If you’re craving something fresh, zippy, and utterly addictive, this Cucumber Feta Salad is here to make your taste buds sing! Crisp cucumbers, tangy feta, red onion, and a drizzle of herby vinaigrette come together with almost no effort, but the flavor will make you smile with every crunchy, creamy bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crazy Quick: You can whip up this Cucumber Feta Salad in just 10 minutes—perfect for busy days or last-minute guests!
- Fresh & Flavorful: The mix of crisp cucumber, creamy feta, and a pop of tangy dressing makes every bite seriously irresistible.
- Minimal Ingredients, Maximum Impact: You only need a handful of everyday staples, but the end result feels gourmet enough for a dinner party.
- Naturally Light: This salad is refreshingly light and satisfies without any heaviness, making it perfect for warm weather or a quick lunch.
Ingredients You’ll Need
I absolutely love how this salad transforms simple kitchen staples into something vibrant and mouthwatering! Each ingredient plays its own special role—flavor, texture, color—so choosing good-quality produce and cheese makes a delicious difference.
- Cucumber: The star of the show! Use a large English cucumber or about six mini cucumbers for maximum crunch and mild flavor (plus, minimal seeds).
- Red onion: Sliced thin so it mingles gently throughout—its sweet sharpness adds a savory kick and gorgeous color.
- Feta cheese: Crumbled feta brings creamy texture and irresistible tangy-salty notes—don’t skimp on the good stuff here!
- Olive oil: Choose a fruity, extra-virgin olive oil if you can—it’s the backbone of your simple dressing and brings everything together.
- Red wine vinegar: Just a splash brightens the whole salad and balances the richness of the cheese and oil.
- Dried oregano: A pinch of Mediterranean magic! Oregano brings a gentle herbal warmth that pairs just right with cucumber and feta.
- Salt and pepper: As always, season to taste—just enough to make the flavors pop without overwhelming the freshness.
Variations
One of my favorite things about Cucumber Feta Salad is how endlessly adaptable it is! Don’t be afraid to mix things up depending on what’s fresh in your kitchen or what flavors you’re craving—you can put your own delicious spin on it any day.
- Add cherry tomatoes: Halved cherry or grape tomatoes offer juicy sweetness and beautiful pops of color.
- Make it Mediterranean: Toss in a handful of Kalamata olives or sliced roasted red peppers for a briny, savory lift.
- Go herb crazy: Chop in fresh dill, parsley, or mint for a garden-fresh, aromatic boost.
- Try a different cheese: Crumbled goat cheese or even shaved parmesan works if you want a twist on tradition.
How to Make Cucumber Feta Salad
Step 1: Chop the cucumbers
Start by slicing your cucumber (or mini cucumbers) into bite-sized pieces. I love leaving the skin on for both crunch and vibrant color, but if you prefer a milder flavor, you can peel them. Place the chopped cucumbers in a large mixing bowl—the bigger, the better for tossing!
Step 2: Add the onion and feta
Thinly slice half a red onion and crumble the feta cheese. Scatter both over your bed of cucumbers. The onion’s sweet crunch and feta’s tangy creaminess make every forkful pop with flavor!
Step 3: Mix up the dressing
Drizzle the olive oil and red wine vinegar over the salad, then sprinkle with dried oregano, plus a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Don’t forget: a quality olive oil really does shine in a simple salad like this.
Step 4: Toss and taste
Gently toss everything together—use big serving spoons or even your (clean!) hands to combine. Taste and adjust the salt, pepper, or vinegar if needed. You want a balance of creamy, crisp, tangy, and savory in each bite.
Pro Tips for Making Cucumber Feta Salad
- Pick the Right Cucumber: English or Persian cucumbers are perfect because they’re crisp and virtually seedless—this keeps the salad extra crunchy and never watery.
- Chill Before Serving: A quick stint in the fridge (even just 15 minutes) helps all the flavors meld and makes this salad even more refreshing.
- Don’t Over-Toss: Be gentle as you mix so the feta stays in tasty crumbles and the cucumber doesn’t get bruised—just a few turns is all you need.
- Dress It Just Before Serving: For the crispiest texture, add the dressing right before you’re ready to eat—this stops the cucumbers from sitting in liquid too long.
How to Serve Cucumber Feta Salad
Garnishes
Finish your Cucumber Feta Salad with a sprinkle of extra crumbled feta, a pinch of freshly ground black pepper, or a few leaves of fresh dill or mint—these simple garnishes boost the flavor and make the dish look absolutely irresistible.
Side Dishes
This bright salad is a match made in heaven with grilled chicken, salmon, or simple roast veggies. It’s excellent as part of a mezze spread, or even tucked into wraps and pitas for a light, effortless meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, layer the salad in mason jars for meal prep, serve it atop toasted sourdough for a savory snack, or scoop individual portions into lettuce cups as pretty appetizers at your next gathering.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Cucumber Feta Salad keeps well covered in the fridge for up to two days. The cucumbers will start to soften as they chill but the flavors develop nicely—just give it a quick toss before serving again!
Freezing
Sadly, this fresh salad really isn’t suited for freezing—the crisp veggies and creamy cheese lose their character once thawed. For best taste and texture, enjoy it soon after making.
Reheating
No reheating required (or recommended)! Cucumber Feta Salad is best enjoyed chilled or at cool room temperature, so just grab a fork and dig in straight from the fridge.
FAQs
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Can I make Cucumber Feta Salad ahead for a party?
Absolutely! You can prep the cucumbers, onions, and feta a few hours ahead and keep them separate. Toss them with the dressing just before serving for maximum crunch and freshness.
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What type of feta is best for this salad?
Look for authentic Greek block feta stored in brine—it stays creamier and tangier than pre-crumbled versions, which can be a bit dry. Crumble it by hand for the best texture.
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How do I keep cucumber salad from getting soggy?
For extra insurance, you can lightly salt the chopped cucumbers and let them drain in a colander for 10–15 minutes. This removes excess water and keeps your salad crisp!
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Is Cucumber Feta Salad gluten-free or keto friendly?
Yes! This salad is naturally gluten-free and low in carbs, making it a colorful, flavorful option for gluten-free or keto eaters—just double-check your feta and seasonings, as always.
Final Thoughts
I can’t tell you how often this Cucumber Feta Salad saves my mealtime—whether as a simple lunch, a refreshing side, or something to impress my friends. I hope you’ll give it a try and let it bring a burst of freshness and joy to your table, too!
PrintCucumber Feta Salad Recipe
This refreshing Cucumber Feta Salad is a perfect blend of crisp cucumbers, tangy feta cheese, and a zesty vinaigrette. It’s a quick and easy side dish that pairs well with any meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Cucumber Feta Salad:
- 1 large cucumber (or about 6 mini cucumbers), chopped into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 red onion, sliced
- 1/4 cup feta, 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.
- Add all ingredients to a bowl.
- Toss the salad.
Prepare the cucumbers by chopping them into bite-sized pieces.
Place the chopped cucumbers in a bowl and add the red onion, feta, olive oil, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, salt, and pepper.
Gently toss all the ingredients together to ensure the salad is well mixed. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
Notes
- Metric ingredient measurements are provided as a courtesy using a third-party calculator and are rounded to the nearest unit.
- The recipes provided on this site have not been tested with metric measurements, and their accuracy cannot be verified.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
