Cucumber Feta Salad Recipe

Cucumber Feta Salad is pure summertime bliss in a bowl! This refreshing salad brings together crisp cucumbers, zippy red onion, a sprinkle of herbs, and luscious, salty feta, tied together with a punchy lemon-olive oil dressing. It’s one of those rare dishes that’s both incredibly easy to pull off and looks absolutely stunning on the table. Whether you’re craving a side for your next barbecue or searching for a quick lunch to brighten your afternoon, this Cucumber Feta Salad is about to become your go-to favorite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Cucumber Feta Salad lies in its simplicity—each ingredient serves a purpose, bringing its own pop of flavor, color, or crunch. Here’s what makes each one so essential to the magic:

• 2 large cucumbers: The star of the show; their juicy crunch forms the backbone of the salad.
• 1 small red onion: Thinly sliced for a mild, tangy bite and a pop of vibrant color.
• 1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped: Dill adds that unmistakable summery, aromatic note.
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped: Brings an earthy, fresh balance to the bold flavors.
• 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled: Creamy, briny, and full of flavor, feta is what makes this salad sing.
• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil: The base of the dressing; use a good one for the best texture and taste.
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice: Adds the ideal amount of zing to lift all the other ingredients.
• Salt and pepper to taste: Just a touch brings everything into perfect balance.

How to Make Cucumber Feta Salad

Step 1: Prep the Fresh Ingredients

Start by grabbing a large mixing bowl and adding in your thinly sliced cucumbers, red onion, chopped dill, and chopped parsley. Gently toss them together with your hands or salad tongs. This combo sets the base for your Cucumber Feta Salad, and you’ll immediately notice how the herby aroma jumps out at you.

Step 2: Add the Feta

Scatter the crumbled feta cheese right over the salad. Fold it in carefully—don’t overmix, as you want lovely morsels of feta to stay whole for creamy bursts of flavor in every bite. This is when your salad really starts to come together and look irresistibly inviting!

Step 3: Whisk the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk up the extra virgin olive oil, zesty lemon juice, and a few generous pinches of salt and pepper. Whisk until it’s shiny and smooth—this bright, tangy dressing is the perfect counterpoint to the creamy feta and cool cucumber.

Step 4: Dress and Chill

Drizzle the homemade dressing over the cucumber mixture. Toss ever so gently to coat every slice and crumble. Let the Cucumber Feta Salad rest for about 10-15 minutes before serving, so the flavors can become best friends and marry together beautifully. Trust me, this short wait makes all the difference!

How to Serve Cucumber Feta Salad

Garnishes

For a flawless finish, add a few reserved sprigs of fresh dill or parsley to the top, along with an extra crumble of feta. A light crack of black pepper or some lemon zest can also add visual flair and extra pop to your Cucumber Feta Salad just before serving.

Side Dishes

This salad shines as a side dish alongside almost anything: grilled chicken or fish, roasted lamb, falafel, or tucked beside pita and hummus. The light, tangy flavors of Cucumber Feta Salad cut through richer main courses, balancing out a meal without overpowering it.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn your salad into an entrée by tossing it with cooked quinoa or chilled orzo pasta, or serve it in lettuce cups for a fun appetizer. Layer it in mason jars for a picnic, or scatter it over a platter of greens for a dramatic, crowd-pleasing presentation—there are endless creative ways to serve Cucumber Feta Salad!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Cucumber Feta Salad in an airtight container in the fridge. It’ll stay fresh for up to two days, though the cucumbers may lose a little crunch over time as they soak up the dressing. The flavors just get more vibrant as it sits!

Freezing

This is one situation where freezing isn’t your friend. Cucumbers and herbs don’t retain their lovely texture after thawing, so Cucumber Feta Salad is best enjoyed fresh or after brief refrigeration.

Reheating

No reheating necessary here! In fact, Cucumber Feta Salad is best served chilled or at room temperature, making it super convenient for summer gatherings and picnics.

FAQs

Can I substitute the feta with another cheese?

Absolutely! While feta is traditional and gives a wonderful briny burst, you could try goat cheese for a creamy twist, or even cotija for a milder flavor profile. Just keep in mind the taste will shift a bit, but it will still be delicious.

How can I make this salad vegan?

To make the salad vegan, simply swap out the feta for your favorite plant-based cheese or even add in olives or avocado for a rich and satisfying substitute. The rest of the ingredients are naturally vegan!

What’s the best way to slice cucumbers for Cucumber Feta Salad?

A sharp knife or a mandoline is your best bet for super-thin cucumber slices that soak up the dressing perfectly. If you prefer more crunch, cut them a bit thicker; for extra elegance, try slicing them on a bias.

Can I add more veggies to the salad?

Definitely! Cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, or radishes are great additions for color and extra crunch. Just keep in mind not to overwhelm the delicate balance of flavors in the classic Cucumber Feta Salad.

Is it okay to prepare the entire salad ahead of time?

You can prep the veggies and herbs in advance, and even make the dressing ahead. For best results, assemble and add the dressing about 10-15 minutes before serving to keep everything crisp and fresh.

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready for a burst of fresh, vibrant flavor on your table, give this Cucumber Feta Salad a try. It’s effortless, stunning, and has a way of disappearing fast at any meal. I hope it becomes as much of a staple in your kitchen as it is in mine!

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