Cucumber Feta Salad with Lemon Greek Vinaigrette Recipe

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If you’re searching for a fresh, vibrant dish that bursts with Mediterranean charm, the Cucumber Feta Salad with Lemon Greek Vinaigrette is absolutely the one to try. This salad perfectly balances crisp cucumbers, tangy feta cheese, and a bright, zesty dressing made with fresh lemon and fragrant herbs. Every bite offers a delightful mix of textures and flavors that make it stand out as a refreshing side or a light main during warmer days. Trust me, once you make this salad, it will quickly become a staple in your recipe rotation.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this salad lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating layers of flavor, texture, and color, all coming together effortlessly to deliver something truly special.

• 4 large organic Persian cucumbers: These provide a crisp, cool base with a delicate flavor that keeps the salad refreshing.
• ½ small red onion: Thinly sliced for a subtle bite and a pop of vibrant purple hue.
• 1 cup feta cheese: Choose blocks to crumble yourself for the best texture and tangy, creamy contrast.
• ½ tbsp fresh dill: Adds a subtle, grassy note that complements cucumber beautifully.
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley: Gives brightness and a fresh green color that enlivens the salad.
• ½ cup cherry tomatoes: Halved to introduce juicy sweetness and a splash of red.
• ¼ cup kalamata olives: Sliced to bring the unmistakable briny depth typical of Greek cuisine.
• 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice: The secret to the Lemon Greek Vinaigrette’s tangy punch, made from 2-3 fresh lemons.
• ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil: Rich and fruity, this oil melds all the flavors in the dressing.
• ½ tsp dried oregano: Offers a warm, slightly peppery herbal note to the vinaigrette.
• ¼ tsp salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the dressing.
• ¼ tsp black pepper: Adds a gentle spice that rounds out the vinaigrette beautifully.

How to Make Cucumber Feta Salad with Lemon Greek Vinaigrette

Step 1: Slice the Cucumbers and Onions

Start by slicing your Persian cucumbers into thin rounds or delicate half-moons to maximize crispness in every bite. Then, thinly slice the red onion to ensure its sharpness is gentle and won’t overpower the other ingredients.

Step 2: Make the Lemon Greek Vinaigrette

In a small bowl, whisk together fresh lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper until fully combined. This luscious vinaigrette will brighten the salad with zesty acidity and fragrant herbs, bringing those classic Greek flavors to life.

Step 3: Toss Everything Together

Grab a large mixing bowl and combine the sliced cucumbers, red onions, crumbled feta, chopped dill, and parsley. For an added pop of color and taste, fold in the halved cherry tomatoes and sliced kalamata olives. Finally, drizzle the lemon Greek vinaigrette over everything and toss gently to coat evenly without breaking up the ingredients.

Step 4: Serve Right Away or Let It Sit

You can either serve your Cucumber Feta Salad with Lemon Greek Vinaigrette immediately to enjoy the fresh crunch or allow it to rest for about 10 minutes. Letting it sit helps the flavors meld beautifully, making the salad even more vibrant and delicious.

How to Serve Cucumber Feta Salad with Lemon Greek Vinaigrette

Garnishes

Sprinkle a few extra sprigs of fresh dill or parsley on top and a light drizzle of olive oil right before serving for a gourmet touch. If you want to elevate it further, a handful of toasted pine nuts adds delightful crunch and nuttiness.

Side Dishes

This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled meats like chicken or lamb, light seafood dishes, or alongside a warm piece of freshly baked pita bread. It’s also fantastic with Mediterranean mains, balancing richer dishes with its crisp, tangy freshness.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the salad in hollowed-out bell peppers or cucumber boats to impress guests visually. Layering the salad in a clear glass jar for a picnic or potluck adds a charming rustic vibe while keeping it fresh and ready to toss before serving.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Remember that cucumbers release water over time, so the salad may become a bit softer but will still taste wonderful.

Freezing

This fresh salad is best enjoyed immediately or within a day or two, so freezing is not recommended. Freezing will affect the texture of cucumbers and feta, making them watery and crumbly once thawed.

Reheating

Since this is a cold salad, no reheating is necessary. Serve it chilled or at room temperature for the best experience.

FAQs

Can I use regular cucumbers instead of Persian cucumbers?

Absolutely! Regular cucumbers work just fine. Persian cucumbers are usually preferred because they are seedless and have thinner skins, which adds to the overall tenderness and crunchiness of the salad, but any cucumber you have on hand will do the trick.

Is feta cheese the only cheese that works in this salad?

Feta is the classic choice for its salty, tangy flavor, but you could experiment with other crumbly cheeses like cotija or a mild goat cheese if you want a slightly different twist.

Can I make the Lemon Greek Vinaigrette in advance?

Yes! You can prepare the vinaigrette a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Just give it a good whisk before tossing it with the salad to recombine the ingredients.

How can I make this salad vegan-friendly?

Simply omit the feta cheese or substitute it with a plant-based cheese alternative or crumbled tofu. The lemon Greek vinaigrette is naturally vegan and just as delicious without the dairy.

Is this salad suitable for meal prep?

This salad makes a great quick prep item, but it’s best to keep the dressing and veggies separate until ready to serve to avoid sogginess. Assemble just before eating for maximum freshness.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend the Cucumber Feta Salad with Lemon Greek Vinaigrette enough if you crave something light, bright, and bursting with flavor. It’s a fantastic way to showcase fresh ingredients with minimal fuss, and it truly shines as a cooling companion on warm days. Give it a try, and I’m sure it will become a favorite that you reach for again and again.

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