This Greek Cucumber Salad is a cool and crunchy side dish that’s perfect for any meal. With fresh cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and a sprinkle of feta cheese, it’s colorful and tasty!
I love how easy it is to toss everything together in just minutes. Plus, it pairs perfectly with grilled dishes or just by itself for a light snack. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cucumbers: Use fresh, firm cucumbers for the best crunch. If you prefer, you can substitute English cucumbers, which have fewer seeds and a thinner skin. I love peeling them to remove any bitterness.
Tomatoes: Ripe tomatoes add juiciness. If they’re out of season, you can use cherry tomatoes instead; just halved them for a sweet burst of flavor.
Red Onion: This adds a nice bite to the salad. If you’re sensitive to their taste, try using green onions or scallions for a milder flavor.
Kalamata Olives: These olives give a briny depth. If you can’t find them, black olives or even green olives can work. Just adjust the salt in the salad to taste.
Feta Cheese: Crumbled feta is classic, but for a creamier texture, try using goat cheese. If you want to skip dairy, use a soy or almond cheese alternative.
How Can I Ensure Perfectly Balanced Flavors in My Salad?
The key to a refreshing Greek Cucumber Salad is balancing the flavors with the right dressing. Follow these steps for the best results:
- Make sure to whisk the dressing ingredients well to combine the flavors before drizzling over your salad.
- Let the salad rest for about 10 minutes; this helps the ingredients to soak in the dressing, enhancing the flavor.
- Adjust seasoning: taste the salad before serving, and don’t hesitate to adjust the salt, pepper, or lemon juice according to your preference.
With these tips, you’re on your way to a flavorful and refreshing salad! Enjoy your cooking!
Refreshing Greek Cucumber Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Salad Components:
- 2 large cucumbers, peeled and diced
- 2 medium ripe tomatoes, diced
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Dressing Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Optional: 1 teaspoon lemon juice for extra freshness
How Much Time Will You Need?
This refreshing salad takes about 15 minutes to prepare. It’s very quick to put together, plus you’ll want to let it sit for about 10 minutes before serving to let those flavors mingle. So, in total, you’ll need about 25 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Vegetables:
In a large salad bowl, combine the diced cucumbers, diced tomatoes, thinly sliced red onion, and Kalamata olives. This colorful mix is not only beautiful but also packed with fresh flavors. Give it a good stir to combine everything well.
2. Add the Cheese and Herbs:
Next, add the crumbled feta cheese and the chopped fresh parsley to the bowl. The feta gives a creamy saltiness while the parsley adds a nice touch of green and fresh flavor!
3. Whisk the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, salt, pepper, and if you’re using it, the lemon juice. This dressing will bring all the ingredients together beautifully.
4. Combine the Salad and Dressing:
Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and toss gently. You want each bite to be dressed, but be careful not to mash the ingredients together.
5. Let It Rest:
Let the salad sit for about 10 minutes. This resting time allows the flavors to meld and the vegetables to soak up the delicious dressing.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Your Greek Cucumber Salad is now ready to serve! You can enjoy it chilled or at room temperature as a refreshing side dish. Perfect for barbecues, picnics, or just a healthy snack!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Different Vegetables in This Salad?
Absolutely! Feel free to add or substitute other vegetables like bell peppers, radishes, or cherry tomatoes to customize the salad to your liking. Just keep in mind that different vegetables may slightly alter the flavor and texture.
How Long Can I Store Leftover Salad?
Leftover Greek Cucumber Salad can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. However, the cucumbers may start to get a bit soggy due to the dressing, so it’s best enjoyed fresh.
What If I Don’t Have Kalamata Olives?
If you’re out of Kalamata olives, you can use any type of olives you prefer, such as green olives or black olives. Just adjust the seasoning to taste, as some olives can be saltier than others.
Can I Make This Salad Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the salad a few hours in advance. However, wait to add the dressing until right before serving to keep the cucumbers crisp. You can also store the dressing separately and combine it when you’re ready to enjoy the salad.
