Cucumber Feta Salad

This Cucumber Feta Salad is a refreshing dish that brings together vibrant flavors and nutrients. Perfect for summer barbecues, picnics, or as a light lunch, this salad combines crunchy cucumbers, creamy feta cheese, and a zesty dressing. The best part? It’s quick to prepare and can easily be tailored to suit your taste!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: This salad comes together in just 20 minutes, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights.
• Flavorful Combo: The blend of cucumber, avocado, and feta creates a delightful mix of textures and tastes.
• Versatile Dish: Enjoy it as a side dish or make it the main event by adding protein like grilled chicken or chickpeas.
• Nutritious Option: Packed with fresh veggies and healthy fats, this salad offers a nutritious boost without sacrificing flavor.
• Great for Gatherings: A perfect addition to potlucks or parties that everyone will love.

Tools and Preparation

To whip up this Cucumber Feta Salad, you’ll need a few essential tools. Having the right equipment makes preparation easier and more efficient.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Small mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Spoon

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing Bowl: A large bowl allows you to combine all ingredients without spilling.
• Whisk: Use this tool to ensure your dressing is well blended for maximum flavor.
• Knife: A sharp knife makes slicing the cucumbers and dicing the avocado quick and easy.

Ingredients

This Cucumber Feta Salad is full of fresh flavor and nutrients and is absolutely delicious! Crunchy veggies, creamy feta, and a tangy dressing combine in minutes for a tasty salad you can enjoy as a side dish or main course.

For the Salad

• 1 long English cucumber, sliced into half moons (roughly 4 cups)
• 1 small avocado, diced
• 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
• 4 oz feta cheese, crumbled
• 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill

For the Dressing

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon red apple vinegar
• 1 clove garlic, finely minced
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For Garnish

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

How to Make Cucumber Feta Salad

Step 1: Mix the Salad Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, combine the following:
– Cucumbers
– Avocado
– Feta cheese
– Red onion
– Parsley

Gently toss these ingredients together to distribute them evenly.

Step 2: Prepare the Dressing

In a small mixing bowl, whisk together:
– Olive oil
– Lemon juice
– Red apple vinegar
– Garlic
– Dried oregano
– Kosher salt
– Black pepper

Continue whisking until all components are well combined.

Step 3: Combine Everything Together

Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients. Use a spoon to gently mix everything until it’s well coated with dressing.

Step 4: Taste and Adjust Seasoning

Give your salad a taste. If needed, adjust the seasoning with more salt or pepper to suit your preference. Serve chilled or at room temperature for optimal enjoyment!

How to Serve Cucumber Feta Salad

Cucumber Feta Salad is refreshing and versatile, making it perfect for various occasions. Here are some creative ways to serve this delightful salad.

As a Light Lunch

• Pair with grilled chicken or shrimp for a nutritious meal.
• Add quinoa or couscous to make it more filling.

At Barbecues

• Serve as a side dish alongside grilled meats.
• Offer it in small cups for easy serving and enjoyment.

For Potlucks

• Bring it in a large bowl for sharing.
• Add a sprinkle of extra feta on top for presentation.

With Pita Bread

• Enjoy the salad with warm pita bread or chips.
• Use it as a dip by spooning it onto the bread.

As an Appetizer

• Serve in individual cups as a starter before dinner.
• Garnish with additional herbs for an elegant touch.

How to Perfect Cucumber Feta Salad

To ensure your Cucumber Feta Salad is always delicious, consider these helpful tips.

• Choose fresh ingredients: Use the freshest cucumbers and herbs you can find for the best flavor.
• Customize the dressing: Feel free to adjust lemon juice or vinegar levels based on your taste preference.
• Let it chill: Refrigerate the salad for 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld together.
• Add crunch: Toss in some toasted nuts or seeds for added texture and nutrition.
• Season properly: Always taste before serving; adjust salt and pepper as needed.
• Experiment with cheeses: Try using goat cheese or even feta marinated in herbs for a different twist.

Best Side Dishes for Cucumber Feta Salad

Cucumber Feta Salad pairs wonderfully with various side dishes. Here are some great options to complement your meal.

