Name: Greek Cucumber Salad
Prep time: 20 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients: 1 large cucumber, peeled, seeded, and diced; 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced; 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved; 4 ounces feta cheese, crumbled; 1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped; 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil; 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar; 1 clove garlic, minced; 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano; Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

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Craving a refreshing escape? Dive into our vibrant Greek Cucumber Salad, a burst of Mediterranean sunshine that’s ready in minutes! It’s a symphony of crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and creamy feta, perfect for light lunches or dazzling dinners. Inspired by sun-drenched tavernas, this salad is your passport to flavor!

Why You’ll Love This Greek Cucumber Salad

Ready in just 20 minutes!
A vibrant explosion of fresh flavors.
Health-packed with vitamins and nutrients.
Incredibly versatile as a side or light meal.
A budget-friendly way to impress guests.
Naturally gluten-free and vegetarian-friendly.
The aroma of fresh dill fills your kitchen, transporting you to Greece!
Effortless enough for a beginner cook to master.

Ingredients Needed for Your Greek Cucumber Salad

1 large cucumber (about 300g), peeled, seeded, and diced
1 cup cherry tomatoes (about 200g), halved
1/2 red onion, thinly sliced (about 75g)
1/2 cup Kalamata olives (about 85g), pitted and halved
4 ounces feta cheese (about 115g), crumbled
1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped (about 15g)
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil (about 60ml)
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar (about 30ml)
1 clove garlic, minced (about 3g)
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano (about 1g)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

For the best flavor, seek out ripe, firm cucumbers. Fresh herbs are essential; find them at local farmers’ markets for peak fragrance. Lightly toast the dried oregano in a dry pan to release its aromatic oils before using it in the dressing.

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Essential Equipment List

Large Bowl: Essential for tossing all ingredients together.
Small Bowl: Necessary for whisking the dressing ingredients.
Whisk: Ensures the dressing is emulsified and well-combined.
Knife: For dicing the cucumber and halving the tomatoes.
Cutting Board: Provides a safe surface for chopping.

Consider a mandoline for uniform red onion slices. A good quality knife makes all the difference in prep time. If you don’t have a whisk, a fork will also work well for mixing the dressing.

Recipe Details

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Chill Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 4-6

Refreshing Greek salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, and feta.

Difficulty: Easy

This recipe is easily scalable. Double or triple it for gatherings, or halve it for a single serving. It’s perfect for meal prepping too!

Step-by-Step Instructions for Greek Cucumber Salad

Prepare the Vegetables

First, dice the cucumber after peeling and seeding it. This ensures the salad isn’t watery.
Next, halve the cherry tomatoes. Using ripe tomatoes adds a burst of sweetness.
Then, thinly slice the red onion. Soaking the slices in cold water for 10 minutes can mellow their bite.
Finally, halve the Kalamata olives after pitting them. Kalamata olives provide a rich, briny flavor.

Make the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper.
Whisk vigorously until the dressing emulsifies, creating a smooth and cohesive mixture. The garlic should be finely minced to avoid overpowering the salad.

Combine and Chill

In a large bowl, combine the diced cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, sliced red onion, and halved Kalamata olives.
Pour the dressing over the cucumber mixture and toss gently to combine. Ensuring everything is evenly coated enhances the flavor.
Add the crumbled feta cheese and chopped fresh dill to the salad. Gently toss again to distribute the feta and dill evenly. Be careful not to overmix to keep the feta from becoming mushy.
Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. The balance of salt, pepper, and oregano is key.
Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. This chilling time is crucial for the best taste.

Serve

Serve chilled and enjoy!

CHECK OUT: Easy Cucumber Caprese Salad – An Italian-inspired salad with fresh flavors.

Tips for Success

Prevent Watery Salad: Seed the cucumber to minimize excess moisture.
Mellow Red Onion: Soak thinly sliced red onion in ice water for 10 minutes to reduce its sharpness.
Enhance Oregano Flavor: Toast dried oregano lightly in a dry pan before adding it to the dressing.
Don’t Overmix: Gently toss the salad to avoid making the feta cheese mushy.
Chill Thoroughly: Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

Variations & Substitutions

Creamy Version: Add a dollop of Greek yogurt to the dressing for a richer flavor.
Vegan Option: Substitute feta with a plant-based alternative or nutritional yeast.
Herb Swap: Use mint instead of dill for a different refreshing twist.
Add Some Heat: Include a pinch of red pepper flakes in the dressing.

Traditional Horiatiki salad with vibrant vegetables.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings with Greek Cucumber Salad

Grilled chicken or fish
Lemon rice
Hummus and pita bread
Sparkling water with lemon

This Greek Cucumber Salad is a fantastic addition to any summer barbecue. It also pairs wonderfully with grilled dishes or as a light lunch on a hot day.

Health Benefits

Cucumbers: Provide hydration and essential vitamins.
Tomatoes: Rich in antioxidants like lycopene.
Feta Cheese: A good source of calcium and protein.
Olive Oil: Contains healthy monounsaturated fats.
Dill: Offers vitamin A and C, supporting immune function.

This salad is a powerhouse of nutrients, promoting overall well-being. It’s also low in calories, making it a great choice for those watching their weight.

Storage & Reheating

Storage: Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: This salad is best served cold, so reheating is not recommended.
Freezing: Freezing is not recommended as it will affect the texture of the vegetables.

Keep the salad in a sealed container to prevent it from absorbing other flavors in the fridge. If possible, add the feta cheese just before serving to maintain its creamy texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the salad a few hours in advance. However, it’s best to add the feta cheese just before serving to prevent it from becoming mushy.

Can I use a different type of vinegar?

While red wine vinegar is recommended for its flavor, you can substitute it with white wine vinegar or lemon juice.

Can I add other vegetables?

Certainly! Bell peppers, bell peppers or avocado would be excellent additions.

How do I prevent the salad from becoming too watery?

Seeding the cucumber and not oversaturating the salad with dressing is key.

Can I use dried dill instead of fresh?

Fresh dill is highly recommended for the best flavor, but if you must use dried, use about 1 teaspoon.

Is this salad gluten-free?

Yes, this salad is naturally gluten-free.

Nutritional Information

Calories: 150
Total Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 15mg
Sodium: 250mg
Total Carbohydrate: 10g
Dietary Fiber: 2g
Sugars: 5g
Protein: 3g

Please note that these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes. For accurate nutritional information, use a nutrition calculator.

Other Delightful Salads to Savor

Street Corn Creamy Cucumber Salad – A fusion of flavors that’s both sweet and savory.
Easy Cucumber Caprese Salad – A quick and easy salad with fresh basil and mozzarella.
The Best Classic House Salad – A versatile salad that complements any meal.

Explore more vibrant and refreshing salad recipes to elevate your meals and tantalize your taste buds!

Conclusion

This Greek Cucumber Salad is a fast, flavorful, and refreshing dish that embodies the best of Mediterranean cuisine. Whip up this delightful salad tonight and share your masterpiece with us by tagging us in your photos!

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Greek Cucumber Salad