Cucumber and Tomato Salad with Feta Recipe

Meet your new go-to summer dish: Cucumber and Tomato Salad with Feta! This lively, colorful salad is a celebration of crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and tangy feta cheese—tossed together with a zippy dressing and a shower of fresh herbs. Every bite is as refreshing and satisfying as it looks, making it a beloved staple for warm weather lunches, backyard dinners, and picnics alike. The best part? It comes together in minutes, yet never fails to impress, whether you’re making it for yourself or sharing it with guests.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Cucumber and Tomato Salad with Feta lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient truly shines, lending its own unique flavor and texture to make this humble salad irresistible.

• English cucumber: Firm and seedless, these cucumbers stay crisp and don’t need to be peeled—perfect for crunchy texture.
• Cherry or grape tomatoes: Sweet and vibrant, their juicy bursts brighten every bite of the salad.
• Feta cheese: Creamy and tangy, feta adds rich flavor and a salty, crumbly contrast to the fresh veggies.
• Red onion: Sliced thin, red onion brings color and a sharp pop that balances the dressing beautifully.
• Extra virgin olive oil: This forms the backbone of a luscious, simple dressing that ties it all together.
• Lemon juice: Fresh lemon juice wakes up the flavors and adds zingy brightness.
• Fresh herbs (dill, parsley, or mint): Chopped herbs lend fragrance and a burst of green, making every forkful vibrant.
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential for seasoning—these bring out all the flavors.

How to Make Cucumber and Tomato Salad with Feta

Step 1: Prep the Vegetables

Start by washing and drying your cucumbers and tomatoes—crisp veggies make all the difference. Slice the cucumbers into half-moons or thin rounds, then cut the cherry tomatoes in half to reveal their juicy centers. Finally, slice the red onion as thin as you can for a subtle bite that doesn’t overpower.

Step 2: Make the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together extra virgin olive oil, a generous squeeze of fresh lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. Taste as you go for the perfect balance of tang and richness. If you like things a little more zippy, add an extra splash of lemon.

Step 3: Combine and Toss

Place your cucumber, tomato, and red onion in a large bowl. Pour the dressing over the top and toss gently until everything is just coated. The bright colors and aromas at this stage are absolutely irresistible!

Step 4: Add the Feta and Herbs

Just before serving, crumble the feta cheese over the salad and sprinkle on your favorite chopped herbs—dill for a classic taste, parsley for freshness, or mint for something a bit different. Give everything a gentle toss to keep the feta chunky and visible.

Step 5: Taste and Adjust

Take a quick taste and add a pinch more salt, pepper, or a drizzle of olive oil if needed. The beauty of Cucumber and Tomato Salad with Feta is that it’s endlessly adaptable, so make it your own!

How to Serve Cucumber and Tomato Salad with Feta

Garnishes

For a final flourish, top the salad with extra herbs, a crack of black pepper, or even a few shavings of lemon zest. Drizzle with a bit more olive oil right before serving for gloss and flavor. If you’re feeling playful, toss in a handful of toasted pine nuts or olives to add an unexpected twist to your Cucumber and Tomato Salad with Feta.

Side Dishes

This salad loves to be the star alongside hearty mains like grilled chicken, lamb kebabs, or pan-seared fish. It’s also dreamy tucked into pita pockets with hummus, or served family-style with a spread of other Mediterranean favorites. Cucumber and Tomato Salad with Feta is so versatile it pairs well with anything bright and fresh.

Creative Ways to Present

Try layering the salad in a clear glass serving dish to showcase its bold colors, or mound it on top of toasted bruschetta for a crave-worthy appetizer. You can also serve this Cucumber and Tomato Salad with Feta over a bed of baby spinach or arugula for a hearty entrée salad that looks as good as it tastes.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, store the Cucumber and Tomato Salad with Feta in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors meld beautifully overnight, though the veggies may soften a bit. It’s best enjoyed within 2 days for maximum crunch and freshness.

Freezing

Unfortunately, freezing isn’t recommended for this salad. The cucumbers and tomatoes will lose their texture and become watery after thawing, and the feta can become grainy. For best results, make Cucumber and Tomato Salad with Feta fresh or in small batches you’ll enjoy within a couple of days.

Reheating

No reheating is needed—this salad shines when served cold or at room temperature! Just give it a gentle toss before serving to redistribute the dressing and freshen up the flavors.

FAQs

Can I use regular cucumbers instead of English cucumbers?

Absolutely! If you use regular cucumbers, consider peeling them and scooping out the seeds for a crisper texture and a sweeter taste. English cucumbers are preferred for their thin skin and minimal seeds, but both work well in a pinch.

Is it okay to prepare the salad in advance?

You can prep most of the ingredients ahead of time by chopping the veggies and storing them separately. Wait to combine them with the dressing and feta until just before serving to keep everything fresh and crisp. That way, your Cucumber and Tomato Salad with Feta stays delightful and never soggy.

What other cheese can I use if I don’t have feta?

If you’re out of feta or crave a new spin, try creamy goat cheese, ricotta salata, or even crumbled queso fresco. These cheeses will give your Cucumber and Tomato Salad with Feta a fun twist while still providing that creamy, tangy element.

Which herbs pair best with this salad?

Dill and parsley are always classic choices, adding freshness and flavor. For a unique note, fresh mint offers a sweet herbal lift that pairs especially well with the saltiness of feta and the coolness of cucumber.

Can I add other ingredients to make it more filling?

Definitely! Feel free to bulk up your Cucumber and Tomato Salad with Feta by adding sliced avocado, cooked chickpeas, quinoa, or even grilled chicken for a heartier meal. The salad is a perfect base for all sorts of delicious add-ins.

Final Thoughts

This Cucumber and Tomato Salad with Feta truly earns its place at any table, no matter the occasion. It’s fresh, quick, and bursting with flavor—there’s just something special about how these simple ingredients come together. Give it a try, and you’ll find yourself making it on repeat, always with your own creative spin. Here’s to bright salads and happy sharing!

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