Greek Cucumber & Tomato Salad

Description

Greek Cucumber & Tomato Salad is a fresh, colorful Mediterranean dish made with crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, red onions, olives, feta cheese, and a simple olive oil dressing. It’s light, refreshing, and packed with vibrant flavors. This salad is commonly served as a side dish during warm weather but can also work as a healthy lunch or appetizer.

The combination of crunchy vegetables, creamy feta, and tangy dressing creates a balanced dish that pairs beautifully with grilled meats, seafood, pita bread, or rice dishes.

Servings

Serves: 4

Ingredients

For the Salad

• 2 large cucumbers, sliced
• 3 medium tomatoes, chopped
• 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup Kalamata olives
• 1/2 cup feta cheese, cubed or crumbled
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

For the Dressing

• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon red wine vinegar
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

1. Wash and prepare all vegetables.
2. Slice cucumbers and onions thinly.
3. Chop tomatoes into bite-sized pieces.
4. Add cucumbers, tomatoes, onions, and olives into a large bowl.
5. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, vinegar, oregano, salt, and pepper.
6. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently.
7. Add feta cheese on top.
8. Garnish with parsley if desired.
9. Chill for 10–15 minutes before serving for best flavor.

Recipe Notes

• Use ripe but firm tomatoes for the best texture.
• English cucumbers work especially well because they contain fewer seeds.
• Traditional Greek salad often uses large feta chunks instead of crumbles.
• The salad tastes even better after resting briefly so the flavors can blend.

Helpful Tips

1. Keep Vegetables Crisp

Store cucumbers and tomatoes separately until ready to mix if preparing ahead.

2. Use Quality Olive Oil

A good extra virgin olive oil greatly improves flavor.

3. Avoid Watery Salad

Salt tomatoes lightly and let them drain for 5 minutes before mixing.

4. Make It a Meal

Add grilled chicken, chickpeas, or quinoa for extra protein.

5. Chill Before Serving

Cold salad tastes fresher and more refreshing.

Nutritional Information

(Approximate per serving)

Health Benefits

Rich in Antioxidants

Tomatoes contain lycopene, which may support heart health.

Hydrating

Cucumbers are high in water content, helping with hydration.

Heart-Friendly

Olive oil provides healthy monounsaturated fats.

Good Source of Vitamins

This salad contains vitamins A, C, and K from fresh vegetables.

Supports Digestion

Fresh vegetables and olive oil can help support healthy digestion.

Variations

Add Protein

• Grilled chicken
• Shrimp
• Chickpeas
• Tuna

Extra Mediterranean Flavor

• Artichoke hearts
• Roasted red peppers
• Fresh dill
• Avocado

Vegan Version

Replace feta cheese with vegan feta or omit it completely.

Serving Suggestions

Serve alongside:

• Grilled fish
• Kebabs
• Roasted chicken
• Pita bread
• Rice pilaf

Storage Instructions

• Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
• Best enjoyed fresh.
• If making ahead, keep dressing separate until serving.

Q&A

Q1: Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes. Prepare vegetables ahead and store dressing separately. Mix before serving.

Q2: What cucumbers work best?

English cucumbers or Persian cucumbers are ideal because they are less watery.

Q3: Can I skip olives?

Absolutely. The salad will still taste fresh and delicious.

Q4: Is this salad keto-friendly?

Yes. It is naturally low in carbohydrates and suitable for many low-carb diets.

Q5: What can replace feta cheese?

Goat cheese, ricotta salata, or vegan feta are good alternatives.

Q6: Can I add lettuce?

You can, although traditional Greek salad usually does not include lettuce.

Q7: Why is my salad watery?

Tomatoes and cucumbers release water naturally. Salting and draining them slightly can help.

Quick Summary

Greek Cucumber & Tomato Salad is a simple Mediterranean recipe full of fresh vegetables, creamy feta, and zesty dressing. It’s healthy, quick to prepare, refreshing, and versatile enough for lunches, dinners, picnics, or summer gatherings.