Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite warm-weather dish: cucumber feta salad! It’s such a refreshing burst of flavor and texture, and honestly, it’s a lifesaver on those hot summer days when you just want something light and zesty. The combination of crisp cucumbers, creamy feta, and that delightful tang from the red onion—it’s just perfection in a bowl! Plus, it’s super easy to whip up, which means more time enjoying the sunshine and less time in the kitchen. Trust me, once you try this salad, you’ll be hooked!
Ingredients for Cucumber Feta Salad
Let’s gather our ingredients for this delightful cucumber feta salad! You’ll need 2 medium cucumbers, diced into bite-sized pieces that are crisp and refreshing. Next, grab 1 cup of feta cheese, crumbled up to add that creamy, tangy goodness we all crave. Don’t forget 1/2 a red onion, thinly sliced to bring in a bit of zing. For the dressing, you’ll need 1/4 cup of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of red wine vinegar for that perfect balance of richness and acidity. Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, plus salt and pepper to taste. That’s it—simple, fresh, and oh-so-delicious!
How to Prepare Cucumber Feta Salad
Preparing this cucumber feta salad is a breeze and honestly, so much fun! First things first, grab a large bowl and toss in your diced cucumbers, crumbled feta cheese, and thinly sliced red onion. Just imagine that beautiful mix of colors already! Now, in a separate bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, oregano, salt, and pepper. This dressing is what brings everything together, so give it a good whisk until it’s nice and emulsified.
Once your dressing is ready, pour it over the cucumber mixture and gently toss everything together. You want to coat those cucumbers and feta evenly without smashing anything—so be gentle! Now comes the best part: cover the salad and pop it in the refrigerator. Let it chill for at least 30 minutes. This allows all those flavors to mingle and develop, making each bite just divine!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine diced cucumbers, feta cheese, and red onion.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, salt, and pepper until well blended.
- Pour the dressing over the cucumber mixture and toss gently to combine, ensuring everything is coated.
- Cover the salad with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
And there you have it! Your refreshing cucumber feta salad is almost ready to be enjoyed, bursting with flavors that’ll transport you straight to the Mediterranean!
Why You’ll Love This Cucumber Feta Salad
- Quick and easy to prepare—perfect for those busy days!
- Refreshing taste that’s incredibly satisfying, especially on hot days.
- Loaded with healthy ingredients, making it a guilt-free choice.
- Great for meal prep; it tastes even better after chilling!
- Perfect as a side dish or a light lunch on its own.
- Versatile enough to pair with grilled meats or served as a dip with pita chips.
- Bright, beautiful colors that make every plate pop!
Tips for Success with Cucumber Feta Salad
To make your cucumber feta salad truly shine, don’t hesitate to adjust the seasoning to match your taste—everyone has their own preference! If you want a bit more zing, throw in some extra red wine vinegar or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. I also love adding cherry tomatoes for a pop of sweetness and color. If you’re feeling adventurous, try tossing in some olives or fresh herbs like dill or mint for an even more vibrant flavor.
Oh, and remember to keep the cucumbers chilled before mixing; it keeps everything crispy and refreshing! Prep this salad a few hours ahead of time for the best flavor experience—it’s like a little time capsule of deliciousness waiting to be unveiled!
Nutritional Information for Cucumber Feta Salad
Now, let’s talk nutrition! This cucumber feta salad is not just delicious; it’s also packed with goodness. Each serving is around 200 calories, making it a light yet satisfying choice. You’ll find 15g of fat, which comes mainly from the olive oil and feta, providing healthy unsaturated fats. It contains about 6g of protein, thanks to the feta cheese, along with 10g of carbohydrates, including 1g of fiber. Plus, it has just 2g of sugar and 300mg of sodium, so it fits nicely into a balanced diet. Enjoy this refreshing salad guilt-free!
Serving Suggestions for Cucumber Feta Salad
This cucumber feta salad is incredibly versatile, and it pairs beautifully with so many dishes! I love serving it alongside grilled chicken or fish for a light and refreshing meal that’s perfect for summer. It also makes a fantastic side dish to any barbecue, adding a cool contrast to smoky flavors. If you’re hosting a Mediterranean-themed dinner, serve it with pita bread and hummus for a delightful spread. Oh, and don’t forget about those summer picnics—this salad is perfect for adding a burst of flavor to your picnic basket! Enjoy it chilled, and watch everyone go back for seconds!
FAQ About Cucumber Feta Salad
Can I make this salad in advance?
Absolutely! In fact, I recommend making it a few hours ahead of time. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, and it tastes even better after chilling in the fridge.
What can I substitute for feta cheese?
If feta isn’t your thing, try using goat cheese for a similar creamy texture, or even some crumbled queso fresco for a milder flavor. Just keep in mind that it’ll change the taste a bit!
How do I store leftovers?
If you have any salad left, store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It’s best enjoyed within 2-3 days, but the cucumbers can get a bit soft over time, so eat up!
Can I add more vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to toss in some diced bell peppers or even radishes for an extra crunch. This salad is super versatile, so get creative!
Is this salad gluten-free?
Yes! This cucumber feta salad is naturally gluten-free, making it a great option for those with dietary restrictions. Enjoy it worry-free!
Cucumber Feta Salad: 7 Refreshing Reasons to Enjoy It
- Temps Total: 45 minutes
- Rendement: 4 servings 1x
- Alimentation: Végétarien
Description
A refreshing cucumber feta salad perfect for warm days.
Ingrédients
- 2 medium cucumbers, diced
- 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine diced cucumbers, feta cheese, and red onion.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the cucumber mixture and toss gently to combine.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Add cherry tomatoes for extra flavor.
- This salad can be made a few hours in advance.
- Temps De Préparation: 15 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 0 minutes
- Catégorie: Salad
- Méthode: No-cook
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1 serving
- Calories: 200
- Sucre: 2g
- De Sodium: 300mg
- La graisse: 15g
- Graisses Saturées: 4g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 10g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 10g
- La fibre: 1g
- La protéine: 6g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 20mg
Mots-clés: cucumber feta salad
