If you’re craving a salad that bursts with freshness, tang, and a little Mediterranean sunshine, then this Greek Cucumber Salad Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s an absolute delight that combines crisp mini cucumbers, juicy cherry tomatoes, vibrant red bell pepper, briny Kalamata olives, and salty feta cheese, all tied together by a zesty homemade dressing. Every bite feels like a refreshing splash of flavor, making it a perfect side or light meal for any time of the year.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Greek Cucumber Salad Recipe shines because of its simple, fresh ingredients that come together to create a symphony of tastes and textures. Each ingredient adds something special, from crunch to creaminess to a touch of tang.
- Mini cucumbers: Crisp and refreshing, they form the crunchy base of the salad.
- Cherry tomatoes: Their juicy sweetness balances the saltiness of the feta and olives.
- Red bell pepper: Adds vibrant color and a subtle sweetness to brighten the dish.
- Kalamata olives: Provide that signature briny punch typical of Greek cuisine.
- Feta cheese: Creamy and salty, it brings a delightful tangy richness.
- Red onion: Thinly sliced for a mild, crisp bite without overpowering the salad.
- Extra virgin olive oil: The heart of the dressing, enriching every bite with smoothness.
- Red wine vinegar: Offers sharp acidity to balance the olive oil and cheese.
- Garlic: Minced fresh for aromatic depth and a little zesty kick.
- Dried oregano: The classic Greek herb, lending an earthy, herbal note.
- Dijon mustard: Helps emulsify the dressing with a subtle tang.
- Kosher salt: Enhances every flavor in the salad without overwhelming.
- Ground black pepper: Adds a gentle warmth and spice to finish the dressing.
How to Make Greek Cucumber Salad Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Fresh Vegetables and Cheese
Start by halving the mini cucumbers and cherry tomatoes to create perfect bite-sized pieces that blend well together. Chop the red bell pepper and dice the feta cheese, letting their colors and textures shine through. Toss all of these fresh ingredients with the sliced red onion and Kalamata olives in a large bowl, letting those vibrant Mediterranean flavors mingle effortlessly.
Step 2: Whip Up the Homemade Dressing
Next, it’s dressing time! In a mason jar or a small bowl, combine extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, dried oregano, Dijon mustard, kosher salt, and ground black pepper. Shake or whisk vigorously until the dressing emulsifies into a smooth, harmonious blend that will coat the vegetables beautifully.
Step 3: Bring It All Together
Pour about two-thirds of the zesty dressing over the salad and gently stir to ensure every cucumber, tomato, and olive is lovingly coated. If you want a bit more tang, add the rest of the dressing. This salad is best served immediately to enjoy the fresh crunch, but chilling it for a few hours in the fridge lets the flavors mingle even more.
How to Serve Greek Cucumber Salad Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a little extra feta or a handful of freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and flavor right before serving. A drizzle of high-quality olive oil on top makes it look extra inviting and boosts richness.
Side Dishes
Pair this salad alongside grilled lamb, roasted chicken, or freshly baked pita bread for a full Mediterranean feast. It also complements seafood dishes, especially grilled shrimp or baked fish seasoned with lemon and herbs.
Creative Ways to Present
For a show-stopping presentation, serve this salad in hollowed-out cucumber boats or stylish glass jars for individual portions. Adding a few lemon wedges on the side adds a bit of theatrical zing your guests will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Greek Cucumber Salad Recipe keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 8 hours. Store it in an airtight container and give it a good stir before serving again to refresh the flavors and textures.
Freezing
Because this salad features fresh vegetables and feta, it’s not recommended to freeze it. The cucumbers and tomatoes will lose their crunch and release water upon thawing, altering the texture dramatically.
Reheating
This salad is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature, so no reheating is needed. Simply take it out of the fridge, give it a gentle toss, and enjoy the crisp, vibrant tastes as if it’s freshly made.
FAQs
Can I use regular cucumbers instead of mini cucumbers?
Absolutely! Just make sure to slice regular cucumbers into bite-sized pieces to keep the texture balanced and the salad easy to enjoy.
Is this Greek Cucumber Salad Recipe vegan-friendly?
To make it vegan, simply omit the feta cheese or substitute it with a plant-based alternative that suits your taste.
Can the salad dressing be made ahead of time?
Yes! You can whisk together the dressing a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just give it a good shake or stir before adding it to the salad.
What if I don’t have Kalamata olives?
If you can’t find Kalamata olives, other black or green olives work, though Kalamata’s distinctive flavor really shines in this salad.
How can I add more protein to this salad?
Grilled chicken, chickpeas, or even cooked quinoa are great choices to turn this refreshing salad into a more filling meal.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about this Greek Cucumber Salad Recipe that makes it easy to keep coming back to again and again. With its perfect balance of freshness, tang, and creaminess, it brightens any meal or stands bravely on its own. So go ahead, give this recipe a try and bring a little Mediterranean magic to your table—you’ll thank yourself later!
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Greek Cucumber Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Greek
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This refreshing Greek Cucumber Salad combines crisp mini cucumbers, juicy cherry tomatoes, vibrant red bell pepper, briny Kalamata olives, and creamy feta cheese, all tossed in a tangy homemade dressing featuring red wine vinegar, garlic, and oregano. Perfect as a light side dish or a healthy snack, this salad is quick to prepare and bursting with Mediterranean flavors.
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 5 mini cucumbers, halved
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 red bell pepper, seeded and chopped
- ¾ cup Kalamata olives
- 4 oz diced feta cheese
- ¼ cup thinly sliced red onion
Dressing Ingredients
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large bowl, stir together the halved cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, chopped red bell pepper, Kalamata olives, diced feta cheese, and thinly sliced red onion until evenly mixed. Set this mixture aside while you prepare the dressing.
- Make the Dressing: In a mason jar or small container with a lid, add the extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, dried oregano, Dijon mustard, kosher salt, and ground black pepper. Secure the lid and shake vigorously until the dressing is well emulsified and combined.
- Toss Salad with Dressing: Pour about two-thirds of the dressing over the cucumber mixture. Stir gently to coat all the ingredients thoroughly. Taste and add the remaining dressing if desired. Serve the salad immediately for the freshest flavor or refrigerate it covered for up to 8 hours, stirring again before serving.
Notes
- For extra freshness, prepare the salad just before serving to maintain the crispness of the cucumbers and bell peppers.
- This salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 8 hours; beyond that, vegetables may lose their crunch.
- Feel free to add fresh herbs like dill or parsley for additional flavor variations.
- Kalamata olives can be substituted with green olives if desired, but keep the briny profile.
- Adjust the garlic quantity based on your preference for a milder or stronger garlic taste.
