Cucumber Tomato Feta Salad

There is something about the combination of crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and salty feta cheese that immediately transports me to warm summer days. I remember my grandmother preparing a similar salad in our kitchen, using fresh produce straight from her garden. She would toss everything together with a simple dressing, letting the vibrant flavors speak for themselves. It was a dish that never needed much effort but always tasted amazing.

This Cucumber Tomato Feta Salad is a modern take on that timeless classic. It is the perfect dish for beginners because it requires minimal ingredients, no cooking, and comes together in just 15 minutes. Whether you need a light lunch, a refreshing snack, or a side dish that complements any meal, this salad has you covered.

Why This Recipe Is Special

• Quick and Easy: You can have this salad on the table in 15 minutes. Perfect for busy days or last-minute meal prep.
• No Cooking Required: All you need to do is chop, mix, and serve—ideal for beginners.
• Healthy and Nutritious: Made with fresh vegetables, heart-healthy olive oil, and protein-packed feta cheese.
• Versatile: Pairs well with grilled meats, seafood, or even a simple sandwich.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: The flavors deepen over time, making it even better after a few hours in the fridge.

Ingredients and Their Roles

This salad is made with simple, fresh ingredients that work together to create a delicious balance of flavors and textures.

• Cucumbers – Provide a refreshing crunch. English cucumbers are ideal because of their thin skin and minimal seeds.
• Tomatoes – Add natural sweetness and juiciness. Cherry or grape tomatoes work best, but any ripe tomato will do.
• Red Onion – Gives the salad a slight sharpness and adds a pop of color.
• Feta Cheese – The star ingredient, offering a salty, tangy contrast to the fresh vegetables.
• Fresh Dill – Enhances the flavor with its slightly citrusy and grassy notes.
• Olive Oil – The base of the dressing, adding richness and healthy fats.
• Red Wine Vinegar – Provides a slight acidity that balances the dish.
• Lemon Juice – Adds a bright, citrusy freshness.
• Garlic – Infuses the dressing with a savory depth.
• Dijon Mustard – Helps emulsify the dressing, making it smooth and cohesive.
• Honey – A touch of sweetness to balance the acidity.
• Italian Seasoning, Salt, and Pepper – Essential for rounding out the flavors.

Ingredient Substitutions

• No Feta? Try goat cheese, mozzarella pearls, or leave it out for a dairy-free version.
• No Red Wine Vinegar? Use apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar instead.
• Want More Crunch? Add chopped bell peppers or radishes.
• Like It Spicy? Toss in some crushed red pepper flakes or thinly sliced jalapeños.
• Need More Protein? Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the vegetables. Wash and dry the cucumbers and tomatoes. Slice the cucumbers into half-moons, cut the tomatoes into halves or quarters, and thinly slice the red onion.

Step 2: Make the vinaigrette. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, honey, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until well combined.

Step 3: Assemble the salad. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cucumbers, tomatoes, red onions, and fresh dill. Drizzle the vinaigrette over the top and toss gently to coat all the ingredients evenly.

Step 4: Add the feta. Crumble the feta cheese over the salad and fold it in gently to avoid breaking it up too much.

Step 5: Chill and serve. For the best flavor, cover the salad and let it sit in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. Serve cold and enjoy!

Beginner Tips and Notes

• How to Keep It Crisp: If making ahead, store the dressing separately and mix it in just before serving to prevent the veggies from becoming soggy.
• Too Salty? If the feta makes the salad too salty, balance it by adding more cucumbers or a touch of honey.
• Mellowing the Onion: If red onion is too strong for your taste, soak the slices in cold water for 10 minutes before adding them to the salad.
• Chopping Tip: To get uniform pieces, cut the cucumbers and tomatoes into similar-sized chunks for even distribution of flavors.

Serving Suggestions

This salad pairs well with a variety of main dishes and sides:

• Main Courses: Serve alongside grilled chicken, steak, or seafood. It’s especially delicious with lemon herb chicken or grilled salmon.
• Sandwiches & Wraps: Enjoy it as a side for gyros, falafel wraps, or a simple turkey sandwich.
• Light Meals: Top it with chickpeas or quinoa for a vegetarian-friendly lunch.
• Mediterranean Mezze Platter: Serve it alongside hummus, pita bread, olives, and roasted vegetables.

Storage Tips

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The salad will continue to develop flavor over time, but the vegetables may release liquid, so give it a quick toss before serving.
• Avoid freezing, as the fresh vegetables will lose their crispness.

Try It and Share Your Thoughts!

This Cucumber Tomato Feta Salad is one of the easiest and most flavorful dishes you can make. Whether you’re new to cooking or just looking for a quick and healthy recipe, this salad is a winner.

Have you tried this recipe? Let us know in the comments how you liked it and if you made any variations. Happy cooking!

FAQ About Cucumber Tomato Feta Salad

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