Greek Cucumber Tomato And Feta Salad Recipe

Hey there! Today, I’m diving into a vibrant medley of flavors with a refreshing twist, and trust me, this salad is about to become your new go-to for those laid-back summer picnics or last-minute potlucks.

I adore making this colorful salad of cucumber, tomato, and feta in the Greek style. Here, sun-kissed cherry tomatoes and cool, crisp cucumbers meet the sassy crunch of red onion and Kalamata olives.

These simple ingredients burst with flavor, and I think their deliciousness is only enhanced by a handful of feta crumbles and a drizzle of olive oil.

Ingredients

• Cherry tomatoes: Bursting with antioxidants and vitamin C, they add a sweet-tart flavor.
• Cucumber: Hydrating and low in calories, it provides a refreshing crunch.
• Red onion: Adds a pungent kick and is rich in vitamin C.
• Kalamata olives: Infused with healthy fats, they enhance the Mediterranean flavor.
• Feta cheese: Creamy and salty, offering calcium and protein.
• Extra-virgin olive oil: Heart-healthy with essential fatty acids.
• Red wine vinegar: Tangy and low-cal, aids in a balanced dressing.
• Oregano: Aromatic herb delivering antioxidants and flavor depth.

Ingredient Quantities

• 2 cups of cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 large cucumber, diced
• 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup of Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
• 1 cup of feta cheese, crumbled
• 2 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon of red wine vinegar
• 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon of fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

How to Make this

1. In a mixing bowl of generous size, mix together the cherry tomatoes, which you’ve halved, the cucumber, which you’ve diced, and the red onion, which you’ve sliced.

2. Place the bowl in front of you and open the can of Kalamata olives. Add the olives to the bowl.

3. Combine the olives and vegetables in a large bowl. Toss them together slowly to avoid breaking any of the ingredients. The goal is to mix them until they are combined—but not until they’re disintegrated or mushy.

4. Crumble the cheese feta over the top of the salad.

5. Combine the olive oil, red wine vinegar, and dried oregano in a small bowl or jar. Whisk them together.

6. Place the dressing onto the salad mixture.

7. Sprinkle with salt and pepper, according to your taste.

8. Lightly mix the salad again to make sure the creamy dressing and fresh cheese are evenly spread throughout the salad.

9. If one is using fresh parsley, chopped, it can be dispersed over the salad as a garnish. It adds zest to the dish.

10. You can either serve this dish as soon as it is ready or allow it to chill in the refrigerator for about 15-30 minutes so that the flavors can meld together. Either way, it is immediately enjoyable!

Equipment Needed

1. Large mixing bowl
2. Small bowl or jar
3. Knife
4. Cutting board
5. Can opener
6. Whisk
7. Measuring spoons
8. Serving spoon or salad tongs

FAQ

• Can I use regular tomatoes instead of cherry tomatoes?Certainly, any type of ripe tomato can be used. Just be sure to cut them into pieces that are the right size to fit in your mouth.
• What can I substitute for Kalamata olives?In the absence of Kalamata olives, you may substitute any kind of black or green olives you like.
• Is there a vegan alternative for feta cheese?You can, without a doubt, use a cheese alternative that is feta-style and free of dairy, or even tofu that has been seasoned with lemon juice and salt, to achieve the same kind of flavor profile as feta.
• Can I make this salad ahead of time?You can prepare it and put it in the refrigerator a few hours before you eat it; just add the olives and the dressing right before serving so it stays crunchy.
• How can I make this salad more filling?Think about including some grilled chicken, chickpeas, or quinoa to render it more significant as a meal.
• Is fresh oregano an acceptable substitute for dried oregano?It is permissible to substitute fresh oregano for dried, but one should use about three times the amount, since fresh herbs are milder.

Greek Cucumber Tomato And Feta Salad Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Grape tomatoes or diced Roma tomatoes can be used instead of cur cherry tomatoes.
Cucumber: For a comparable texture, use English or Persian cucumbers.
Shallots or sweet onion can stand in for red onion, providing a much milder taste with just a hint of the sweetness that red onion adds.
Kalamata olives: Replace with black or green olives, such as Castelvetrano.
Feta cheese. Use goat cheese or ricotta salata as an alternative.

Pro Tips

1. Enhance Flavor with Marinated Onions Before adding the red onion to the salad, marinate the slices in a little red wine vinegar for about 10 minutes. This can take away some of the raw sharpness and add extra flavor.

2. Use Fresh Herbs If possible, add a mix of fresh herbs like dill or mint along with parsley. Fresh herbs can elevate the flavors and add a refreshing element to the salad.

3. Toast the Feta For a different texture, lightly toast the crumbled feta in a skillet until it’s golden brown before adding it to the salad. This adds a nice crunch and deeper flavor.

4. Chill Your Ingredients Keep your vegetables and feta cheese chilled until just before preparation. This ensures the salad is refreshing and crisp when served.

5. Customize the Dressing Consider adding a touch of honey or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to the dressing for a slight sweetness and acidity balance, enhancing the overall taste of the salad.