If you’re craving a crisp, refreshing bite that dances between tangy, salty, and herbaceous, Cucumber Feta Salad is about to win a permanent spot in your meal rotation. This jewel of Mediterranean simplicity brings together juicy cucumbers, creamy feta, and a zippy vinaigrette, delivering bold flavors and cooling crunch in every forkful. Whether you need an effortless side or a light main, this is a salad that deserves the spotlight at your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Cucumber Feta Salad comes together with just a handful of fresh ingredients—each one brings a unique charm, from the satisfying bite of cucumber to the zesty tang of red wine vinegar. Simplicity is everything here, so reach for the best ingredients you can find and get ready to fall in love with their flavors!
- 2 large cucumbers: The star of this salad—choose firm, unwaxed cucumbers for the best crunch and flavor.
- 1/2 small red onion: Thin slices add color and a mild, peppery bite that balances all the flavors.
- 3/4 cup crumbled feta cheese: Salty, creamy feta is the magic ingredient that ties it all together.
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil: Luscious olive oil enhances everything and gives the dressing a lush texture.
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar: Adds just the right amount of acidity to brighten the salad.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: This Mediterranean herb packs a fragrant punch that’s key to the salad’s flavor profile.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Season generously to bring out the best in all the fresh ingredients.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill (optional): Dill infuses extra freshness and a pop of color, so add if you’re feeling fancy!
How to Make Cucumber Feta Salad
Step 1: Slice the Cucumbers and Onion
Start by grabbing your sharpest knife and slicing the cucumbers into thin, even rounds. Thinly slice half of a small red onion as well; the finer you go, the more evenly it will blend with the cucumbers for that postcard-perfect crunch in every bite. If you like a stronger onion flavor, use more, but a half is plenty for balance.
Step 2: Prepare the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. This quick vinaigrette comes together in moments but adds a ton of flavor. Taste your dressing before pouring—it should be punchy but not overpowering, with the oregano shining through.
Step 3: Toss the Salad
Place your sliced cucumbers and red onion in a large salad bowl. Pour the vibrant dressing over the veggies and give everything a good toss to ensure the slices are thoroughly coated. Take a moment to inhale that fresh, herby aroma!
Step 4: Add Feta and Dill
Gently fold in the crumbled feta cheese so that it nestles into all the nooks and crannies. If you have fresh dill on hand, chop it up and sprinkle it in now for a fragrant lift—totally optional, but highly recommended if you love herbs.
Step 5: Chill and Serve
Let the Cucumber Feta Salad hang out in your refrigerator for at least 15 minutes before serving. This little pause lets the flavors mingle and mellow, turning a good salad into a truly great one. Serve chilled for the most refreshing experience!
How to Serve Cucumber Feta Salad
Garnishes
A finishing sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper looks gorgeous and adds a touch of sophistication. For extra flair, scatter a few more crumbles of feta or a handful of chopped dill over the top right before serving. If you enjoy citrus, a squeeze of lemon brings a whole new brightness!
Side Dishes
Cucumber Feta Salad is a fabulous partner to grilled meats, savory sandwiches, or any Mediterranean-style spread. Pair it with warm pita bread, hummus, and olives for a sun-soaked picnic vibe, or serve it alongside roasted chicken or fish to keep things light but satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
Try layering your Cucumber Feta Salad in a wide shallow bowl for a show-stopping presentation, or build individual salad jars for a picnic or lunch on the go. If you want to get fancy, use a ring mold to make mini salad towers, topping each with a pinch of dill and a drizzle of olive oil.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers, stash your Cucumber Feta Salad in an airtight container and refrigerate it. The flavors actually get even better as they mingle, but the salad is best enjoyed within 1–2 days to keep things nice and crisp.
Freezing
Freezing is not recommended for this salad. The fresh cucumbers and feta don’t hold up well to the cold—they’ll lose their lovely crunch and creamy texture once thawed, so stick to making a fresh batch whenever a craving hits.
Reheating
No reheating required here! Cucumber Feta Salad is meant to be enjoyed cold, straight from the fridge. If you want to perk up leftovers, a splash of extra vinegar and a toss with fresh herbs will make everything taste brand new.
FAQs
Can I make Cucumber Feta Salad ahead of time?
Absolutely—Cucumber Feta Salad is even better when it’s had a little time to chill. Just prepare it up to a few hours ahead and store it in the fridge until ready to serve. For the freshest taste and texture, hold off on adding the feta until just before serving.
What can I use instead of red wine vinegar?
If you’re out of red wine vinegar, no worries! White wine vinegar or a squeeze of lemon juice are great substitutes. Both keep the salad nicely tangy without overpowering the other ingredients.
Is it possible to make this salad vegan?
Yes—you can swap in your favorite plant-based feta for a vegan version of Cucumber Feta Salad. Most major grocery stores now carry dairy-free feta alternatives that crumble beautifully.
How do I keep my cucumbers crisp?
For extra crisp cucumbers, slice them, then pat them dry with a paper towel before tossing. If you have time, a brief soak in ice water works wonders for crunchiness too. Avoid salting too early, which can draw out moisture.
Can I add other veggies to this salad?
Definitely! Sliced radishes, halved cherry tomatoes, or even thin ribbons of bell pepper make great add-ins and add more color and crunch. Just keep the balance so the cucumbers and feta still shine.
Final Thoughts
If you want a dish that bursts with freshness and never fails to impress, give Cucumber Feta Salad a spot on your table. It’s one of those effortless recipes you’ll turn to over and over, especially when you crave something light, flavorful, and full of sunshine. Let your creativity run wild and enjoy every crunchy, tangy, cheesy bite!
Print
Cucumber Feta Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A refreshing and flavorful Cucumber Feta Salad that’s perfect for summer gatherings or as a light side dish. Crisp cucumbers, tangy feta cheese, and a zesty dressing come together for a delightful Mediterranean-inspired dish.
Ingredients
Cucumbers:
- 2 large cucumbers, thinly sliced
Red Onion:
- 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced
Feta Cheese:
- 3/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
Dressing:
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Additional:
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill (optional)
Instructions
- Combine Cucumbers and Onion: In a large bowl, combine the sliced cucumbers and red onion.
- Prepare Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, oregano, salt, and black pepper.
- Toss with Dressing: Pour the dressing over the cucumber mixture and toss to coat evenly.
- Add Feta and Dill: Gently fold in the crumbled feta cheese and fresh dill, if using.
- Chill and Serve: Chill in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes before serving for best flavor.
Notes
- For extra crunch, add chopped cherry tomatoes or sliced radishes.
- You can substitute white wine vinegar or lemon juice for the red wine vinegar if preferred.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 17mg
