Cucumber Feta Salad is the perfect addition to any meal. With its fresh ingredients and vibrant flavors, this dish is not only healthy but also incredibly easy to make. Whether you’re hosting a summer BBQ or looking for a quick side to complement your dinner, this salad is a crowd-pleaser. It’s a versatile option that pairs well with a variety of dishes and is packed with nutrients, making it a great choice for anyone looking for a light, satisfying meal.
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Why You’ll Love This Cucumber Feta Salad
This Cucumber Feta Salad is the epitome of simplicity and flavor. It’s quick to prepare, requiring only minutes to toss together, and it’s made from ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen. The salad brings together the crispness of cucumbers, the tangy kick of feta, and the freshness of herbs like oregano and red onion, making it a deliciously light option for any occasion. Plus, it’s healthy! The salad is full of hydrating cucumbers, beneficial olive oil, and nutrient-rich feta, making it a guilt-free addition to your meal plan.
Ingredients for Cucumber Feta Salad
Here’s a list of the key ingredients for this tasty salad:
• Cucumber: Provides a refreshing crunch and hydration to the salad.
• Red Onion: Adds a sharp, slightly sweet flavor that complements the feta and cucumbers.
• Feta Cheese: Crumbled feta gives the salad its creamy texture and salty tang.
• Olive Oil: A high-quality olive oil forms the base of the dressing, adding richness and healthy fats.
• Red Wine Vinegar: This adds acidity to balance the richness of the feta and olive oil.
• Dried Oregano: Brings a Greek flavor profile to the salad, enhancing its Mediterranean essence.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning, balancing the flavors of the other ingredients.
Alternative Ingredients
If you’re looking to modify the recipe based on dietary preferences or ingredient availability, here are some alternatives:
• Feta: For a dairy-free option, try using a plant-based feta cheese or a crumble of cashew cheese.
• Cucumber: Swap mini cucumbers for English cucumbers or even zucchini for a different flavor and texture.
• Red Wine Vinegar: You can substitute this with apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar for a slightly different tang.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Cucumber Feta Salad
- Start by chopping the cucumbers into bite-sized pieces.
- Thinly slice the red onion and add it to the bowl with the cucumbers.
- Crumble the feta cheese and toss it into the mix.
- Drizzle the olive oil and red wine vinegar over the ingredients.
- Sprinkle the dried oregano and season with salt and pepper.
- Toss everything together gently, ensuring that the ingredients are well-coated in the dressing.
- Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning, if necessary.
That’s it! This Cucumber Feta Salad comes together in just minutes, making it an ideal choice for a quick, fresh side dish.
Tips & Tricks
• Don’t Overdress the Salad: The dressing should be added right before serving. If you dress it too early, the cucumbers may release excess moisture and make the salad soggy.
• Chill Before Serving: For even better flavor, refrigerate the salad for about 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together.
• Adjust to Taste: Depending on your preference, you can increase or decrease the amount of red onion or feta in the salad.
Pairing Ideas and Variations
This Cucumber Feta Salad is incredibly versatile. It pairs beautifully with grilled meats such as Grilled Pork Tenderloin or Oven Roasted Lemon Chicken Drumsticks. It’s also an excellent complement to Mediterranean dishes like Pastitsio or Spanakopita. For a lighter vegetarian option, serve it with a Greek Stuffed Eggplant or a Crustless Zucchini Pie.
If you prefer a bit of heat, you can sprinkle some red pepper flakes over the salad. For a heartier version, add some cooked quinoa or chickpeas for extra protein.
Health Benefits of Cucumber Feta Salad
This salad isn’t just delicious—it’s healthy too! Cucumbers are low in calories and high in water content, making them great for hydration. They are also rich in vitamins A, B, and potassium. The olive oil provides healthy fats, while the feta cheese adds calcium and protein. The addition of red onion and oregano also offers antioxidants, contributing to the overall health benefits of this dish.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Cucumber Feta Salad is a refreshing and healthy option for any meal. Its simple yet vibrant flavors make it a perfect side dish that complements a wide range of main courses. With minimal ingredients and effort, you can create a dish that’s both nutritious and delicious. Whether you’re serving it at a summer BBQ or as a light lunch, this salad is sure to become a go-to recipe in your culinary repertoire. Its versatility, combined with its delightful combination of fresh ingredients, makes it a salad worth making time and time again. Enjoy the flavors of Greece with every bite!
FAQ
Can I make Cucumber Feta Salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the ingredients in advance by chopping the cucumbers and onions and crumbling the feta cheese. However, it’s best to add the dressing just before serving to prevent the salad from becoming soggy. If you prepare it ahead of time, store the components separately and combine them with the olive oil, vinegar, and seasoning just before serving.
What can I substitute for feta cheese in this salad?
If you’re looking for a dairy-free alternative, you can use plant-based feta cheese or crumbled cashew cheese. For a lower-fat option, try using reduced-fat feta or a similar cheese, like goat cheese or ricotta.
How long will Cucumber Feta Salad stay fresh in the fridge?
When stored properly, the salad can last for up to 2 days in the fridge. However, it’s important to note that the cucumbers may release excess moisture over time, so the salad is best enjoyed fresh. If preparing in advance, keep the dressing separate and add it just before serving.
More Relevant Recipes
Print
Cucumber Feta Salad:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salads
- Method: No cook
- Cuisine: Greek
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
This light and refreshing Cucumber Feta Salad is a healthy side dish made with simple ingredients like cucumbers, feta, and olive oil. It’s quick to prepare, versatile, and perfect for any occasion, offering a fresh burst of Mediterranean flavors.
Ingredients
- 1 large cucumber (or about 6 mini cucumbers), chopped into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Chop cucumbers into bite-sized pieces.
- Place cucumbers, red onion, and feta cheese in a large bowl.
- Drizzle olive oil and red wine vinegar over the salad.
- Sprinkle with dried oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Toss the salad to mix all ingredients well.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Notes
- Dress the salad just before serving to avoid it becoming soggy.
- Store leftover salad in the fridge for up to 2 days, but keep the dressing separate if possible.
- For a variation, you can add olives, tomatoes, or bell peppers.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 198 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 107mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 8mg
