When the sun shines brightly and your taste buds are craving something fresh, there’s nothing quite like a Cucumber Feta Salad with Lemon Greek Vinaigrette. Imagine the crisp, cool cucumbers mingling with creamy feta cheese, all tossed in a zesty lemon vinaigrette that dances on your palate. This dish is not just a salad; it’s a Mediterranean experience that transports you to sun-soaked terraces overlooking azure waters.
I still remember the first time I served this salad at a family barbecue. My cousin, who usually claims to hate vegetables, took one bite and exclaimed it was “life-changing.” The laughter that followed was almost as satisfying as the salad itself. It’s perfect for summer picnics, casual dinners, or anytime you want to impress without breaking a sweat.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Cucumber Feta Salad with Lemon Greek Vinaigrette takes only minutes to prepare yet bursts with flavor
- Its vibrant colors make it visually stunning on any table setting
- The light and refreshing ingredients are perfect for summer gatherings or as a side for grilled meats
- You can easily adjust the flavors to suit your taste buds or dietary preferences
Sharing this dish always brings smiles and compliments from friends and family alike.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Fresh Cucumbers: Choose firm cucumbers for the best crunch; English cucumbers are an excellent choice for their thin skin.
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Feta Cheese: Opt for high-quality feta for creaminess; crumbled or cubed works perfectly in this salad.
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Cherry Tomatoes: Sweet and juicy cherry tomatoes add color and depth; you can use any variety you prefer.
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Red Onion: Thinly sliced red onion gives a pop of flavor; soak them in water for a milder taste if desired.
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Fresh Parsley: Chopped parsley adds freshness; substitute with mint for an exciting twist.
For the Vinaigrette:
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Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Use a good quality olive oil for the best flavor; it’s worth splurging a little here.
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Fresh Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice brightens up the salad; bottled juice just won’t cut it!
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Dijon Mustard: A touch of Dijon gives depth; adjust based on how tangy you like your dressing.
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Honey or Maple Syrup: Just a hint of sweetness balances the acidity of the lemon; maple syrup adds an interesting flavor twist.
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Salt and Pepper: Season generously but taste as you go to avoid overdoing it!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Start by preparing your ingredients: Wash and dry your cucumbers, tomatoes, and parsley thoroughly before slicing. The fresher everything is, the more vibrant your Cucumber Feta Salad will be!
Chop those Cucumbers!: Slice your cucumbers into bite-sized pieces, either half-moons or cubes depending on your preference. Aim for uniformity so they mix well.
Add Cherry Tomatoes!: Halve your cherry tomatoes and toss them into the bowl with cucumbers. Their juicy sweetness will complement the crunchy cucumbers beautifully.
Toss in Red Onion!: Next, add thinly sliced red onion to the mix. If you’re sensitive to raw onion’s kick, soak them briefly in cold water beforehand.
Crumble that Feta!: Add crumbled feta cheese over your veggies like confetti atop a party hat. The creaminess will bring everything together.
Mix Up Your Vinaigrette!: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey (or maple syrup), salt, and pepper until emulsified. Taste it—if it makes you smile, you’ve nailed it!
Toss Everything Together!: Pour that heavenly vinaigrette over your salad mixture and toss gently to combine all components without crushing anything. Serve immediately or let chill for 30 minutes to enhance flavors.
This Cucumber Feta Salad with Lemon Greek Vinaigrette will not only satisfy your cravings but also brighten up any meal! Enjoy every crunchy bite while soaking up those summer vibes!
You Must Know
- This refreshing Cucumber Feta Salad with Lemon Greek Vinaigrette is not just a side; it’s a vibrant explosion of flavors
- Combining crispy cucumbers, tangy feta, and zesty lemon makes it a must-have at any gathering
- Perfect for summer picnics or as a light lunch option that brightens your day!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by slicing the cucumbers uniformly for even texture, then whisk the vinaigrette while the salad ingredients chill. This ensures flavors meld beautifully before serving, creating that refreshing taste we all crave.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out the feta for goat cheese or add olives for extra flavor. Fresh herbs like dill or mint can elevate this dish further, tailoring it to your palate perfectly.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. The salad is best enjoyed cold, so no reheating needed; just toss and serve!
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Ensure you use fresh cucumbers for maximum crunch and flavor
- Always taste your vinaigrette before adding it to the salad to ensure the perfect balance of acidity
- Letting the salad sit briefly allows flavors to develop beautifully and tantalizingly
I once made this salad for a family picnic, and my aunt declared it “the best thing since sliced bread.” Now I always keep cucumbers on hand because you never know when a salad emergency might strike!
FAQ
What type of cucumber works best in this salad?
English cucumbers are ideal due to their thinner skin and fewer seeds, enhancing texture.
Can I prepare this Cucumber Feta Salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it a few hours in advance; just dress it right before serving.
What can I substitute for feta cheese?
Goat cheese or even crumbled blue cheese can be delicious alternatives if you’re feeling adventurous!
Cucumber Feta Salad with Lemon Greek Vinaigrette
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Cucumber Feta Salad with Lemon Greek Vinaigrette is a refreshing dish perfect for summer gatherings. This salad combines crisp cucumbers, creamy feta, and juicy cherry tomatoes, all tossed in a zesty lemon vinaigrette that brightens each bite. Ready in minutes, it’s a vibrant and delicious way to elevate any meal or picnic spread.
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh cucumbers, diced (about 2 medium English cucumbers)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp honey or maple syrup
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- 1. Wash and dry the cucumbers, tomatoes, and parsley. Slice the cucumbers into bite-sized pieces.
- 2. Halve the cherry tomatoes and add to the bowl with cucumbers.
- 3. Add thinly sliced red onion (soaked in cold water if desired) and crumbled feta cheese.
- 4. In a separate bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey (or maple syrup), salt, and pepper until emulsified.
- 5. Pour the vinaigrette over the salad mixture and toss gently to combine. Serve immediately or chill for up to 30 minutes to enhance flavors.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No cooking required
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approximately 1 cup (150g)
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
