Cucumber Feta Salad Recipe

I love how this Cucumber Feta Salad brings crisp freshness and a burst of flavor to my day. The combination of cool cucumbers, zesty red onions, juicy tomatoes, and creamy feta is perfectly balanced by olive oil and lemon juice. Every bite feels light, healthy, and totally satisfying.

I love this Cucumber Feta Salad because it’s so simple and fresh. I think its healthy mix of ingredients works great as a side dish for any meal.

I use 2 large cucumbers thinly sliced and set them aside with 1/2 a small red onion that I’ve also sliced. The crunchiness of the cucumbers combined with the bite of red onion makes for a nutritious base.

I also love adding 1 cup of cherry tomatoes, halved, but sometimes I skip them if I am not in the mood. My favorite part is mixing in 3/4 cup crumbled feta cheese which not only adds flavor but extra protein.

I finish it off with 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil, a tablespoon of fresh lemon juice, salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Sometimes I mix in a small handful of chopped fresh dill or mint for a twist.

This salad is a tasty example of a fresh, healthy recipes that are best served on the side.

Why I Like this Recipe

I really love this recipe because it’s super refreshing and easy to whip up. Here’s a few reasons why I dig it:

1. I like how it uses only simple ingredients that come together really fast without any fuss. I can just slice up some cucumbers and onions and toss everything in a bowl.
2. I love the mix of flavors – the salty feta combined with the tang from lemon juice and the crisp veggies makes every bite interesting.
3. It’s a healthy choice that still tastes awesome. Even though it’s light, it feels so satisfying and perfect for a warm day.
4. I appreciate the little extras, like throwing in some dill or mint, that give it a hint of extra flavor and let me customize it to my mood.

This light and refreshing Cucumber Feta Salad is the kind of side dish that makes any meal feel special. It’s simple, fresh and delish, perfect for when you just want something light but tasty.

Ingredients

• Cucumbers are hydrating and provide fibre that helps digestion while keeping the salad crisp
• Red onions add a tangy flavor and are full of antioxidants which boost natural defenses
• Cherry tomatoes deliver a subtle sweetness and loads of vitamin C for a healthy twist
• Feta cheese offers a creamy, salty protein kick that makes the dish uniquely tasty
• Olive oil is packed with healthy fats and helps to blend all the flavours together
• Lemon juice brings a bright, sour balance to the mix and lifts the overall taste
• Fresh dill or mint gives a cool herby finish that lightens the salad nicely

Ingredient Quantities

• 2 large cucumbers, thinly sliced
• 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (you can skip them if you dont like tomatoes)
• 3/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• Salt, to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Optional: a small handful of chopped fresh dill or mint

How to Make this

1. Start by thinly slicing the 2 large cucumbers and 1/2 small red onion, try to keep the slices about the same thickness so they mix well.

2. Halve the 1 cup cherry tomatoes, or skip them if you’re not a big fan of tomatoes.

3. In a big bowl, combine the sliced cucumbers, onions, and tomatoes.

4. Add in the 3/4 cup crumbled feta cheese evenly over the salad.

5. Drizzle 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil and 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice all over the mixture.

6. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to your liking, remember you can adjust these to taste.

7. If you like a touch of fresh herbs, toss in a small handful of chopped dill or mint for extra flavor.

8. Gently toss everything together until the ingredients are evenly mixed, be careful not to break up the feta too much. Enjoy your refreshing salad!

Equipment Needed

1. A sharp chef knife for thinly slicing the cucumbers, red onion, and halving the cherry tomatoes
2. A cutting board to keep your workspace clean and safe
3. A large mixing bowl to combine all your salad ingredients
4. Measuring cups and spoons to accurately add the feta cheese, olive oil, and lemon juice
5. A salad spoon or tongs for gently tossing the salad together without breaking up the feta too much

FAQ

• Q: Can I skip the cherry tomatoes?
  A: Sure, if you dont like tomatoes or just wanna keep it simple, feel free to leave them out.
• Q: Can I make this salad ahead of time?
  A: Yeah, you can prep the veggies in advance but its best to add the olive oil and lemon juice just before serving so the salad stays crisp.
• Q: What other herbs can I use instead of dill or mint?
  A: You can definitely try out basil or parsley if those are more your style, its all about personal taste.
• Q: Is there any way to make this salad more filling?
  A: If youre lookin for something more hearty, you could toss in some chickpeas or even grilled chicken to amp up the protein.
• Q: Can I use a different type of cheese instead of feta?
  A: You sure can, though feta is a classic for its tanginess, try goat cheese or even ricotta salata if youre feelin adventurous.

Cucumber Feta Salad Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• Instead of cucumbers, you can try thinly sliced zucchini or even jicama for a similar crunch.
• If you dont have red onion, shallots or a milder white onion make a good alternative.
• For the feta cheese, you can swap in some goat cheese or ricotta salata if you want a different twist.
• Extra virgin olive oil could be replaced with avocado oil which gives you a similar fruitiness.
• If fresh lemon juice isnt available, lime juice works perfectly for that citrusy tang.

Pro Tips

1. Try using a mandoline slicer if you have one – it really helps you get those cucumber and onion slices super even so that every bite is consistent.
2. Let the salad chill in the fridge for about 5 to 10 minutes before you serve it. This gives all the flavors a chance to blend together, but dont let it sit too long or the cucumbers might get way too watery.
3. When adding salt and lemon juice, start small and then taste it. Its easier to add more later than to fix an overly salty salad.
4. If you decide to throw in herbs like dill or mint, chop them fresh right before adding so that their flavor stays bright and doesn’t get lost in the mix.