Cucumber Tomato Greek Salad Recipe

Hey there! So, I’ve just thrown together the most refreshing Mediterranean salad that’s a burst of sunshine in a bowl—loaded with juicy tomatoes, crunchy cucumbers, and tangy feta. Perfect for those days when you want something light, delicious, and oh-so-satisfying! 🌿🥒🍅

My Cucumber Tomato Greek Salad has vibrant colors and fresh flavors that I love. The salad is filled with juicy cucumbers, ripe tomatoes, and briny Kalamata olives.

The creamy feta cheese adds a delightful tang, while the dressing—extra-virgin olive oil with a hint of red wine vinegar—is simple and effective. This is a powerhouse of a salad—a perfect light meal.

Cucumber Tomato Greek Salad Recipe Ingredients

• Cucumbers: Hydrating and low in calories; adds a refreshing crunch.
• Tomatoes: Rich in vitamin C and antioxidants; contributes a sweet-tart flavor.
• Red Onion: Provides a sharp, tangy bite and beneficial sulfur compounds.
• Kalamata Olives: Source of healthy fats and antioxidants; adds a salty richness.
• Feta Cheese: Offers protein and calcium; brings a tangy, creamy element.
• Extra-Virgin Olive Oil: Rich in healthy monounsaturated fats; enhances flavor.
• Red Wine Vinegar: Adds acidity and depth; aids in balancing flavors.

Cucumber Tomato Greek Salad Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 2 medium cucumbers, diced
• 4 medium tomatoes, diced
• 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
• 1 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
• 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

How to Make this Cucumber Tomato Greek Salad Recipe

1. In a big mixing bowl, mix together the cubed cucumbers, cubed tomatoes, and slivered red onions.

2. Put the bowl together. Inside, place the pitted and halved Kalamata olives, which have been mixed gently with the other vegetables.

3. Disperse the feta cheese that has been crumbled over the top of the salad ingredients.

4. In a tiny bowl, blend the extra-virgin olive oil and red wine vinegar together with a whisk.

5. Incorporate the dried oregano into the olive oil and vinegar, making sure to whisk it so that it is evenly spread throughout the mixture.

6. In the large mixing bowl, put the salad ingredients, and pour the dressing over them.

7. Generously season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.

8. Gently combine all the ingredients in the salad and evenly coat them with the dressing.

9. If you want, you can add the chopped fresh parsley as a garnish, sprinkled over the salad.

10. Immediately serve at room temperature, or chill for about 30 minutes to enhance the flavor before serving.

Cucumber Tomato Greek Salad Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Large mixing bowl
2. Small bowl
3. Whisk
4. Cutting board
5. Chef’s knife
6. Measuring spoons
7. Measuring cups
8. Mixing spoon or salad tongs

FAQ

• What type of cucumber should I use?Select English cucumbers if you can. They have fewer seeds and a thinner skin. Regular cucumbers work well too. If the skin is thick or waxy, just peel it.
• Can I use another type of olive?Indeed, although Kalamata olives are classic in Greek salad, you can replace them with various olives such as black or green; however, this may change the flavor just a smidge.
• Is there a substitute for red wine vinegar?Apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar can be used as alternatives, although each will change the taste slightly.
• How long will this salad keep?For optimal enjoyment, serve this salad freshly made. If you must prepare it ahead of time, store it in an airtight container in the fridge and don’t hesitate to give it a good shake before serving. As with all salads, the texture, and flavor of this one are best when the ingredients are freshly combined.
• Can I add other vegetables to this salad?Certainly! You can also throw in some bell peppers, chop up an avocado to make it extra creamy, or even add some lettuce to increase the crunch factor in this very flavorful salad.
• Is it okay to use dried parsley instead of fresh?In the absence of fresh parsley, you can use dried. Employ roughly 1 teaspoon of dried parsley, as dried herbs pack a more powerful flavor punch than their fresh counterparts.
• How do I make this salad vegan?Just leave out the feta cheese or swap it for a plant-based alternative to make this salad friendly for vegans.

Cucumber Tomato Greek Salad Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Diced zucchini can be used in place of diced cucumbers to achieve a similar crunch.
Use black or green olives instead of Kalamata, depending on preference.
Feta cheese can be substituted with goat cheese for a creamier texture.
Balsamic vinegar may be substituted for red wine vinegar when a sweeter flavor is desired.
If you lack fresh parsley, you can use fresh dill to achieve a different herbaceous flavor.

Pro Tips

1. Chill Your Vegetables For an extra refreshing salad, chill the cucumbers, tomatoes, and red onion in the fridge before preparing the salad. This enhances the crispness and freshness of the dish.

2. Degorge the Cucumbers To prevent excess moisture in your salad, sprinkle a little salt over the diced cucumbers and let them sit for about 15 minutes, then drain off the liquid they release. This also enhances their flavor.

3. Use High-Quality Olive Oil Since the olive oil plays a significant role in the dressing, opt for a high-quality extra-virgin olive oil for the best flavor.

4. Marinate the Onions To mellow the sharpness of the red onions, soak them in cold water for 10 minutes or mix them with a little of the vinegar dressing before combining with the other ingredients.

5. Mix Dressing Separately Always prepare the dressing separately and whisk it thoroughly to ensure the oil and vinegar are well emulsified. This provides a consistent taste throughout the salad.