This refreshing Greek cucumber salad shines with crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and tangy feta cheese. It’s quick, colorful, and packed with flavor!
Perfect for a light meal or as a side dish, this salad always brightens my day. I love tossing it together in minutes, and it pairs well with just about anything. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cucumbers: I use hothouse or English cucumbers for their thin skin and mild flavor. If you can’t find these, regular cucumbers work well too; just peel them if the skin feels tough.
Tomatoes: Fresh, ripe tomatoes are the best. I like using Roma tomatoes for their firm texture, but you can use any tomatoes you have on hand. Cherry or grape tomatoes are great for sweetness!
Red Onion: The sharpness of red onions adds a nice kick to the salad. If they’re too strong for your taste, soaked them in cold water for 10 minutes to mellow out the flavor.
Kalamata Olives: These lend a briny taste. If you prefer a milder flavor, try black olives or green olives instead. Just make sure they’re pitted!
Feta Cheese: Traditional Greek salad uses feta, but you can substitute it with goat cheese or even skip it for a vegan option. Nutritional yeast can add a cheesy flavor without dairy.
How Do I Make the Best Salad Dressing for This Recipe?
The dressing is key to bringing all the salad elements together. Here’s how to make it perfectly:
- Use high-quality extra-virgin olive oil—it makes a big difference!
- Red wine vinegar adds a nice tang. If you don’t have it, you can substitute with white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar.
- Whisk the oil and vinegar together before drizzling over the salad to ensure even coating.
- Adjust salt & pepper to your taste as feta is already salty!
Fresh and Easy Greek Cucumber Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Fresh Produce:
- 2 large cucumbers, peeled and diced
- 3 medium tomatoes, diced
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Cheese and Olives:
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
For the Dressing:
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
Seasoning:
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Greek cucumber salad takes about 15 minutes to prepare. If you let it chill in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes before serving, the flavors will meld beautifully. So, a total of around 30 minutes would be perfect, including chilling time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Combine the Veggies:
In a large bowl, toss together the peeled and diced cucumbers, diced tomatoes, and thinly sliced red onion. This colorful mix is the fresh foundation of your salad!
2. Add Olives and Parsley:
Next, add the halved Kalamata olives and chopped fresh parsley to the bowl. These ingredients will add depth and a burst of flavor!
3. Prepare the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the extra-virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. This simple dressing will tie all the ingredients together perfectly!
4. Dress the Salad:
Pour the dressing over the vegetable mixture and gently toss everything to coat it evenly. Take care not to break the veggies too much!
5. Add Feta:
Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese over the top. Then, give the salad a light toss to distribute the feta without crumbling it further.
6. Chill and Serve:
Cover the salad and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes before serving. This helps the flavors meld beautifully! When you’re ready to serve, simply dish it up as a refreshing side or light meal. Enjoy every crunchy, tasty bite!
Can I Use Other Types of Cheese in This Salad?
Absolutely! If feta isn’t your favorite, you can substitute it with crumbled goat cheese, or even a creamy mozzarella for a milder taste. If you’re looking for a vegan option, try using marinated tofu or a dairy-free cheese alternative.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep in mind that the cucumbers may lose some crunch over time, so it’s best enjoyed fresh!
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to get creative and add other veggies like bell peppers, radishes, or even avocado for extra creaminess. Just be sure to keep the ratios similar for the perfect balance!
How to Make This Salad Ahead of Time?
You can prepare the salad a few hours in advance. Just wait to add the feta and dressing until right before serving to keep everything fresh and vibrant!
