! Sprinkle in salt and freshly ground black pepper to suit your taste. Make sure to taste test a spoonful to check that it’s just right!
7. Garnish and Chill:
For an extra touch, garnish with freshly chopped parsley if you’d like. Then, cover the salad and chill it in the refrigerator for about 15-20 minutes. This helps everything meld together beautifully!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Once chilled, give the salad a final gentle toss and serve it fresh! This crunchy and flavorful Greek Cucumber Salad is perfect on its own or as a side to any meal. Enjoy every bite!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Any Type of Cucumber for This Salad?
Absolutely! While I recommend English cucumbers for their mild flavor and crispness, you can use any variety. Just make sure to peel and seed them if they have a tough skin or many seeds.
How Can I Make This Salad Vegan?
To make this salad vegan, simply omit the feta cheese or substitute it with a plant-based feta or a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for added flavor. The salad is still delicious without the cheese!
Can I Prepare This Salad in Advance?
Yes! You can prepare the salad a few hours in advance. Just be sure to keep the salad chilled until serving. If you notice excess moisture from the cucumbers, you might want to drain some off before serving for the best texture.
What Other Ingredients Can I Add?
Feel free to get creative! You can add diced bell peppers, radishes for a crunch, or even some fresh herbs like dill or mint for an extra burst of flavor. Just be sure to keep the proportions in mind so that each ingredient shines!
