This delightful Greek cucumber salad is a burst of Mediterranean sunshine in every bite. It’s light, refreshing, and full of vibrant flavors. Think crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and a zesty, herby dressing.
I find myself making this simple salad all summer long. It’s a perfect side for grilled chicken or a lovely light lunch. My family always asks for seconds, and it disappears fast at potlucks too!
Why I Love This Recipe
Honestly, I just adore this Greek cucumber salad because it’s so darn easy. It comes together super fast, which is a lifesaver on busy weeknights. Plus, the fresh flavors always impress my guests. It’s also incredibly versatile. You can serve it with almost anything. This salad truly tastes like a comforting hug, but a very light one! It is simply perfect for any gathering.
Greek Cucumber Salad Ingredients
There’s something magical about how simple, fresh ingredients come together. They create such a bright and flavorful Greek cucumber salad. Each component plays its part perfectly.
Core Ingredients
- Cucumbers: These are the star of our show. They add that amazing crisp texture.
- Roma Tomatoes: They bring bursts of juicy sweetness. I find their firm flesh perfect here.
- Red Onion: Just a bit of this gives a lovely bite. It adds a wonderful savory zing.
- Olive Oil: This forms the rich base of our dressing. Use a good quality extra virgin oil.
- Lemon Juice: Brightens everything up instantly. It adds that essential citrusy tang.
- Red Wine Vinegar: Offers a deeper, complex flavor. It perfectly balances the lemon.
- Dried Oregano: The classic Mediterranean herb. It really ties all the flavors together.
- Crumbled Feta Cheese: This salty, creamy cheese is a must! It lends a delightful tang.
- Salt and Pepper: Basic seasonings, but so important. They truly make the flavors pop.
- Black Olives: These briny gems add a savory depth. They are totally optional though!
Substitutions and Tips
Don’t be afraid to make this Greek cucumber salad your own! You can easily swap things out. For cucumbers, English cucumbers work great too. No need to peel them, their skin is thin. If you don’t have Roma tomatoes, grape or cherry tomatoes are fine. Even fresh garden tomatoes make it special.
For a punchier flavor, try fresh oregano. A little chopped fresh parsley is wonderful too. Not a fan of olives? Leave them out, no problem! My husband loves them, so I often add them. Remember, exact quantities are in the recipe card below. Happy chopping!
How to Make Greek Cucumber Salad
Making this amazing Greek cucumber salad is super simple. Just follow these easy steps. I promise it’s a breeze. Soon you’ll be enjoying this refreshing dish. It truly comes together quickly.
Preparing Your Fresh Produce
First things first, let’s get our veggies ready. Fresh produce makes all the difference here. Always aim for the freshest possible!
Chopping Cucumbers and Tomatoes
Grab your cucumbers first. For regular ones, I always peel them. Just a quick peel, that’s it. Then, chop them into nice quarter-inch slices. Next, take your Roma tomatoes. Give them a good wash. Then, chop those up too. You want pieces that are easy to fork.
Slicing the Red Onion
Now, for the red onion. Just use half of one. Slice it super thin. This creates a lovely subtle crunch. Place all these chopped veggies into a big bowl. This will be our main salad bowl.
Whisking the Zesty Dressing
This dressing is what makes our Greek cucumber salad sing. It is truly easy to whip up. You’ll love its bright flavors.
Grab a smaller bowl for the dressing. Pour in the olive oil. Add the fresh lemon juice next. Don’t forget the red wine vinegar. Lastly, sprinkle in the dried oregano. Whisk it all together well. You want it nicely combined. This zesty mix is your flavor secret. It creates a perfect Greek dressing.
Combining and Seasoning
Now for the fun part: mixing! It’s exciting to see it come to life. The colors are so vibrant.
Pour your beautiful dressing over the veggies. Gently toss everything. Make sure every piece gets coated. Then, season with salt and pepper. Add it to your taste. I usually start with a little. You can always add more later.
Adding Feta and Olives
Almost there, just a couple more steps. These additions take it to the next level. They add classic Greek flair.
Sprinkle in the crumbled feta cheese. Add your pitted and sliced black olives. Remember, olives are optional. I often leave them out! Gently mix everything again. Taste a little bit of the salad. Adjust the salt and pepper if needed. Maybe a little more lemon? Your call!
Chilling for Optimal Flavor
Lastly, some patience is key. This step is super important. It makes all the difference.
Cover your bowl. Put the Greek cucumber salad in the fridge. Let it chill for at least an hour. Longer is even better. I love making it the night before. This lets the flavors truly meld. They become deep and delicious. Then, just serve it up and enjoy!
