If you are craving a dish that bursts with freshness, flavor, and that unmistakable Mediterranean charm, the Greek Cucumber Tomato Feta Salad Recipe is your new best friend. This vibrant salad combines crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and creamy feta cheese all tossed with briny Kalamata olives and a simple yet zesty dressing. It’s such an effortless way to brighten up any meal or enjoy a light lunch, and once you taste it, you’ll keep coming back for more of those delightful contrasts in texture and flavor that this classic Greek favorite offers.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Greek Cucumber Tomato Feta Salad Recipe plays an important role in delivering that perfect balance of taste, texture, and color. Fresh vegetables create a crunchy and juicy base, olives add a salty pop, and creamy feta brings a satisfying richness.
- 2 medium cucumbers, peeled and thinly sliced: Provides refreshing crunch and moisture to the salad.
- 4 ripe tomatoes, diced: Adds juiciness and a sweet, tangy flavor.
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced: Offers subtle sharpness and a bit of bite.
- 1 large green bell pepper, cored and sliced into thin rings: Brings a mild sweetness and vibrant crunch.
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved: Infuses the salad with a savory, salty depth.
- 200 grams feta cheese, cut into cubes or crumbled: Adds creamy saltiness and a tangy richness.
- 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil: Acts as the salad’s luscious dressing base with fruity notes.
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar: Introduces a bright acidity to balance flavors.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Brings a classic Mediterranean herb flavor that ties it all together.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste: Enhances and sharpens every ingredient.
- Fresh mint or basil leaves for garnish (optional): Adds a fragrant, fresh finish if desired.
How to Make Greek Cucumber Tomato Feta Salad Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables
Start by peeling and thinly slicing the cucumbers and dicing the ripe tomatoes. Thinly slice the red onion and carefully slice the green bell pepper into thin rings. Gently place all these fresh veggies into a large salad bowl, creating the crisp and colorful base of your salad.
Step 2: Add the Kalamata Olives
Next, add the pitted and halved Kalamata olives to the vegetables. These olives are essential—they bring a bold, briny punch that perfectly complements the fresh, crisp produce.
Step 3: Incorporate the Feta Cheese
Cube or crumble the feta cheese and fold it carefully into the salad mixture. The creamy texture of the feta contrasts beautifully with the crisp vegetables and salty olives, creating a harmonious blend in every bite.
Step 4: Whisk the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together the extra-virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, and dried oregano. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to your liking. This simple dressing will elevate the salad with a fresh, tangy, and slightly herbaceous flavor.
Step 5: Toss and Combine
Drizzle the dressing over the salad bowl and gently toss everything to ensure each ingredient is evenly coated. Take care to mix gently so the feta cheese doesn’t break down too much, preserving its lovely texture.
Step 6: Plate Your Salad
Transfer your freshly tossed Greek Cucumber Tomato Feta Salad Recipe to a beautiful serving platter or individual plates. Presentation brings out the salad’s vibrant colors and makes it even more inviting.
Step 7: Garnish
Add a few fresh mint or basil leaves on top for an optional burst of aromatic freshness that enhances the flavors and adds a lovely finishing touch.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
Serve immediately to enjoy the salad at its freshest. The crisp textures and bright, Mediterranean flavors will make this Greek Cucumber Tomato Feta Salad Recipe a star at any meal.
How to Serve Greek Cucumber Tomato Feta Salad Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like mint or basil are perfect garnishes, adding a fragrant lift that complements the salad’s vibrant flavors. You can also sprinkle a little extra crumbled feta or a pinch of dried oregano for presentation and taste.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled seafood, roasted chicken, or even a hearty bowl of soup. Its lightness and bold flavors provide a refreshing contrast to richer dishes, making it a versatile side.
Creative Ways to Present
Try layering the salad in clear glass jars for a picnic or buffet, or serve it over a bed of mixed greens for added texture. You could also stuff pita pockets with the salad for a quick, vibrant lunch option.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover Greek Cucumber Tomato Feta Salad Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best enjoyed within 1-2 days to keep the vegetables crisp and the feta fresh.
