Cucumber Feta Salad | Easy Summer Salad Recipe
Cucumber Feta Salad is a fresh and easy summer favorite. It’s cool, crunchy, and super quick to make. Perfect for hot days, family BBQs, or quick lunches. The juicy cucumbers and creamy feta cheese go great together. Add some lemon and herbs for extra flavor. This salad is healthy, refreshing, and delicious.
Ingredients
Crunchy cucumbers make a great base. Creamy feta gives a salty, tangy flavor. Red onions add sharpness and bold taste. Lemon juice brings brightness and balance. Fresh herbs make every bite fresh. Olive oil ties everything together perfectly.
- 2 large cucumbers, sliced
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
- ¼ red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill or parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
Nutritional Information
Cucumber has lots of water and fiber. Feta adds calcium and tasty protein. Olive oil gives healthy fats your body needs. This salad is low in calories too. Fresh herbs help with digestion naturally. It’s perfect for a light, healthy meal.
- Calories: 180
- Protein: 4g
- Fat: 14g
- Carbs: 8g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 290mg
Quick Time Needed
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
How to Make Cucumber Feta Salad
This salad needs just a few steps. Chop your veggies nicely and evenly. Mix them gently in a large bowl. Add feta, herbs, and lemon dressing. Let it chill before you serve. Now it’s ready for your plate.
Step 1: Slice Your Cucumbers and Onions
Peel cucumbers if you want to. Slice them thinly for the best texture. Slice the red onion super thin. This helps soften the sharp onion flavor. Put them together in a big bowl. Keep it cool while prepping others.
Step 2: Add Feta and Fresh Herbs
Crumble the feta cheese by hand. Add chopped dill or parsley for taste. This adds color and fresh bite. Don’t mix yet, wait for dressing. You want every piece to stay whole. This keeps the salad looking nice.
Step 3: Make the Dressing
Mix olive oil, lemon, salt, and pepper. You can add garlic if you like. Whisk well until it’s fully blended. Pour gently over your salad mix. Don’t over-dress, just a light coating. Too much dressing can overpower flavor.
Step 4: Toss and Chill
Gently toss all salad ingredients together. Be careful not to break cucumbers. Toss from the bottom up slowly. Cover and chill for 10–15 minutes. This helps all flavors come together. Serve cold and enjoy every bite.
Tasty Ways to Serve It
Cucumber Feta Salad goes well with many meals. You can serve it alongside grilled chicken, fish, or even lamb. It also tastes great stuffed into a pita or served with crispy pita chips for a fun lunch idea. If you’re making rice bowls or wraps, this salad adds a fresh and tangy touch. It’s perfect for summer barbecues, light dinners, or picnics in the park. Whether as a side or snack, it adds color and flavor to your plate.
Storing Suggestions
To keep your cucumber feta salad fresh, store it in a tightly sealed container in the refrigerator. It’s best eaten within one or two days, as the cucumbers can get soggy if kept too long. If you’re planning to eat it later, try storing the dressing separately and mixing it in just before serving. This keeps the vegetables crisp and the flavor fresh. Freezing is not a good option because the texture will turn soft and watery. Always serve the salad cold for the best taste and crunch.
Healthy Alternatives to Try
If you want to make this salad even healthier, there are many easy swaps. Try using low-fat feta cheese to cut back on calories. Greek yogurt can be a creamy and healthy substitute for olive oil in the dressing. Adding cherry tomatoes or chickpeas will boost the nutrients and flavor. You can also switch out herbs—use mint instead of parsley or dill for a different taste. If you want a hint of sweetness, squeeze in a little orange juice. These changes can help make the salad fit your personal preferences or dietary needs.
Kid-Friendly Salad Tips
Making this salad kid-friendly is simple and fun. Start by slicing cucumbers into small or cute shapes to make them more appealing. Use a mild feta or leave it out if your child doesn’t like strong cheese. Some kids don’t enjoy onions, so you can skip them or use just a little. Add sweet bell peppers or corn to make it crunchier and sweeter. Let kids help by choosing the herbs or tossing the salad. Serving it with pita chips as a dip can also make it more fun for them to eat.
Chef’s Special Tips
To make the best cucumber feta salad, start with fresh, high-quality ingredients. Persian or English cucumbers work best because they’re extra crisp and don’t need to be peeled. Always crumble the feta fresh instead of buying it pre-crumbled; it tastes much better. Chill the salad for 10 to 15 minutes before serving so the flavors come together. Don’t add too much dressing; keep it light so the veggies stay crisp. For a twist, add lemon zest or a splash of red wine vinegar for extra brightness and depth.
Conclusion
Cucumber Feta Salad is fresh, flavorful, and incredibly simple to make. With crunchy cucumbers, creamy feta, and a zesty dressing, it’s a summer staple that’s both healthy and satisfying. Whether you serve it as a side dish, a light lunch, or part of a picnic spread, this salad brings brightness to every bite. It’s easy to customize, kid-friendly, and perfect for meal prep too.
Ready to taste the freshness? Try this easy cucumber feta salad today and share it with friends or family. Don’t forget to leave a comment or tag us on social media with your delicious version.