Mediterranean Cucumber Salad (Printable Version)
Crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and tangy feta in a bright lemon-herb dressing.
# What You Need:
→ Vegetables
01 - 2 large cucumbers, sliced
02 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
03 - 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
04 - 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
05 - 1/2 red bell pepper, diced
→ Dairy
06 - 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
→ Fresh Herbs
07 - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
08 - 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
→ Dressing
09 - 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
10 - 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
11 - 1 garlic clove, minced
12 - 1 tsp dried oregano
13 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
# Directions:
01 - In a large salad bowl, combine the cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, red onion, Kalamata olives, and red bell pepper.
02 - Add the crumbled feta cheese and fresh herbs to the vegetable mixture.
03 - In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper until well blended.
04 - Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine. Adjust seasoning to taste and serve immediately, or chill for 10-15 minutes to let the flavors meld.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- It comes together in literally 15 minutes but tastes like something from a proper Mediterranean restaurant
- The vegetables stay perfectly crisp for days, making it ideal for meal prep or summer gatherings
02 -
- Never add the dressing until you are ready to serve, or the vegetables will weep and become sad and soggy instead of perky and crisp
- Feta varies wildly in saltiness depending on the brand, so always taste it before adding any additional salt to the salad
03 -
- Use a mandoline slicer for the cucumber and onion if you want paper thin, elegant slices that practically melt in your mouth
- Let the dressed salad sit for at least 15 minutes before serving if you can, it makes such a difference in how the flavors marry together