Freezing
This salad is not ideal for freezing because fresh vegetables and cheese textures change when frozen. To keep the flavors alive, enjoy it fresh or only store leftovers in the fridge.
Reheating
This salad is best served cold or at room temperature. Reheating is not recommended as it will diminish the fresh textures and flavors that make this Greek Cucumber Tomato Feta Salad Recipe so delightful.
FAQs
Can I use regular vinegar instead of red wine vinegar?
While red wine vinegar is traditional and adds a lovely depth, you can substitute with apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar if needed. Just use it sparingly to avoid overpowering the salad’s delicate balance.
Is this salad gluten-free?
Absolutely! This Greek Cucumber Tomato Feta Salad Recipe contains naturally gluten-free ingredients, making it a safe and delicious choice for those avoiding gluten.
Can I add other vegetables or ingredients?
Definitely! Feel free to add cucumbers or tomatoes of different varieties, a splash of lemon juice in the dressing, or even some toasted pine nuts for crunch. Just keep the core ingredients to preserve the classic flavor profile.
How long does the salad stay fresh?
For the best experience, enjoy this salad within one to two days. The cucumbers and tomatoes can release water over time, which might make the salad a bit watery if stored too long.
What type of feta cheese is best?
A good quality, tangy Greek feta made from sheep’s or goat’s milk works best. It offers the perfect creamy and salty character that balances the freshness of the vegetables beautifully.
Final Thoughts
If you love dishes that are fresh, flavorful, and easy to pull together, this Greek Cucumber Tomato Feta Salad Recipe is a must-try. It brings sunshine to your plate with every colorful bite and feels like a little Mediterranean getaway in a bowl. I promise once you make it, it will quickly become a favorite you’ll want to share with everyone you know.
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Greek Cucumber Tomato Feta Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 15m
- Cook Time: 0h 0m
- Total Time: 0h 15m
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Greek
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A refreshing Greek Cucumber Tomato Feta Salad featuring crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, tangy feta cheese, and Kalamata olives, all tossed in a simple olive oil and red wine vinegar dressing with oregano. Perfect as a light appetizer or side dish, this easy no-cook salad brings vibrant Mediterranean flavors to your table in just 15 minutes.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 2 medium cucumbers, peeled and thinly sliced
- 4 ripe tomatoes, diced
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 large green bell pepper, cored and sliced into thin rings
Other
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
- 200 grams feta cheese, cut into cubes or crumbled
Dressing
- 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Fresh mint or basil leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the vegetables: Peel and thinly slice the cucumbers, dice the tomatoes, thinly slice the red onion, and slice the green bell pepper into rings. Place all the vegetables into a large salad bowl.
- Add the olives: Add the pitted and halved Kalamata olives to the bowl with the vegetables.
- Add the feta cheese: Cube or crumble the feta cheese and gently fold it into the salad mixture to maintain its texture.
- Make the dressing: In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the extra-virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, and dried oregano. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper according to your taste.
- Toss the salad: Drizzle the dressing over the salad and gently toss everything together, ensuring the dressing coats all the ingredients evenly without breaking up the feta too much.
- Serve: Transfer the salad to a serving platter or individual plates for presentation.
- Garnish: Add fresh mint or basil leaves on top if desired to enhance the aroma and presentation.
- Enjoy: Serve immediately to enjoy the salad at its freshest with crisp, vibrant flavors.
Notes
- Use ripe tomatoes for the best flavor and texture.
- Adjust the amount of oregano to your personal preference; fresh oregano can be used as a substitute.
- For a vegan version, omit the feta or replace it with vegan cheese alternatives.
- This salad is best served fresh but can be refrigerated for up to 2 hours before serving.
- Ensure cucumbers are peeled if you prefer a less bitter taste.
