Greek Cucumber Tomato and Feta Salad

Oh wow, have you ever tasted something so fresh it made you stop and go, “Mmm… this is it!”? That’s exactly what happened the first time I made this Greek Cucumber Tomato and Feta Salad. It’s like sunshine in a bowl—crispy, juicy, and oh-so-tangy.

I was in a rush, super hungry, and had no clue what to make. I peeked in my fridge, saw some cucumbers, tomatoes, and a chunk of feta—boom, magic happened! And guess what? It took, like, 5 minutes.

Every bite was crunchy, salty, and kinda sweet—oh, and that feta? Creamy goodness! I didn’t even need fancy stuff; it was just simple and perfect. Now, I crave it all the time—especially on hot days when I want something light but filling.

So, wanna try it too? Grab a big bowl—it’s chopping time! Trust me, you’ll be hooked after the first forkful.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple Yet Delicious: Made with just a few ingredients, but each bite is bursting with fresh, tangy flavor.
• Quick to Prepare: Ready in 10 minutes—no cooking required.
• Healthy Choice: Packed with vegetables and heart-healthy olive oil.
• Perfect for Any Meal: Serve it with grilled chicken, fish, or as a light lunch on its own.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Great for potlucks, barbecues, or family dinners.

What You Need to Know Before You Start

Prep Time & Total Time:
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes

Servings:
This recipe makes 4 servings as a side dish.

Difficulty:
Super easy—perfect for beginners and quick enough for busy days.

Required Kitchen Tools

• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Mixing bowl
• Small whisk or fork
• Serving spoon

Key Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this fresh, flavorful salad (exact measurements are in the recipe card later):

• English Cucumber: Crisp and slightly sweet. The skin is thin, so no peeling is necessary.
• Grape or Cherry Tomatoes: Juicy and naturally sweet, they bring vibrant color and a burst of flavor.
• Feta Cheese: Creamy and salty, it crumbles beautifully into the salad.
• Fresh Parsley: Bright and herby, it lifts the whole dish.
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Rich and smooth, it ties everything together.
• Red Wine Vinegar: Adds a gentle tang that balances the oil.
• Garlic: Fresh and pungent—just a little adds big flavor.
• Dried Oregano: Classic Greek seasoning for an earthy touch.
• Salt and Pepper: Simple seasonings to enhance all the flavors.

Variations for Greek Cucumber Tomato and Feta Salad

This salad is flexible. You can easily switch up the ingredients based on what you have or what you like. Here are a few ideas:

• Add Kalamata Olives: For a briny, salty bite, toss in a handful of pitted olives.
• Use Red Onion: Thinly sliced red onion adds a sharp, slightly sweet crunch.
• Lemon Twist: Swap red wine vinegar for fresh lemon juice for a citrusy zing.
• Herb Boost: Fresh mint or dill can add extra freshness alongside parsley.
• Creamier Texture: Stir in a spoonful of Greek yogurt into the dressing for a tangy, creamy touch.
• Extra Crunch: Toss in some diced bell peppers for added color and crunch.

How to Make Greek Cucumber Tomato and Feta Salad – Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Chop the Vegetables

Wash the cucumber and tomatoes thoroughly.

• Cucumber: Slice into thin rounds or half-moons if it’s a large one.
• Tomatoes: Halve the grape or cherry tomatoes. If using larger tomatoes, chop them into bite-sized chunks.

2. Prepare the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together:

• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
• 1 minced garlic clove
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste

Taste the dressing and adjust seasoning if needed. It should be tangy, garlicky, and well-balanced.

3. Combine and Toss

In a large mixing bowl:

• Add the chopped cucumber, tomatoes, and a handful of fresh parsley.
• Pour the dressing over the vegetables. Toss gently to coat everything evenly.

4. Add the Feta

Crumble feta cheese over the salad. Start with about ½ cup, and add more if you love it.
Give it a final gentle toss—be careful not to break the feta too much.

Serving and Presentation

Greek Cucumber Tomato and Feta Salad looks beautiful on its own, but a little extra effort can make it stand out even more:

• Serve in a Shallow Bowl: This lets the colors shine through.
• Garnish with Extra Parsley: Sprinkle a few fresh leaves on top.
• Drizzle of Olive Oil: Finish with a light drizzle for a glossy, appetizing look.
• Add Lemon Wedges: Place a few lemon wedges around the bowl for a pop of color and a hint that guests can squeeze more citrus over their portion.

How to Serve Greek Cucumber Tomato and Feta Salad

This salad is versatile and pairs well with many dishes. Here are a few ideas:

• Grilled Meats: Serve alongside grilled chicken, lamb, or fish for a light, balanced meal.
• Pita Bread and Hummus: Makes a simple, satisfying lunch.
• Mediterranean Platter: Combine with olives, tzatziki, roasted vegetables, and warm pita for a colorful spread.
• Light Lunch: Enjoy it on its own or with a piece of crusty bread to soak up the dressing.
• Filling Additions: Add cooked quinoa, couscous, or chickpeas to turn it into a hearty, complete meal.

Storing Greek Cucumber Tomato and Feta Salad

This salad is best enjoyed fresh, but you can still store it if needed:

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Keep it Crisp: If you plan to prepare it ahead of time, leave the dressing off and store it separately. Mix just before serving.
• Avoid Freezing: The fresh vegetables will lose their crunch and become watery after thawing.

Tips and Tricks for Success

Making a simple salad like this might seem foolproof, but a few small steps can take it from good to great. Here are my best tips:

• Start Light with Dressing: Add a little dressing at first. You can always drizzle more later, but you can’t take it out once it’s in. Too much can make the salad soggy.
• Use the Best Ingredients You Can Find: Since this salad is all about fresh flavors, every ingredient matters. Choose ripe, sweet tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, and good-quality feta. A rich, extra virgin olive oil makes a noticeable difference.
• Cut Even, Bite-Sized Pieces: Aim for uniform pieces so every forkful has a bit of everything—tomato, cucumber, and feta. This helps the flavors balance perfectly in each bite.
• Don’t Skip the Rest Time: If you have 10-15 extra minutes, let the salad sit after mixing. This allows the dressing to soak in and brings out the best flavor.
• Taste and Adjust: Before serving, give it a final taste. Add a pinch more salt, a splash more vinegar, or an extra crumble of feta if needed. Adjusting at the end makes all the difference.

Nutrition Information (Approximate per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	150 kcal
Carbohydrates	8g
Protein	4g
Fat	12g
Fiber	2g
Sodium	300mg

Conclusion

Greek Cucumber Tomato and Feta Salad is a quick, easy, and healthy dish that brings Mediterranean flavors to your table. Whether you need a simple side dish, a light lunch, or a refreshing addition to grilled meats, this salad fits the bill. The fresh vegetables, creamy feta, and zesty dressing work together perfectly. Try it once, and it just might become a regular on your menu.

Greek Cucumber Tomato and Feta Salad FAQs

Can I Make This Salad Ahead of Time?

Yes! Prepare the vegetables and dressing separately. Combine just before serving for the best texture.

What If I Don’t Like Feta?

Try goat cheese or fresh mozzarella as a milder alternative.

Can I Use Regular Cucumbers?

Yes, but peel them if the skin is thick and remove seeds if they are large.

Is This Salad Vegan-Friendly?

Skip the feta or replace it with a plant-based feta alternative.

Can I Add Protein to Make It a Meal?

Absolutely! Grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas work well.