This Greek cucumber salad is a light and refreshing dish that combines crisp cucumbers, ripe tomatoes, red onion, and feta cheese. It’s perfect as a side dish or a healthy snack.
The recipe is simple and quick to prepare, making it ideal for warm weather or as a complement to grilled meats.
Ingredients for a Refreshing Salad
This Greek cucumber salad is a delightful mix of fresh ingredients that come together to create a vibrant dish. The primary components include crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and sharp red onion. Each ingredient contributes its unique flavor and texture.
To enhance the salad, crumbled feta cheese adds a creamy richness, while Kalamata olives introduce a briny depth. The dressing, made from olive oil and red wine vinegar, ties everything together with a tangy finish.
Preparation Steps
Preparing this salad is straightforward and quick, making it a perfect choice for busy days. Start by washing and dicing the cucumbers and tomatoes, ensuring they are cut into bite-sized pieces for easy eating.
Next, thinly slice the red onion to add a sharp contrast to the other ingredients. Combine these fresh vegetables in a large bowl, along with the halved Kalamata olives, creating a colorful base for the salad.
Creating the Dressing
The dressing is a simple yet essential part of this dish. In a separate small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. This mixture not only adds flavor but also enhances the freshness of the vegetables.
Once the dressing is ready, pour it over the salad mixture and toss gently. This ensures that every bite is coated with the delicious dressing, making the flavors pop.
Finishing Touches
After tossing the salad, sprinkle crumbled feta cheese on top. This adds a creamy texture and a salty kick that complements the other ingredients beautifully.
If desired, garnish with fresh parsley for a touch of color and added freshness. This salad can be served immediately or chilled in the refrigerator for a short while, allowing the flavors to meld even further.
Serving Suggestions
This Greek cucumber salad is versatile and pairs well with various dishes. It makes an excellent side for grilled meats, fish, or even as a light lunch on its own.
Consider serving it alongside pita bread and hummus for a complete Mediterranean meal. The refreshing nature of the salad makes it a perfect accompaniment during warmer weather or for outdoor gatherings.
Nutritional Information
Each serving of this salad is not only delicious but also nutritious. With approximately 150 calories per serving, it offers a healthy option without sacrificing flavor.
Containing 12 grams of fat, primarily from the olive oil and feta, along with 5 grams of protein and 8 grams of carbohydrates, this salad is balanced and satisfying. It’s a great way to incorporate fresh vegetables into your diet while enjoying the vibrant flavors of Greek cuisine.
Easy Greek Cucumber Salad Recipe
This salad features crunchy cucumbers and juicy tomatoes tossed with red onion and olives, all drizzled with a tangy olive oil dressing. The recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and serves 4 people.
Ingredients
- 2 large cucumbers, diced
- 2 medium tomatoes, chopped
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
- 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prep the Vegetables: Wash and dice the cucumbers and tomatoes, and thinly slice the red onion.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the diced cucumbers, chopped tomatoes, sliced red onion, and Kalamata olives.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Toss the Salad: Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine. Add crumbled feta cheese on top.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve immediately or chill in the refrigerator for 15-30 minutes before serving.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Servings: 4 servings
- Calories: 150kcal
- Fat: 12g
- Protein: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 8g