Imagine a refreshing explosion of flavors that transports you straight to the sun-drenched shores of Greece with just one bite! This Cucumber Tomato and Feta Salad is not just a side dish – it's a culinary journey that combines crisp vegetables, tangy cheese, and a zesty dressing that will revolutionize your summer eating experience. Whether you're looking for a quick lunch, a stunning side dish, or a healthy appetizer that screams gourmet, this recipe is about to become your new obsession!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 10 mins
Cuisine: Greek
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cucumbers, diced
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup red onion, diced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing your ingredients. Wash the cucumbers and cherry tomatoes thoroughly under cold water. Pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel.
- Dice the cucumbers into bite-sized pieces. You can peel them if you prefer a milder flavor or leave the skin on for added texture and nutrients.
- Cut the cherry tomatoes in half. This will help them release their juices and blend well with the other ingredients.
- Finely dice the red onion. If you find raw onion too strong, you can soak the diced onion in cold water for a few minutes to mellow its flavor.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced cucumbers, halved cherry tomatoes, crumbled feta cheese, and diced red onion.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil and red wine vinegar until well combined. This will be your dressing.
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad mixture. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Be cautious with the salt, as feta cheese is already salty.
- Gently toss the salad with a large spoon or spatula until all ingredients are well coated with the dressing.
- Let the salad sit for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. This can enhance the overall taste of the dish.
- Serve the salad chilled or at room temperature. It makes a perfect side dish for grilled meats or can be enjoyed as a light meal on its own.
Tips
- Ingredient Temperature Matters: For the most vibrant flavors, use room temperature tomatoes and slightly chilled cucumbers.
- Feta Freshness: Choose high-quality, authentic Greek feta cheese for the most authentic taste. Opt for sheep's milk feta if possible.
- Cutting Technique: Dice your vegetables uniformly to ensure each bite has a perfect balance of ingredients.
- Dressing Hack: Let the salad sit for 10-15 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together and intensify.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: This salad tastes even better after chilling in the refrigerator for an hour, making it perfect for meal prep or potlucks.
- Customization Options: Feel free to add fresh herbs like mint or basil for an extra layer of flavor, or sprinkle some oregano for a more traditional Greek touch.
- Storage Tip: If you have leftovers, keep the dressing separate and add it just before serving to prevent the salad from becoming watery.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 125kcal
Carbohydrates: 7g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 20mg
