This bright and crunchy Greek cucumber salad is perfect for hot summer days! It features cool cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, red onions, and a sprinkle of feta cheese, all tossed in a tasty olive oil dressing.
Who doesn’t love a salad that’s refreshing and easy to make? I whip this up in minutes and pair it with grilled meats or just enjoy it on its own. It’s like summer in a bowl! ☀️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cucumbers: Fresh cucumbers are the star of this salad. You can use English cucumbers, which are seedless and have a thinner skin, or regular cucumbers if you prefer. If you want to spice things up, try pickling them for extra flavor!
Tomatoes: Ripe red tomatoes bring juiciness and sweetness. If they’re out of season, feel free to use cherry or grape tomatoes for a burst of flavor. You can also opt for heirloom tomatoes for a colorful mix.
Red Onion: The thinly sliced red onion adds a nice kick. If they’re too pungent for your taste, soak the slices in cold water for 10 minutes to mellow their flavor. You can use green onions if you want a milder taste.
Kalamata Olives: These olives provide a robust flavor. If Kalamata isn’t available, any briny olives like black or green olives will work well too. Just adjust to your taste preference!
Feta Cheese: Crumbled feta adds a creamy texture. Goat cheese is a great alternative if you want something different. Vegan feta is available for a dairy-free option.
How Can I Make Sure My Salad Is Refreshingly Crisp?
To achieve a super crisp salad, pay attention to your vegetable prep. Start with fresh cucumbers and tomatoes, and avoid soggy ingredients. Here’s how:
- Slice cucumbers just before adding them to the salad to minimize moisture loss.
- Consider salting the cucumbers lightly for a few minutes to draw out excess water, then rinse and pat dry.
- Chill the salad for 15-20 minutes before serving—it enhances the freshness!
Enjoy this simple yet delightful salad all summer long! Each bite will remind you of sunny days and fresh produce.
Fresh Greek Cucumber Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 large cucumbers, thinly sliced
- 2 medium tomatoes, diced
- 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This refreshing Greek Cucumber Salad will take about 15 minutes to prepare and another 15-20 minutes to chill in the refrigerator. In less than half an hour, you’ll have a light and delicious salad ready for your table!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Combine the Veggies:
Start by taking a large salad bowl. Add the thinly sliced cucumbers, diced tomatoes, slivers of red onion, and halved Kalamata olives. Give it a gentle stir to mix the ingredients together.
2. Make the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, and a sprinkle of salt and black pepper. This delicious dressing will enhance the flavors of your salad!
3. Dress the Veggies:
Pour your freshly made dressing over the mixed vegetables in the salad bowl. Toss everything together gently so that the dressing coats all the veggies evenly.
4. Add the Feta and Parsley:
Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese and chopped parsley over the top of the salad. This adds a beautiful touch and some extra flavor!
5. Lightly Toss Again:
With a gentle hand, give the salad a light toss to combine the feta and parsley without breaking up the feta too much. You want nice little chunks of cheese in every bite!
6. Chill and Serve:
Cover the salad and place it in the refrigerator for about 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld beautifully. Once chilled, it’s ready to enjoy!
7. Enjoy Your Salad:
Serve this salad as a refreshing side dish on a warm summer day. It pairs perfectly with grilled meats, or you can enjoy it all on its own. Enjoy the burst of fresh Mediterranean flavors!
Can I Use Different Types of Cucumbers?
Absolutely! You can use any variety of cucumber, but English cucumbers are great because they have fewer seeds and a thinner skin. Regular cucumbers or Persian cucumbers also work well! Just make sure to slice them thinly for the best texture.
Can I Make This Salad in Advance?
Yes, you can prepare the salad up to 4 hours ahead of time! However, it’s best to add the feta cheese just before serving to keep it fresh. If you anticipate leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge and consume within 2 days for the best taste.
How Can I Customize This Salad?
Feel free to get creative! You can add bell peppers, radishes, or even avocado for extra flavor and texture. Fresh herbs like mint or dill can also enhance the salad’s freshness. Adjust the ingredients to suit your taste!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any salad leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To maintain the freshest taste, keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to eat. Just give it a good stir before serving again!
