This Fresh and Easy Greek Cucumber Salad is a crisp delight! It includes juicy cucumbers, tangy feta cheese, and zesty olives, all drizzled with olive oil and lemon. Yum!
You know it’s a win when you can munch on this salad as a side or snack. I love making it for a quick meal – it’s refreshing and super simple to whip up! 🥗
Ingredients & Substitutions
Cucumbers: Opt for English cucumbers if possible; they are less bitter and have fewer seeds. If you don’t have cucumbers, you could substitute with zucchini for a different twist!
Cherry Tomatoes: These add a pop of color. If you don’t have them, diced regular tomatoes work well too! Just make sure to drain some excess juice to avoid a soggy salad.
Kalamata Olives: These lend a beautiful briny taste. For a milder option, try green olives or even black olives. They will change the flavor but can still be delicious!
Feta Cheese: Crumbled feta is traditional, but you can also use goat cheese for a creamier texture or omit it entirely for a dairy-free version.
Fresh Herbs: Parsley and dill brighten the salad. If fresh herbs aren’t available, a pinch of dried dill works too; just use less since dried herbs are stronger.
How Do I Mix the Perfect Dressing?
The salad dressing really brings everything together, so let’s ensure it’s just right! Follow these steps:
- In a small bowl, combine olive oil, fresh lemon juice, dried oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Whisk the ingredients until they are well blended; this helps to emulsify the dressing.
- Taste and adjust: If it’s too tangy, add a bit more olive oil; if it needs more kick, a dash more lemon juice works wonders!
Don’t rush this step—the dressing should be balanced to enhance the fresh flavors of your veggies.
Fresh and Easy Greek Cucumber Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Vegetables:
- 2 large cucumbers, peeled and thinly sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (optional for added color and flavor)
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
Other Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped (optional)
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This salad takes about 15 minutes to prepare and only a little extra time (15-20 minutes) to chill in the fridge. In just half an hour, you can have a delicious, refreshing Greek cucumber salad ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Vegetables:
Start by slicing the cucumbers thinly. You can peel them if you like, but leaving the skin on adds nice color and crunch. If you’re using cherry tomatoes, slice those in half as well. Next, thinly slice the red onion. In a large bowl, combine all these chopped vegetables along with the Kalamata olives.
2. Make the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, dried oregano, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Mix it well until everything is combined; this dressing will bring all the flavors together!
3. Combine Everything:
Pour the dressing over your vegetable mixture in the large bowl. Gently toss everything together—this helps to coat the vegetables with the dressing without squishing them. Be careful with that feta cheese; it should stay crumbly!
4. Add Feta and Garnish:
Once everything is mixed, sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese over the top of the salad. Then, top it with the chopped fresh parsley and dill, if you’re using it. This adds a lovely fresh herb flavor.
5. Chill and Serve:
Cover the salad and place it in the fridge for about 15-20 minutes. This chilling time allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Once it’s ready, serve it fresh and enjoy this delightful, crisp Greek cucumber salad!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Make This Salad Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the salad a few hours in advance. Just keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to serve. This helps keep the cucumbers crisp and prevents them from getting soggy.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The salad may lose some crunch, but it will still taste great! Give it a quick stir before serving.
What If I Don’t Have Kalamata Olives? Can I Substitute?
Absolutely! If you don’t have Kalamata olives, green olives or black olives work just fine. Each type will give the salad a slightly different flavor, but it’ll still be delicious!
How Can I Customize This Salad?
Feel free to get creative! You can add bell peppers, radishes, or even cubed avocado for extra creaminess. Just adjust the amounts based on your preferences, and enjoy making it your own!
