If you’re looking for a refreshing, vibrant dish that feels like a breeze of sunshine in every bite, this Cucumber Feta Salad Recipe is your new best friend. It’s the perfect blend of crisp cucumbers, tangy feta cheese, and bright herbs all brought together with a zesty lemon dressing. Easy to make and packed with flavor, this salad is a delightful way to elevate any meal or enjoy as a light, nourishing snack.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is key to nailing the perfect balance of crunch, tang, and herbaceous freshness in this salad. Each item was chosen to add unique texture, color, and that unbeatable flavor combo everyone will love.
- 2 large cucumbers, thinly sliced: Crisp and juicy, cucumbers form the refreshing backbone of the salad.
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced: Adds a mild kick and beautiful contrast in both taste and appearance.
- 1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped: Brings an aromatic, slightly grassy flavor that brightens the salad.
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped: Provides a fresh, clean herbaceous note that balances the richness of the cheese.
- 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled: Salty and creamy, feta adds the perfect tang and texture to each bite.
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil: Smooth and fruity, it acts as the dressing’s silky base.
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice: Zesty and sharp, lemon juice wakes up the flavors and adds that irresistible tang.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings that enhance all the other elements without overpowering.
How to Make Cucumber Feta Salad Recipe
Step 1: Combine the Fresh Veggies and Herbs
Start by tossing your thinly sliced cucumbers, red onion, dill, and parsley in a large mixing bowl. This ensures that the fresh flavors mingle right from the beginning, creating a lively base full of crunch and freshness.
Step 2: Add the Crumbled Feta
Next, sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese over the vegetable mixture. Take care to gently fold it in so that each bite has pockets of creamy, salty cheese that beautifully contrast with the crispness of the veggies.
Step 3: Whisk Together the Dressing
In a separate bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. This simple dressing is what ties all the textures and flavors together, adding smoothness and a hint of tang that makes the salad sing.
Step 4: Dress the Salad
Drizzle your freshly made dressing over the cucumber and feta mixture. Toss everything gently to coat each slice and crumble evenly without squishing the delicate ingredients.
Step 5: Let the Flavors Meld
Lastly, allow the salad to rest for 10 to 15 minutes before serving. This little pause lets the lemony dressing soak in, marrying all the vibrant flavors so your salad tastes even better than it looks.
How to Serve Cucumber Feta Salad Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper or a few extra bits of crumbled feta on top can elevate the presentation. For an added pop of color and taste, toss on some sliced cherry tomatoes or a handful of toasted pine nuts right before serving.
Side Dishes
This Cucumber Feta Salad Recipe pairs perfectly with grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or even a simple crusty bread. It’s a fantastic companion for Mediterranean dishes or as a light side on a summer picnic table.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this salad in small mason jars or atop crisp lettuce leaves as individual portions. You can also layer it with quinoa and chickpeas for a more filling salad bowl that still celebrates the classic flavors.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep in mind that cucumbers release water over time, so gently drain any excess liquid before serving leftovers to keep it crisp.
Freezing
Because cucumbers have a very high water content, freezing this salad is not recommended. The texture and freshness don’t hold up well once frozen and thawed.
Reheating
This salad is best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature, so reheating is unnecessary. Simply give it a gentle toss if the dressing has settled after refrigeration.
FAQs
Can I use English cucumbers for this salad?
Absolutely! English cucumbers work wonderfully as they tend to be less watery and have fewer seeds, which keeps the salad crisp and refreshing.
Is it okay to substitute the feta cheese with another cheese?
You can try a tangy goat cheese or even a crumbly ricotta salata, but feta’s salty bite really stands out in this recipe, so it’s worth sticking to if possible.
How long should I chop the herbs for the best flavor?
Chop the dill and parsley just before mixing to preserve their vibrant color and fresh, potent flavors. Over-chopping can make them lose their appeal.
Can I prepare this salad in advance for a party?
It’s best to mix the dressing and add it right before serving to keep the cucumbers crisp. You can prepare and refrigerate the veggies and cheese separately a few hours ahead.
What if I don’t like onions raw?
If raw red onion feels too strong, soak the slices briefly in cold water for 10 minutes or swap them out for finely sliced green onions or chives for a milder bite.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Cucumber Feta Salad Recipe enough if you want something fresh, simple, and incredibly tasty on your table. It’s a delightful way to brighten any meal and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser wherever it goes. Give it a try and see how this little salad brings a big smile every time!
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Cucumber Feta Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This refreshing Cucumber Feta Salad combines crisp cucumbers and sharp red onions with fresh herbs and creamy feta cheese, all tossed in a zesty lemon and olive oil dressing. Perfect for a light lunch or a vibrant side dish, this easy-to-make salad requires no cooking and comes together in just 15 minutes.
Ingredients
Vegetables and Herbs
- 2 large cucumbers, thinly sliced
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Cheese
- 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
Dressing
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Combine Vegetables and Herbs: In a large mixing bowl, combine the thinly sliced cucumbers, red onion, fresh dill, and parsley. Toss them gently to mix the ingredients evenly without bruising the delicate herbs and vegetables.
- Add Feta Cheese: Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese over the vegetable and herb mixture. Carefully fold the cheese in to distribute it throughout the salad while maintaining the cheese’s crumbly texture.
- Prepare Dressing: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until the dressing is well combined and emulsified, creating a bright and tangy dressing.
- Dress the Salad: Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad mixture. Toss gently to ensure all ingredients are coated evenly with the dressing, enhancing the flavors without overwhelming the fresh components.
- Let Salad Rest: Allow the salad to rest for 10 to 15 minutes before serving. This rest period helps the flavors meld together, allowing the lemon and herbs to infuse the cucumbers and feta, creating a harmonious and delicious taste experience.
Notes
- For added crunch, consider adding a handful of toasted pine nuts or walnuts.
- Make sure to slice cucumbers thinly for better texture and flavor absorption.
- This salad is best served fresh but can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours.
- Adjust salt and pepper to taste, especially if your feta cheese is already salty.
- Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best flavor in the dressing.
