Name: Cucumber Feta Salad: The Refreshing Summer Recipe You Need
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 2 large English cucumbers, thinly sliced; 1 red onion, thinly sliced; 8 ounces feta cheese, crumbled; 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved; 1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped; 1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped; 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil; 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 1 clove garlic, minced; 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano; Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Cucumber feta salad: Prepare to be transported to a sun-drenched Greek island with every bite of this refreshing and vibrant salad! Forget heavy, complicated meals; this is the epitome of simple elegance, a dish that sings of summer and satisfies your cravings in the most delightful way. Have you ever craved something light, flavorful, and incredibly easy to prepare? Then look no further!

This isn't just a salad; it's a culinary tradition. The combination of cucumber and feta has been a staple in Mediterranean cuisine for centuries, a testament to the region's emphasis on fresh, locally sourced ingredients. It's a dish that speaks of family gatherings, shared meals under the olive trees, and the simple pleasures of life.

What makes cucumber feta salad so irresistible? It's the perfect balance of textures and flavors. The cool, crisp cucumber contrasts beautifully with the salty, creamy feta. A drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of herbs elevate the dish to new heights. People adore it because it's quick to make, requires minimal ingredients, and is incredibly versatile. Enjoy it as a light lunch, a side dish at a barbecue, or a refreshing snack on a hot day. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will become a regular in your rotation!

Ingredients:

2 large English cucumbers, thinly sliced
1 red onion, thinly sliced
8 ounces feta cheese, crumbled
1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped
1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 clove garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Preparing the Cucumber and Onion:

First, let's get our cucumbers ready. I like to use English cucumbers because their skin is thinner and they have fewer seeds, but you can use regular cucumbers too. Just peel them if you prefer and remove the seeds if they're large. Slice the cucumbers thinly – about 1/8 inch thick is ideal. A mandoline slicer can be helpful for this, but a sharp knife works just fine.
Next, prepare the red onion. Red onion adds a nice bite and color to the salad. Slice it as thinly as you can. If you find red onion too strong, you can soak the slices in cold water for about 10 minutes. This helps to mellow out the flavor. Drain the onion well before adding it to the salad.
Now, in a large bowl, gently combine the sliced cucumbers and red onion. Be careful not to bruise the cucumbers.

Making the Dressing:

The dressing is what really brings this salad together. In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, and lemon juice. The lemon juice adds a bright, zesty flavor that complements the other ingredients perfectly.
Add the minced garlic to the dressing. Make sure the garlic is finely minced so that its flavor is evenly distributed throughout the salad.
Stir in the dried oregano. Oregano adds a classic Mediterranean flavor that pairs well with the feta and olives.
Season the dressing with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Be careful not to over-salt, as the feta cheese is already quite salty. I usually start with about 1/4 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of pepper, and then adjust to my liking.
Whisk the dressing vigorously until it is well combined and slightly emulsified. This will help it to coat the salad evenly.

Assembling the Salad:

Pour the dressing over the cucumber and onion mixture in the large bowl. Gently toss to coat everything evenly. You want to make sure that every slice of cucumber and onion is lightly coated with the dressing.
Add the crumbled feta cheese to the salad. I prefer to use a good quality feta cheese that is brined in whey. This type of feta has a creamy texture and a salty, tangy flavor. Gently toss the salad again to distribute the feta cheese.
Add the Kalamata olives to the salad. Kalamata olives add a briny, savory flavor that complements the feta cheese and cucumbers. Make sure the olives are pitted and halved before adding them to the salad.
Sprinkle the chopped fresh dill and mint over the salad. Fresh herbs add a bright, refreshing flavor and aroma to the salad. Dill and mint are a classic combination in Mediterranean cuisine.
Gently toss the salad one last time to combine all of the ingredients. Be careful not to over-mix, as this can cause the cucumbers to become watery.

Chilling and Serving:

Cover the salad with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and the salad to chill. You can also chill the salad for longer, up to a few hours, if you prefer.
Before serving, give the salad a gentle toss to redistribute the dressing and ingredients.
Serve the cucumber feta salad chilled. It is delicious on its own as a light lunch or snack, or as a side dish with grilled chicken, fish, or lamb. It also pairs well with pita bread or crusty bread for dipping.