1. Grilled Chicken Skewers: Juicy skewers marinated in lemon and herbs enhance the fresh flavors of the salad.
2. Roasted Vegetables: A mix of seasonal veggies adds depth and color, making your plate more appealing.
3. Hummus and Pita Chips: Creamy hummus offers a rich contrast, perfect alongside crunchy pita chips.
4. Quinoa Pilaf: A light quinoa mix with herbs provides a hearty yet healthy option that works well with the salad.
5. Stuffed Peppers: Colorful peppers filled with rice, beans, or meat create an exciting presentation on your table.
6. Tzatziki Sauce: This creamy yogurt-based sauce pairs well with both the salad and grilled meats, enhancing the Greek-inspired theme.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Cucumber Feta Salad, it’s easy to overlook some important details. Here are common mistakes to steer clear of:

• Using stale ingredients: Fresh vegetables make a big difference in flavor. Always choose ripe cucumbers and fresh herbs for the best taste.
• Skipping the dressing: A good dressing ties the salad together. Don’t skip or skimp on the dressing; it enhances the overall flavor of your Cucumber Feta Salad.
• Overmixing the salad: Gently toss the ingredients to avoid mushy veggies. Overmixing can break down the cucumbers and avocado, ruining their crisp texture.
• Ignoring seasoning adjustments: Taste your salad before serving. Adjusting salt, pepper, or acidity can elevate your dish significantly.
• Making it too early: This salad is best served fresh. If made too far in advance, the cucumbers release water, leading to a soggy salad.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Keep salad undressed for maximum freshness.

Freezing Cucumber Feta Salad

• Not recommended: Freezing can change the texture of cucumbers and avocado, making them mushy when thawed.

Reheating Cucumber Feta Salad

• Oven: Not ideal for this salad, but if needed, bake at a low temperature just to warm slightly without cooking it.
• Microwave: Heat on low power for short intervals, stirring gently to avoid cooking.
• Stovetop: Warm over low heat while stirring lightly. Ensure not to overcook as it can ruin the salad’s fresh crunch.

Frequently Asked Questions

What variations can I make to Cucumber Feta Salad?

You can customize this Cucumber Feta Salad by adding other vegetables like bell peppers or cherry tomatoes. Nuts or seeds also add great texture!

How long does Cucumber Feta Salad last?

If stored properly in the refrigerator, this salad lasts up to 3 days. However, consume it within a day for optimal freshness.

Can I use other cheeses instead of feta?

Yes! You can substitute feta with goat cheese or even mozzarella for a different flavor profile in your Cucumber Feta Salad.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! Just prepare the ingredients ahead of time and mix them together with dressing right before serving.

Final Thoughts

This Cucumber Feta Salad is not only refreshing but also versatile enough to suit various occasions. Whether as a light lunch or a side at dinner, it’s sure to please everyone at your table. Feel free to customize it with your favorite veggies or proteins! Enjoy experimenting with flavors!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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Cucumber Feta Salad

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• Author: Jennifer
• Total Time: 0 hours
• Yield: Serves 4

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Description

This Cucumber Feta Salad is a refreshing and vibrant dish perfect for summer gatherings, light lunches, or picnics. Combining crunchy cucumbers, creamy feta cheese, and a zesty dressing, this salad is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. It takes just 20 minutes to prepare, making it an ideal option for busy days. Versatile enough to be served as a side or enhanced with proteins like grilled chicken or chickpeas, this salad is sure to become a favorite at your table. Enjoy the delightful mix of flavors and textures as you savor each bite!

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 long English cucumber (sliced)
• 1 small avocado (diced)
• 1/2 red onion (thinly sliced)
• 4 oz feta cheese (crumbled)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon red apple vinegar
• 1 clove garlic (minced)
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine sliced cucumber, diced avocado, crumbled feta cheese, thinly sliced red onion, and chopped parsley. Gently toss to mix.
2. In a separate small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, red apple vinegar, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
3. Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and gently stir until everything is evenly coated.
4. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary before serving chilled or at room temperature.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: None
• Category: Salad
• Method: Mixing
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (150g)
• Calories: 180
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 300mg
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Fiber: 5g
• Protein: 4g
• Cholesterol: 10mg