Greek Cucumber Salad Recipe

If you’re craving a refreshing, flavorful, and vibrant dish that bursts with Mediterranean charm, Greek Cucumber Salad is your new best friend. This salad brings together crisp cucumbers, juicy cherry tomatoes, tangy Kalamata olives, and salty feta cheese, all harmonized by a simple yet zingy dressing of olive oil, red wine vinegar, and oregano. It’s light, healthy, and incredibly easy to make, offering a perfect balance of textures and tastes that will brighten up any meal or occasion.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to nailing this classic side, and you’ll find that each one plays its own crucial role in delivering the authentic Greek Cucumber Salad experience. These simple components combine to create a dish that is colorful, crunchy, creamy, and bursting with bright flavors.

• 2 large cucumbers: Peeled, seeded, and sliced for that crisp, cool base texture you’ll love.
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes: Halved to add a juicy sweetness and vibrant red color.
• 1 medium red onion: Thinly sliced for a mild, sharp bite that balances the salad.
• 1/2 cup Kalamata olives: Pitted and halved, these bring a wonderful briny depth.
• 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese: Adds creamy, salty richness essential to any Greek salad.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil: The heart of the dressing, providing smoothness and body.
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar: Gives that perfect tangy zip that wakes up the flavors.
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano: The aromatic herb that ties everything together authentically.
• Salt and pepper: To taste, enhancing all the natural flavors.
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (optional): Chopped for a fresh pop of color and mild herbiness.

How to Make Greek Cucumber Salad

Step 1: Prep the Cucumbers Perfectly

Start by peeling your cucumbers and slicing them in half lengthwise. Then, carefully scoop out the seeds using a spoon to avoid excess water making the salad soggy. Finally, slice these halves into neat half-moon shapes. This step ensures your salad stays delightfully crisp and fresh.

Step 2: Build the Salad Base

Take a large salad bowl and toss in the sliced cucumbers, halved cherry tomatoes, and thinly sliced red onion. These fresh vegetables lay the foundation for that delightful crunch and sweetness in your Greek Cucumber Salad.

Step 3: Add Olives and Feta

Next, stir in the halved Kalamata olives. Their rich briny flavor adds a real complexity to the mix. Then scatter the crumbled feta cheese on top, bringing that familiar creamy, tangy richness that takes this salad to the next level.

Step 4: Whisk the Dressing

In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, red wine vinegar, and dried oregano. Whisk until well blended. Season with salt and pepper to taste, balancing acidity and savoriness. This dressing is where the magic happens—simple but packed with character.

Step 5: Toss and Serve

Drizzle the dressing over your salad ingredients and gently toss everything together, making sure the cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, and feta are all evenly coated in that herbaceous dressing. If you’d like, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top for an extra burst of flavor and a splash of green. Now it’s ready to serve immediately or chill briefly to let the flavors meld beautifully.

How to Serve Greek Cucumber Salad

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh parsley or even a few torn fresh mint leaves can uplift the flavor and appearance of your Greek Cucumber Salad. Sometimes, a little extra feta or a dash of freshly ground black pepper sprinkled on top right before serving makes a noticeable difference.

Side Dishes

This salad is incredibly versatile and complements many meals. Think grilled chicken, roasted lamb, or fresh seafood. It also pairs wonderfully with pita bread and hummus for a light Mediterranean feast that’s both satisfying and healthy.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving your Greek Cucumber Salad in small individual cups or jars for a fun appetizer at parties. You can also layer it in a glass bowl for a Mediterranean-themed buffet, or put it atop toasted baguette slices for a bright, fresh bruschetta-inspired snack.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers, place your Greek Cucumber Salad in an airtight container and refrigerate. It’s best enjoyed within one day to maintain the crispness of the cucumbers and the freshness of the vibrant vegetables.

Freezing

Because this salad relies on fresh vegetables and soft cheese, freezing is not recommended. Freezing would cause the cucumbers to become watery and mushy, diminishing the salad’s wonderful texture.

Reheating

This salad is meant to be served chilled or at room temperature, so reheating is not recommended. For the best experience, enjoy it fresh or well-chilled right from the fridge.

FAQs

Can I make Greek Cucumber Salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare it up to a few hours in advance. Just keep it refrigerated and toss gently before serving to redistribute the dressing.

What’s the best type of cucumber to use?

English cucumbers or any firm, fresh cucumbers work wonderfully since they have fewer seeds and a thinner skin.

Can I add other vegetables to this salad?

Absolutely! Bell peppers, radishes, or even a few greens like arugula can add a nice twist, though the classic ingredients really shine on their own.

Is feta cheese necessary?

Feta cheese adds creaminess and saltiness that define the salad’s character, but if you prefer, you can substitute with fresh goat cheese or omit it for a dairy-free version.

How do I keep the salad from getting watery?

Removing the cucumber seeds and serving the salad soon after mixing helps prevent excess water. Also, avoid salting the cucumbers early on as it draws out moisture.

Final Thoughts

Greek Cucumber Salad is one of those delightful dishes that feels like a hug on a plate—refreshing, simple, and packed full of sunshine from the Mediterranean. It’s perfect for summer meals, quick lunches, or whenever you want to brighten up your table with something healthy and delicious. Give it a try and watch it quickly become a go-to favorite in your kitchen!

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