Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This salad is incredibly refreshing, making it perfect for a summer meal or whenever you crave something light and flavorful. The cucumbers provide a satisfying crunch, while the creamy feta cheese adds a rich, salty contrast. Fresh dill and parsley bring an herbal brightness, and the optional add-ins like cherry tomatoes and kalamata olives enhance the Mediterranean flavors. The homemade lemon Greek vinaigrette ties everything together, offering a tangy citrus kick that brings the entire dish to life. It’s quick to make, healthy, and incredibly versatile!

Ingredients

For the Salad:
4 large organic Persian cucumbers, sliced
½ small red onion, thinly sliced
1 cup feta cheese (blocks or crumbled)
½ tbsp fresh dill, chopped
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

Optional Add-Ins:
½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
¼ cup kalamata olives, sliced

For the Lemon Greek Vinaigrette:
3 tbsp fresh lemon juice (or 2-3 lemons)
¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
½ tsp dried oregano
¼ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

  1. In a large bowl, combine the sliced cucumbers, red onion, feta cheese, dill, and parsley. If you’re using the optional add-ins, add the halved cherry tomatoes and sliced kalamata olives.
  2. In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the fresh lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper until the dressing is well combined.
  3. Drizzle the lemon Greek vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently to combine. Adjust the seasoning to taste, adding more salt or pepper if needed.
  4. Serve immediately, or let the salad sit for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Enjoy!

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4
Total Time: 10 minutes
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes

Variations

  • Add Protein: For a more filling meal, add grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas to the salad.
  • Use Different Cheese: If you’re not a fan of feta, try using goat cheese or a mild mozzarella for a different twist.
  • More Veggies: You can add other crunchy veggies like bell peppers, radishes, or carrots for extra color and texture.
  • Make it Spicy: Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño to the vinaigrette for a little heat.

Storage/Reheating

  • Storage: This salad is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. The cucumbers may release some water, so you may want to drain any excess liquid before serving.
  • Reheating: This salad is served cold, so no reheating is necessary. Just give it a quick toss before serving.

FAQs

1. Can I use regular cucumbers instead of Persian cucumbers?

Yes, you can use regular cucumbers, but Persian cucumbers tend to be sweeter and have fewer seeds, which makes them ideal for salads.

2. Can I use store-bought vinaigrette instead of homemade?

Yes, you can use a store-bought Greek vinaigrette, but the homemade version adds a fresher, more vibrant flavor to the salad.

3. Can I make this salad ahead of time?

You can prepare the salad in advance, but it’s best to add the dressing just before serving to keep the cucumbers crisp and fresh.

4. Can I use dried dill instead of fresh dill?

While fresh dill offers a brighter flavor, you can use dried dill in a pinch. Use about 1 tsp of dried dill instead of the fresh.

5. Can I add different kinds of olives to the salad?

Yes, you can substitute kalamata olives with green olives or any other variety of olives you prefer.

6. Is this salad gluten-free?

Yes, this cucumber feta salad is naturally gluten-free, making it a great option for those with dietary restrictions.

7. Can I substitute lemon juice with vinegar?

You can substitute lemon juice with white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar for a tangier taste, but lemon juice gives it the signature citrusy flavor of a Greek salad.

8. Can I use crumbled feta instead of blocks?

Yes, you can use crumbled feta, but blocks of feta tend to have a firmer texture and a more pronounced flavor. If you prefer crumbled, it will work just as well.

9. Can I add more herbs to the salad?

Absolutely! Feel free to add other herbs like mint or basil for a fresh twist.

10. How can I make this salad vegan?

To make this salad vegan, simply omit the feta cheese or substitute it with a vegan feta alternative.

Conclusion

This Cucumber Feta Salad with Lemon Greek Vinaigrette is a bright, flavorful dish that’s quick and easy to make. The crisp cucumbers, creamy feta, and herby lemon vinaigrette are a delightful combination that works as a side dish or a light meal. With customizable add-ins and options, it’s a versatile recipe that can be enjoyed in countless ways. Refreshing and healthy, this salad is sure to become a go-to favorite for any occasion!

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Cucumber Feta Salad with Lemon Greek Vinaigrette

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This Cucumber Feta Salad with Lemon Greek Vinaigrette is a refreshing and light dish that combines crisp cucumbers, tangy feta, and vibrant herbs, all tossed in a zesty homemade lemon vinaigrette. Perfect for a healthy side dish or light meal, this salad is easy to prepare and full of Mediterranean flavors.

  • Author: Julia
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 10 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Salad, Side Dish
  • Method: No-cook
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean, Greek
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

For the Salad:

4 large organic Persian cucumbers, sliced

½ small red onion, thinly sliced

1 cup feta cheese (blocks or crumbled)

½ tbsp fresh dill, chopped

2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

Optional Add-Ins:

½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved

¼ cup kalamata olives, sliced

For the Lemon Greek Vinaigrette:

3 tbsp fresh lemon juice (or 23 lemons)

¼ cup extra virgin olive oil

½ tsp dried oregano

¼ tsp salt

¼ tsp black pepper

Instructions

  • Prepare the salad: In a large bowl, combine the sliced cucumbers, red onion, feta cheese, dill, and parsley. If you’re using the optional add-ins, add the halved cherry tomatoes and sliced kalamata olives.

  • Make the vinaigrette: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the fresh lemon juice, olive oil, oregano, salt, and black pepper until the dressing is well combined.

  • Assemble the salad: Drizzle the vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently to combine. Adjust seasoning to taste, adding more salt or pepper if needed.

  • Serve: Serve immediately, or let it sit for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

Notes

Add protein like grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas for a more filling meal.

Use goat cheese or mozzarella instead of feta for a different flavor.

Spice it up with red pepper flakes or jalapeños in the vinaigrette.

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