Tips and Variations:

Add tomatoes: Cherry tomatoes or grape tomatoes, halved or quartered, add a juicy sweetness to the salad.
Use different herbs: Parsley, oregano, or basil can be used in place of or in addition to dill and mint.
Add bell peppers: Diced bell peppers, such as red, yellow, or orange, add a crunchy texture and a sweet flavor.
Make it spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dressing for a little heat.
Add chickpeas: Canned chickpeas, rinsed and drained, add protein and fiber to the salad.
Use a different vinegar: White wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar can be used in place of red wine vinegar.
Add avocado: Diced avocado adds a creamy texture and a healthy dose of fats. Add it just before serving to prevent it from browning.
Make it a meal: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu to the salad to make it a more substantial meal.
For a creamier dressing: Add a tablespoon of Greek yogurt or sour cream to the dressing.
Adjust the sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter dressing, add a teaspoon of honey or maple syrup.

Make Ahead Instructions:

You can prepare the cucumber feta salad up to 24 hours in advance. However, I recommend adding the feta cheese and fresh herbs just before serving, as they can become soggy if they sit in the dressing for too long. Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Serving Suggestions:

This cucumber feta salad is a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are a few suggestions:

As a side dish with grilled meats or fish
As a topping for pita bread or flatbread
As a filling for sandwiches or wraps
As a component of a mezze platter
As a light lunch or snack

Nutritional Information (approximate, per serving):

Please note that the nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.

Calories: 250
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 50mg
Sodium: 500mg
Carbohydrates: 10g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 5g
Protein: 10g

Why This Recipe Works:

This cucumber feta salad recipe is a winner because it's simple, fresh, and flavorful. The combination of crisp cucumbers, tangy feta cheese, briny olives, and fresh herbs is a classic Mediterranean flavor profile that is both refreshing and satisfying. The dressing is light and bright, and it perfectly complements the other ingredients. This salad is also incredibly versatile and can be easily customized to suit your taste preferences.

Storing Leftovers:

Store leftover cucumber feta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep in mind that the cucumbers may release some water as they sit, so the salad may become a bit watery over time. You can drain off any excess liquid before serving.

Enjoy!

Conclusion:

This isn't just another salad; it's a vibrant, refreshing experience that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you feeling fantastic. The crisp coolness of the cucumber perfectly complements the salty tang of the feta, creating a flavor explosion that's both satisfying and light. I truly believe this cucumber feta salad is a must-try recipe for anyone looking for a quick, healthy, and incredibly delicious meal or side dish. Think of it as your secret weapon for summer barbecues, potlucks, or even a simple weeknight dinner. It's so easy to throw together, requiring minimal ingredients and effort, yet it delivers maximum flavor impact. You can whip it up in minutes, leaving you more time to enjoy the sunshine and good company. But the beauty of this recipe lies not only in its simplicity but also in its versatility. Feel free to experiment and make it your own!

Serving Suggestions and Variations:

* Elevate it with Herbs: Fresh dill and mint are classic additions that enhance the refreshing qualities of the salad. A sprinkle of chopped parsley also adds a lovely touch of color and flavor. * Add Some Crunch: Toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds provide a delightful textural contrast to the soft cucumber and feta. * Spice it Up: A pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha adds a subtle kick that will awaken your senses. * Make it a Meal: Toss in some grilled chicken or chickpeas for a protein-packed lunch or dinner. Quinoa or couscous also make excellent additions for a heartier salad. * Dress it Up: While the simple olive oil and lemon juice dressing is perfect as is, you can also experiment with other vinaigrettes. A balsamic vinaigrette or a honey-mustard dressing would also be delicious. * Mediterranean Twist: Add some Kalamata olives and sun-dried tomatoes for a truly Mediterranean-inspired salad. * Greek Salad Inspiration: Incorporate some chopped tomatoes, bell peppers, and red onion to transform it into a Greek-style salad. * Fruit Fusion: For a sweeter twist, add some watermelon or cantaloupe. The sweetness of the fruit complements the salty feta beautifully. Don't be afraid to get creative and experiment with different ingredients and flavors. The possibilities are endless! I've personally tried it with a sprinkle of za'atar seasoning and it was phenomenal. I'm confident that you'll love this cucumber feta salad as much as I do. It's a recipe that I keep coming back to time and time again, especially during the warmer months. It's the perfect way to enjoy fresh, seasonal ingredients and create a healthy and delicious meal. So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients, head to the kitchen, and give this recipe a try! I promise you won't be disappointed. And most importantly, I'd love to hear about your experience. Did you make any variations? What did you think of the flavor combination? Share your thoughts and photos in the comments below! I can't wait to see what you create. Happy cooking! Let me know if you have any questions, and I'll do my best to answer them. I hope this becomes a staple in your kitchen, just like it is in mine. Enjoy!