Cucumber Feta Salad
Crisp cucumbers, creamy feta, fresh herbs, and a light lemon-olive oil dressing make this salad a refreshing, bright, and satisfying dish. Serve it on its own, alongside grilled meats or fish, or as part of a mezze spread. Ready in under 15 minutes!
Time Breakdown:
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: None
Total Time: 10–15 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients:
For the Salad:
2 large cucumbers (or 4 small Persian cucumbers), sliced into rounds or half-moons
1/3 cup crumbled feta cheese
1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced (optional)
2 tbsp fresh dill or mint, finely chopped (or a mix)
1 tbsp chopped parsley
Salt & black pepper to taste
For the Dressing:
2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1 tbsp fresh lemon juice (or white wine vinegar)
1 small garlic clove, minced or grated
Zest of 1 lemon (optional, but adds brightness)
1/2 tsp dried oregano (optional, for a Greek twist)
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Cucumbers
1. Wash and slice cucumbers. If using regular cucumbers, you may want to peel them and remove seeds for a less watery salad.
2. Place slices in a bowl with a pinch of salt. Let them sit 5–10 minutes to draw out excess moisture (optional, but prevents sogginess).
Step 2: Make the Dressing
1. In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, lemon zest, oregano, salt, and pepper.
Step 3: Assemble the Salad
1. Pat cucumbers dry with a paper towel if salted.
2. In a large bowl, combine cucumbers, red onion, herbs, and feta.
3. Pour dressing over the top and gently toss to combine.
Step 4: Serve
Serve immediately or chill for 15–30 minutes to allow flavors to blend.
Garnish with extra herbs or a few more feta crumbles.
Notes & Tips:
Cucumber Type: Persian or English cucumbers work best because they are crisp and low in seeds.
Make it Creamier: Add a spoonful of Greek yogurt or mash some feta into the dressing.
Add-Ins: Cherry tomatoes, kalamata olives, avocado, or chickpeas can bulk it up.
No fresh herbs? Use dried dill or oregano, but use less (about 1 tsp total).
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How long does this salad last?
A: Best fresh, but it can last up to 2 days in the fridge. Store in an airtight container and stir before serving.
Q: Can I make it dairy-free or vegan?
A: Yes — skip the feta or use a plant-based feta alternative.
Q: What to serve it with?
A: It pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, lamb skewers, falafel, or flatbread. It’s also great in pita sandwiches.
Nutritional Information
Calories ~130 kcal
Protein 3 g
Carbohydrates 6 g
Fat 11 g
Saturated Fat 3 g
Fiber 1.5 g
Sugar 2.5 g
Sodium ~280 mg