How to Store Greek Cucumber Salad
Once you whip up this fabulous Greek cucumber salad, you’ll want to store it right. It keeps beautifully in the fridge. Just pop it into an airtight container. This helps keep all those fresh flavors locked in. It’ll stay good for up to three days. This makes it perfect for meal prepping. Enjoy leftovers for a quick, healthy lunch!
Tips for Success
- Use only the freshest produce available.
- Peel regular cucumbers for a smoother taste.
- Let your salad marinate for richer flavors.
- Taste and adjust seasonings often.
- Don’t be shy with the fresh herbs.
- Cut veggies into uniform sizes for even mixing.
- Consider using a good quality olive oil.
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
- Large mixing bowl: Any big bowl works great.
- Smaller bowl: For whisking your dressing.
- Whisk or fork: To blend the dressing ingredients.
- Cutting board: Essential for safe chopping.
- Sharp knife: Makes prepping veggies a breeze.
- Vegetable peeler: If you’re using standard cucumbers.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve alongside grilled chicken or fish.
- Great with warm pita bread or crunchy crackers.
- Enjoy as a light, refreshing main course.
- Pair with a crisp glass of white wine.
- Garnish with extra fresh parsley for color.
- Perfect for summer barbecues and picnics.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this Greek Cucumber Salad ahead of time?
Absolutely, you can! This Greek cucumber salad actually gets better with a little time. All the flavors have a chance to meld. I often make it the night before. This really lets the dressing soak into the veggies. It truly tastes amazing.
What are the best cucumbers for Greek Cucumber Salad?
I find English cucumbers work wonderfully. Their skin is thin. You don’t even have to peel them! Regular slicing cucumbers are great too. Just remember to peel those. They can have bitter skin. Both types make a fantastic Greek cucumber salad.
How long does Greek Cucumber Salad last in the fridge?
You can store this lovely salad in an airtight container. It will keep well in your fridge for up to three days. The cucumbers might soften a bit. But the flavors will still be delicious. It’s a perfect make-ahead dish.
Can I add other vegetables to my Greek Cucumber Salad?
Oh, definitely! Feel free to customize your Greek cucumber salad. Bell peppers, especially red or yellow, would be a great addition. You could also toss in some chickpeas. This adds extra protein and fiber. Make it your own creation!
Conclusion
And there you have it, friends! This Greek cucumber salad is more than just a recipe. It’s a reminder of simple pleasures. It’s a taste of sunshine, even on a cloudy day. I truly hope you enjoy making it as much as I do. It’s perfect for any occasion, big or small. This salad brings people together. So, go ahead and whip up a batch. Share its fresh goodness with those you love. Embrace the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean. Happy cooking, everyone!
Print
Greek Cucumber Salad
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A refreshing Greek Cucumber Salad featuring crisp cucumbers, ripe tomatoes, red onion, feta cheese, and olives, all tossed in a zesty lemon, olive oil, and red wine vinegar dressing.
Ingredients
- 2 cucumbers, peeled and chopped into 1/4 slices
- 4–6 Roma tomatoes, chopped
- 1/2 of a red onion, sliced
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 1/2 Tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 Tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- Black olives, pitted and sliced (to taste)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine cucumbers, tomatoes, and onions.
- In a smaller bowl, mix the olive oil, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, and dried oregano. Pour over the vegetables and mix well. Season salad with salt and pepper.
- Sprinkle feta cheese and olives over the top of salad and mix. Taste and adjust spices if need be. Refrigerate until ready to eat. Enjoy!
Notes
- Use fresh produce! You will most definitely want to use super fresh cucumbers, tomatoes, and red onion for the best flavor. The fresher and more in-season your veggies are, the better!
- Be sure to peel your cucumbers if using regular cucumbers. If you choose to use English cucumbers, you do not need to peel them because they have a thinner skin that is less bitter.
- What type of tomatoes to use: I like to use roma tomatoes, grape tomatoes, or fresh garden tomatoes in my salad.
- Add some fresh herbs like fresh oregano in the dressing instead of dried, or a bit of chopped fresh parsley sprinkled on top for a finishing touch.
- Olives are optional! If you’re not a fan of olives (like me), feel free to leave them out. Alternatively if you’re an olive-lover (like my husband), use whichever kind you prefer, but I usually just stick with sliced black olives.
- You can definitely make this in a quick pinch for any barbecue or summer get together, but if you let your cucumber greek salad marinate for at least a couple of hours (preferably longer!) the flavors will develop even more. I really like to make it the night before we plan to enjoy it.
- Store your Greek Cucumber Salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.
- Category: Salad
- Method: No Cook
- Cuisine: Greek
