If you’re looking for a dish that screams summer, look no further than this cucumber feta salad! It’s the perfect blend of crisp, refreshing cucumbers and tangy feta cheese that makes it a go-to for those hot days when you just want something light and healthy. Trust me, once you toss this salad together, you’ll be hooked! I love how incredibly easy it is to whip up—a quick chop here and a drizzle of dressing there, and you’re ready to go! Plus, it’s not just a pretty dish; it’s filled with vibrant flavors that’ll have you craving more. Whether you’re hosting a barbecue or just need a quick side for dinner, this cucumber feta salad is always a hit. So grab your veggies, and let’s get started on this delightful summer treat!
Ingredients for Cucumber Feta Salad
Gather these simple, fresh ingredients to make your cucumber feta salad shine:
- 2 cups cucumber, diced
- 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Feel free to adjust the quantities based on your taste or how many guests you’re serving! Each ingredient adds its own unique flavor, and I promise you’ll love how they come together in this refreshing dish.
How to Prepare Cucumber Feta Salad
Preparing this cucumber feta salad is a breeze! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a fresh, vibrant dish ready in no time.
Step 1: Preparing the Cucumbers
First things first, let’s get those cucumbers ready! Give them a good wash under running water to remove any dirt. Then, dice them into bite-sized pieces—about half an inch works perfectly. This size allows them to soak up all the delicious flavors while still providing that satisfying crunch. You’ll want about 2 cups of diced cucumbers for this salad.
Step 2: Combining Ingredients
Now that your cucumbers are prepped, grab a large bowl. Toss in the diced cucumbers, crumbled feta cheese, halved cherry tomatoes, and thinly sliced red onion. I like to gently mix these ingredients together with a spatula, just enough to combine them without mashing anything. Each component brings its own flavor, and you want to keep that freshness intact!
Step 3: Making the Dressing
Next up is the dressing! In a smaller bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 tablespoon of red wine vinegar, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Make sure you whisk it well until it’s nicely emulsified. This step is crucial because you want the flavors to meld together beautifully. Trust me, it makes all the difference!
Step 4: Tossing the Salad
Time to bring it all together! Pour the dressing over your salad mixture and gently toss everything together. Be careful not to break the feta too much—just a light hand will do the trick. You want the dressing to coat every bit of cucumber, tomato, and onion without losing that lovely feta texture.
Step 5: Serving Suggestions
You can serve this salad immediately, and it’s absolutely delicious fresh! However, if you have the time, I recommend chilling it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before serving. This little wait allows the flavors to deepen and really come alive. Either way, you’re in for a treat with this refreshing dish!
Nutritional Information
Understanding the nutritional values of your cucumber feta salad is a great way to appreciate its health benefits! Here’s an estimate based on a serving size of 1 cup:
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
- Sodium: 400mg
These values can vary slightly based on the specific brands and types of ingredients you use, but this gives you a solid idea of what you’re enjoying. This salad is a fantastic way to add fresh veggies to your diet while keeping it light and nutritious!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick preparation: You can whip this salad up in just 15 minutes—perfect for those busy days!
- Fresh ingredients: Every bite is bursting with the crispness of cucumbers and the creaminess of feta.
- Flavorful: The combination of tangy feta, sweet cherry tomatoes, and zesty dressing creates a symphony of taste.
- Healthy: Packed with nutrients, this salad is a guilt-free way to enjoy fresh vegetables.
- Perfect for summer gatherings: Whether it’s a picnic, barbecue, or potluck, this salad is sure to impress your guests!
Tips for Success with Cucumber Feta Salad
Want to elevate your cucumber feta salad to the next level? I’ve got some fantastic tips that will make your salad not just good, but truly unforgettable!
- Use Fresh Herbs: Adding fresh herbs like parsley, dill, or mint can really brighten up the flavors. Just chop them finely and toss them in with the other ingredients!
- Adjust the Seasoning: Don’t be shy! Taste your salad after you mix everything and tweak the seasoning as needed. A little extra salt or a splash more vinegar can make a world of difference.
