Cucumber Salad with Feta Recipe

If you’re looking for a bright and refreshing dish that captures the essence of summer, Cucumber Salad with Feta is about to become your new go-to. The crisp cucumbers, creamy feta, and fragrant dill all mingle together in a simple vinaigrette that tastes like a trip to the Mediterranean. It’s quick to make, bursting with flavor and color, and honestly impossible to resist. Whether you want a light lunch, a side for grilled meats, or an easy potluck favorite, this salad will charm everyone at the table.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Cucumber Salad with Feta plays a starring role, from creating irresistible crunch to providing pops of creamy, salty contrast. Let’s take a closer look at what you’ll need and how each component brings something special to the bowl.

• Cucumbers: Use large English or Persian cucumbers for extra crispness and minimal seeds, ensuring a refreshing, hydrating crunch with every bite.
• Red Onion: Thinly sliced red onion adds a beautiful color contrast and gentle spicy-sweetness that balances the salad’s cool flavors.
• Feta Cheese: Crumbled feta brings that irresistible creamy, tangy bite—it’s a Mediterranean classic and the heart of this salad’s decadence.
• Fresh Dill: There’s nothing like dill for injecting fresh, herbaceous notes that perfectly complement the cucumbers and feta.
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Go for a good-quality olive oil, as it forms the luxurious base of your tangy dressing and softens the flavors beautifully.
• Red Wine Vinegar: This vinegar gives just the right zing to the salad, brightening and amplifying every other flavor—white wine vinegar works too, if needed.
• Lemon Juice: Just a touch enhances the freshness and brings all the flavors into sharp, delicious focus.
• Salt: A pinch is all you need to make the cucumbers pop and to balance the cheese’s saltiness.
• Freshly Ground Black Pepper: Adds a touch of warmth and spice, rounding out the vinaigrette.

How to Make Cucumber Salad with Feta

Step 1: Prep the Veggies

Start by thinly slicing your cucumbers and red onion. If you’re using English or Persian cucumbers, there’s no need to peel them—the skin is tender and loaded with nutrients. Lay the sliced veggies in a large mixing bowl so they’re ready to soak up the flavors.

Step 2: Add Dill and Feta

Sprinkle the chopped fresh dill and crumbled feta cheese over the cucumbers and onion. The dill delivers a garden-fresh aroma while the feta gives you creamy, salty nibbles in every forkful. Stir gently so you don’t break up the cheese too much.

Step 3: Whisk the Dressing

In a separate small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, salt, and freshly ground black pepper until you have a silky, well-combined dressing. This simple mix is what ties the whole Cucumber Salad with Feta together, infusing every bite with bright, tangy flavor.

Step 4: Combine and Toss

Pour the dressing evenly over the cucumber mixture. Using salad tongs or two big spoons, gently toss everything together. Be delicate so your feta remains in nice crumbly chunks. You want the dressing to coat every piece without making things mushy.

Step 5: Let It Rest

For the best flavor, let your prepared Cucumber Salad with Feta sit for at least 10 minutes. This quick rest allows all the flavors to meld together, turning individual ingredients into something truly magical. Serve chilled or at room temperature for ultimate enjoyment.

How to Serve Cucumber Salad with Feta

Garnishes

Sprinkle a little more fresh dill or a dusting of extra feta on top just before serving. A squeeze of lemon or a crack of black pepper can jazz up the presentation and deepen the flavors. For color, add a few thinly sliced radishes or a sprinkle of sumac if you have it on hand.

Side Dishes

This salad is a sensational companion to grilled chicken, lamb kebabs, or baked fish. Pair it with warm pita or a simple herby rice pilaf to round out the meal. It also loves sharing the table with other Mediterranean standbys like hummus, olives, or baked falafel.

Creative Ways to Present

For eye-catching parties, serve Cucumber Salad with Feta in individual cups or small jars for a portable starter. You can even layer it into mason jars for easy picnic takealongs. For lunch, pile the salad onto a bed of arugula or use it as a filling in a pita wrap with grilled chicken. Its versatility is one of the best parts!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, store your Cucumber Salad with Feta in an airtight container in the fridge. It’s best enjoyed within 1–2 days, as the cucumbers can release extra liquid over time, but a quick toss before serving freshens things right up.

Freezing

I wouldn’t recommend freezing this salad, my friend—cucumbers turn watery and lose their signature crunch once thawed. Feta also changes texture after freezing, so stick with making this dish fresh for the best results.

Reheating

This salad is meant to be savored cold or at room temperature, so no reheating needed! If you’d like to bring it up to room temp, just let it sit out for a few minutes before serving. Give it a gentle toss to redistribute the dressing and enjoy.

FAQs

Can I use a different herb instead of dill?

Absolutely! While dill gives this Cucumber Salad with Feta its classic flavor, fresh mint or parsley can step in for a different (but still delicious) twist. Just remember to chop the herbs finely for the best distribution of flavor.

Is it necessary to salt the cucumbers first?

No, you don’t have to pre-salt the cucumbers for this recipe, though some people do it to extract excess water and keep things crispier. If your cucumbers are particularly watery, you can toss them with a pinch of salt and let them drain for 10 minutes before assembling the salad.

Can I make Cucumber Salad with Feta ahead of time?

You can prep all the ingredients and whisk your dressing in advance, but for the freshest bite, toss everything together just an hour or less before serving. The salad benefits from a short rest, but it’s best not to let it sit overnight due to cucumber moisture.

What kind of feta works best?

Look for block feta in brine—it tends to be creamier and more flavorful than the pre-crumbled kind. Simply crumble it yourself for bigger, juicier pieces. Greek or French feta both work well in this salad, bringing plenty of salty tang.

Can I add extra veggies to the salad?

Certainly! Thinly sliced radishes, cherry tomatoes, or bell peppers add even more color and crunch. Just keep ratios balanced so the cucumbers and feta still shine as the stars of the dish.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly irresistible about a dish as simple and vibrant as Cucumber Salad with Feta. Do yourself (and your favorite people) a favor and whip up a bowl soon—you’ll see just how easy and satisfying fresh, Mediterranean-inspired flavors can be.

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