Cucumber Feta Salad Recipe

This Cucumber Feta Salad is the go-to dish for those moments when you crave something crisp, fresh, and vibrantly flavorful but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. It’s an irresistible combination of juicy cucumbers, creamy feta, a splash of tangy vinegar, and a handful of aromatic herbs. Each forkful bursts with refreshing crunch and briny, cheesy goodness—the kind of easy, colorful salad you’ll find yourself making all summer long. If you need a simple, crowd-pleasing side or a light lunch, Cucumber Feta Salad is always a bright spot on the table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Cucumber Feta Salad delivers essential flavor, texture, or color—there’s truly no excess. The beauty lies in how these simple, fresh elements bring out the best in one another, creating a salad that’s greater than the sum of its parts.

• Cucumber: Crunchy and hydrating, the cucumber is the star here—use one large or several minis for variety and ultra-fresh crunch.
• Red onion: Sliced thin, red onion adds a gentle bite and splash of vivid color that brightens every bite.
• Feta cheese: Crumbled feta gives that irresistibly creamy, salty punch—choose a good, tangy feta for best results.
• Olive oil: Quality olive oil creates a luxurious base for the dressing, binding and enriching all the flavors.
• Red wine vinegar: Just a splash sharpens the taste and keeps everything feeling light and refreshing—not heavy.
• Dried oregano: This classic Mediterranean herb grounds everything with savory, earthy notes.
• Salt and pepper: Essential for drawing out each flavor—add to taste right at the end.

How to Make Cucumber Feta Salad

Step 1: Chop the Cucumbers

Start by chopping the cucumber into bite-sized pieces. If you’re using mini cucumbers, you can slice them into rounds or quarters for extra crunch and visual appeal. If you have a large cucumber, slicing it into half-moons works well. Don’t peel them unless the skin is especially tough—the skin adds color and crunch to your Cucumber Feta Salad.

Step 2: Slice the Red Onion

Peel and thinly slice the red onion. Slicing as thin as possible is key here—the delicate onion ribbons mingle perfectly with the cucumber and don’t overpower the salad. If you’re sensitive to raw onion, soak the slices in cold water for ten minutes, then drain before using. This little trick takes away some of the bite while keeping the lovely flavor and color.

Step 3: Combine in a Bowl

Add the chopped cucumbers and sliced red onion to a mixing bowl. Toss them together gently to start marrying their flavors. Then sprinkle the crumbled feta over the top, letting it fall in big and small pieces so every bite of Cucumber Feta Salad gets a bit of creamy, salty cheese.

Step 4: Dress and Season

Drizzle the olive oil and red wine vinegar directly over the vegetables in the bowl. Scatter the dried oregano on top, and season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Give everything a gentle toss to distribute the dressing and feta evenly. Taste, then add a little extra vinegar or seasoning if you prefer a punchier flavor. Serve immediately, or let the flavors mingle for a few minutes before plating.

How to Serve Cucumber Feta Salad

Garnishes

Your Cucumber Feta Salad loves a finishing flourish. A scatter of fresh herbs—think dill, parsley, or mint—brings brightness and a touch of elegance. For a pop of color, add a few extra crumbles of feta or a sprinkle of sumac. Even a dusting of lemon zest can make the flavors sing.

Side Dishes

This salad is a multitasker: serve it as a crisp counterpoint to grilled chicken, lamb, or fish, or alongside other Mediterranean favorites like hummus, pita, or tabbouleh. It’s the perfect companion for a summer cookout or a simple weeknight dinner, adding freshness and texture to just about any plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, scoop portions into small jars or cups for a colorful starter. If you’re hosting a picnic, pack the salad in individual containers and garnish just before serving. Cucumber Feta Salad also shines as the filling for lettuce wraps or piled on top of toasted baguette slices as a zesty bruschetta.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftover Cucumber Feta Salad, store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It’s best enjoyed within 24 hours, as the cucumbers will start to soften and release more juice over time. Give it a gentle stir before serving to re-combine the flavors.

Freezing

This salad doesn’t freeze well, as cucumbers become watery and lose their lovely crunch after thawing. It’s truly best enjoyed fresh, so make just enough for your meal or gathering.

Reheating

Cucumber Feta Salad is meant to be eaten cold or at room temperature. There’s no need—and really, no benefit—to reheating. Simply pull it from the fridge and let it sit for a few minutes to take the chill off before serving.

FAQs

Can I substitute a different type of cheese for feta?

While feta brings signature briny flavor and creaminess, you can try crumbly goat cheese or even a sharp ricotta salata. Keep in mind, though, these cheeses change the overall taste, and the salad won’t quite have that classic Cucumber Feta Salad tang.

Should I peel the cucumber?

It’s up to you and depends on your cucumber’s skin. If the skin is thin and tender, leave it on for extra color and crunch. For thicker or waxy skins, peeling is a good idea so the salad remains pleasant and easy to eat.

Can I add other vegetables or herbs?

Absolutely! Cherry tomatoes, sliced bell peppers, or avocados make great additions. Fresh herbs like dill, mint, or parsley work especially well in Cucumber Feta Salad for that bright, herby lift.

How long can Cucumber Feta Salad sit out?

If serving outdoors or at a party, keep the salad chilled and try not to leave it out for more than two hours, especially in warm weather, to keep everything fresh and food safe.

Can I make the salad ahead of time?

You can prep the veggies and dressing a few hours in advance, but it’s best to combine and toss just before serving. This keeps the cucumbers crisp, which is key for the best Cucumber Feta Salad experience.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a salad that’s as easy to throw together as it is delicious and eye-catching, this Cucumber Feta Salad really is a must-try. It’s a bright, crisp dish you’ll return to again and again—perfect for sharing, yet special enough to savor on your own. Give it a place at your table and discover just how tasty simple summer eating can be.

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