If you’re craving a salad that bursts with sunshine flavors and vibrant colors, you are going to love this Greek Cucumber Tomato Feta Salad Recipe. It’s an absolute classic that brings together crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, salty feta cheese, and briny olives, all tossed in a tangy, herb-infused dressing. This salad is fresh, simple, and perfect as a light lunch or a bright side dish to any Mediterranean-inspired meal. Each bite feels like a mini getaway to the Greek islands, bringing a refreshing crunch and lively zest that will have you coming back for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The charm of this Greek Cucumber Tomato Feta Salad Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients that pack a flavorful punch. Every component plays an essential role in balancing taste and texture, from the juicy tomatoes to the creamy feta and the punchy red onion.
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved: Choose ripe, juicy tomatoes for a sweet and tangy burst in every bite.
- 1 English cucumber, sliced into half moons: Crisp and cooling, cucumber adds refreshing crunch and balances the flavors.
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced: Adds a subtle sharpness and beautiful purple hue that complements the salad.
- 1 cup Kalamata olives, pitted: These briny olives bring authentic Mediterranean depth and richness.
- 6 oz block feta cheese, cubed or crumbled: Creamy and salty, feta ties the salad together with indulgent tanginess.
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil: A golden, fruity base for the dressing that enriches every ingredient.
- 1 tbsp red wine vinegar: Provides acidity to brighten the salad’s flavor profile.
- 1 tsp dried oregano: Classic herb that adds an earthy aroma and taste.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste: Essential for seasoning and bringing out all the flavors.
How to Make Greek Cucumber Tomato Feta Salad Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Fresh Vegetables
Start by slicing your cherry tomatoes in halves to release their juicy sweetness. Cut the English cucumber into those adorable half moons, which deliver perfect little bites. Thinly slice the red onion, ensuring they remain delicate so as not to overpower the other ingredients. Toss all these fresh veggies into a large bowl where the magic begins.
Step 2: Add Olives and Feta
Next, bring in the star players of this recipe — the Kalamata olives and feta cheese. Scatter the pitted olives throughout and gently mix in the feta, whether you prefer it cubed for texture or crumbled for a creamier feel. These ingredients introduce delightful salty notes that contrast beautifully with the fresh veggies.
Step 3: Whisk the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, and a pinch of salt and pepper. This simple yet flavorful dressing is the finishing touch that ties the salad together, lending it a vibrant, tangy, and herbaceous character you won’t want to miss.
Step 4: Dress and Toss
Drizzle the dressing evenly over your salad and toss lightly to combine, making sure every bite gets a kiss of that luscious dressing. The gentle toss helps blend the flavors without breaking the feta or bruising the delicate vegetables.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Your Greek Cucumber Tomato Feta Salad Recipe is now ready to be enjoyed! It’s all about fresh, important layers of flavor coming together in one easily assembled bowl.
How to Serve Greek Cucumber Tomato Feta Salad Recipe
Garnishes
While this salad is stunning on its own, sprinkling a few fresh oregano leaves or even some chopped fresh parsley on top can brighten up the presentation and add an extra burst of freshness. A light drizzle of good-quality extra virgin olive oil right before serving elevates the salad’s richness as well.
Side Dishes
This Greek Cucumber Tomato Feta Salad Recipe pairs wonderfully with grilled meats like chicken souvlaki or lamb kebabs. It’s also excellent alongside flaky grilled fish or as part of a meze spread featuring hummus, pita, and tzatziki. Its refreshing qualities make it a fantastic balance to heavier dishes.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving this salad in small bowls inside hollowed-out cucumbers or tomatoes for a fun twist. Layering it over a bed of mixed greens or baby spinach adds a leafy base and extra nourishment. You can even skewer some of the ingredients on toothpicks for a festive appetizer version.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers — which is rare because this salad is so addictive — store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best eaten within 1-2 days, as the vegetables can release liquid and soften over time. Keep the dressing separate if possible to preserve the crispness.
Freezing
Because this salad is packed with fresh vegetables and cheese, freezing is not recommended. The texture of cucumbers and tomatoes will become watery and mushy after thawing, which changes the experience significantly.
Reheating
This dish is served cold or at room temperature, so reheating isn’t necessary. Just give it a fresh toss before serving if it’s been chilled to refresh the flavors and texture.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese instead of feta?
While feta is traditional and offers a unique tangy creaminess, you could substitute with queso fresco or goat cheese for a different flavor profile. Just remember these cheeses have their own textures and flavors that will change the salad slightly.
Is this salad vegan-friendly?
This particular Greek Cucumber Tomato Feta Salad Recipe is not vegan because of the feta cheese. However, you could omit the cheese or use a plant-based feta alternative to make it vegan-friendly while still keeping the Mediterranean vibes.
Can I add other vegetables or herbs?
Absolutely! Feel free to add diced bell peppers, fresh mint, or dill to customize the salad to your liking. The core ingredients create a fantastic base, but these additions can bring exciting new layers of flavor.
How long does it take to prepare this salad?
This salad comes together in about 15 minutes, making it a fantastic choice for a quick, healthy meal or side dish when you’re short on time but want maximum fresh flavor.
What’s the best way to serve this salad for a party?
For entertaining, serve it in a large colorful bowl, accompanied by small plates and forks so guests can help themselves. Pair it with pita bread or crostini for a lovely, shareable appetizer station.
Final Thoughts
Making this Greek Cucumber Tomato Feta Salad Recipe is like bringing a little sunshine to your table. It’s fresh, flavorful, and incredibly easy to throw together any day of the week. Whether you’re serving it as a quick lunch or alongside your favorite grilled dishes, it’s sure to brighten your meal and delight your taste buds. Give it a try — I promise it will become one of your go-to salads in no time!
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Greek Cucumber Tomato Feta Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Greek
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A refreshing and vibrant Greek Cucumber Tomato Feta Salad combining juicy cherry tomatoes, crisp cucumber, briny Kalamata olives, and creamy feta cheese, all tossed in a tangy oregano vinaigrette. Perfect as a light lunch or a side dish for Mediterranean-inspired meals.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 English cucumber, sliced into half moons
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
Dressing & Additions
- 1 cup Kalamata olives, pitted
- 6 oz block feta cheese, cubed or crumbled
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the vegetables: Slice the cherry tomatoes in half, cut the English cucumber into half moons, and thinly slice the red onion. Place all the prepared vegetables into a large mixing bowl.
- Add olives and feta: Add the pitted Kalamata olives to the bowl, then gently mix in the cubed or crumbled feta cheese to avoid breaking it down too much.
- Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, salt, and freshly ground black pepper until well combined.
- Combine salad and dressing: Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad mixture. Toss lightly to coat the ingredients evenly without crushing the vegetables or cheese.
- Serve: The salad can be served immediately or chilled briefly in the refrigerator for a more refreshing taste. Enjoy as a side dish or a light meal.
Notes
- Use fresh, ripe cherry tomatoes for the best flavor and sweetness.
- Kalamata olives add a signature salty, tangy flavor—feel free to reduce quantity if preferred milder.
- Feta can be crumbled or cubed depending on your texture preference.
- Adjust the amount of red wine vinegar to balance acidity according to your taste.
- This salad is best served fresh but can be refrigerated for up to 2 days.