- Chill Before Serving: While it’s tasty right away, letting the salad chill for at least 30 minutes enhances the flavors. It gives the ingredients time to mingle and develop that delicious, refreshing taste.
- Vary the Vegetables: Feel free to get creative! Add in some diced bell peppers, radishes, or even avocado for extra texture and flavor.
- Use Quality Feta: The quality of your feta cheese can really impact the overall flavor. Look for a good quality block or crumbled feta that’s made from sheep’s milk for a richer taste.
With these tips, you’re sure to impress your friends and family with a cucumber feta salad that’s bursting with flavor and freshness!
Variations of Cucumber Feta Salad
If you’re feeling adventurous and want to switch things up with your cucumber feta salad, you’re in luck! This recipe is super versatile, and there are so many delicious ways to make it your own. Here are some of my favorite variations:
- Olive Medley: Add a handful of sliced black or kalamata olives for a briny kick that pairs beautifully with the feta. It adds depth and an extra layer of flavor!
- Colorful Bell Peppers: Dice up some bell peppers—red, yellow, or orange—and toss them in for a pop of color and a sweet crunch. They add a nice contrast to the crisp cucumbers.
- Herb Explosion: Experiment with different fresh herbs! Basil, mint, or cilantro can give your salad a unique twist. Just chop them finely and mix them in for a fresh burst of flavor.
- Avocado Delight: For a creamier texture, add diced avocado. It not only enhances the richness but also makes the salad super filling and satisfying.
- Spicy Kick: If you like some heat, toss in some diced jalapeños or sprinkle red pepper flakes over the top. It’ll add a delightful spice that contrasts wonderfully with the cool cucumbers.
- Quinoa Boost: Want to turn this salad into a meal? Mix in some cooked quinoa! It adds protein and makes the salad heartier, perfect for a light lunch or dinner.
Feel free to mix and match these ideas to create your perfect cucumber feta salad. The possibilities are endless, and I promise, each variation is just as tasty as the last!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your cucumber feta salad properly is key to keeping it fresh and delicious! If you happen to have any leftovers (which is rare because it’s so good!), simply transfer the salad to an airtight container. It’ll stay fresh in the fridge for about 2-3 days. Just make sure to give it a quick stir before serving, as the dressing may settle at the bottom.
However, I must say, this salad is best enjoyed fresh! The crispness of the cucumbers and the creamy feta really shine when it’s just made. If you can, try to whip it up just before serving to experience all those vibrant flavors at their peak.
As for reheating, there’s no need! This salad is meant to be enjoyed cold, so just pop it back in the fridge and serve it chilled. Trust me, you’ll want to savor every bite just the way it is!
For more healthy salad recipes, you can check out this beet and feta salad or this chicken and broccoli salad.
Z nadrukami
Cucumber Feta Salad: 5 Fresh Reasons to Love It
- Całkowity Czas: 15 minutes
- Ustępować: 4 servings 1x
- Dieta: Wegańskie
Opis
A refreshing cucumber feta salad that combines crisp cucumbers with tangy feta cheese.
Składniki
- 2 cups cucumber, diced
- 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instrukcje
- Wash and dice the cucumbers.
- In a large bowl, combine the cucumbers, feta cheese, cherry tomatoes, and red onion.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
- Serve immediately or chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before serving.
Uwagi
- For extra flavor, add fresh herbs like parsley or dill.
- This salad is best served fresh.
- Adjust seasoning according to your taste.
- Czas Przygotowania: 15 minutes
- Czas gotowania: 0 minutes
- Kategoria: Salad
- Sposób: No-cook
- Kuchnia: Mediterranean
Zasilanie
- Wielkość porcji: 1 cup
- Kalorie: 150
- Cukier: 2g
- Sód: 400mg
- Kwasy: 10g
- Nasycony tłuszcz: 3g
- Tłuszcze Nienasycone: 7g
- Tłuszcze trans: 0g
- Węglowodany: 8g
- Włókno: 1g
- Białko: 5g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Słowa kluczowe: cucumber feta salad, cucumber salad, feta cheese salad
