Imagine a revitalizing Cucumber Feta Salad on a warm summer’s day.
Crisp cucumbers, tangy feta, and aromatic dill come together effortlessly, creating a dish that feels both cozy and indulgent.
In just 15 minutes, these simple ingredients transform into a vibrant Mediterranean favorite, perfect for any occasion.
Let’s bring this dish to life, and enjoy the delightful flavors it has to offer.
Kitchen Tools Required
- 1 Cutting board
- 1 Chef’s knife
- 1 Large mixing bowl
- 1 Salad tongs or spoon
Ingredients
- 2 Medium cucumbers, diced
- 1 cup Feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup Red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup Fresh dill, chopped
- 3 tablespoons Olive oil
- 2 tablespoons Lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt
- 1/4 teaspoon Black pepper
Cook & Prep Time
To efficiently manage your time while preparing the Cucumber Feta Salad, follow this timeline:
- Reading the Recipe (5 minutes):
- Spend a few minutes reading through the entire recipe to understand the steps and gather all the necessary ingredients and equipment.
- Preparation (10 minutes):
- Cucumbers: Dice the two medium cucumbers. This should take about 3 minutes.
- Feta Cheese: Measure out 1 cup of crumbled feta cheese, which can be done concurrently with cucumber dicing.
- Red Onion: Thinly slice a 1/4 cup of red onion, taking approximately 2 minutes.
- Dill: Chop 1/4 cup of fresh dill, which should take about 2 minutes.
- Dressing: Measure out 3 tablespoons of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, and mix them together. This should take about 2 minutes.
- Mixing (5 minutes):
- Add all the prepared ingredients to a large mixing bowl.
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad.
- Season with 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper.
- Gently toss all ingredients together until well combined, which should take about 3 minutes.
- Serving:
- Serve the salad immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve.
Adjust the timing as needed based on your pace and any additional garnishes you might want to add.
Recipe Instructions
Dice the cucumbers and add them to a large mixing bowl.
Add the crumbled feta cheese to the bowl.
Thinly slice the red onion and add to the bowl.
Chop the fresh dill and sprinkle it over the ingredients in the bowl.
Drizzle olive oil and lemon juice over the salad mixture.
Season with salt and black pepper.
Toss all ingredients together gently using salad tongs or a spoon until well combined.
Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve.
Serving Tips
- Grilled Chicken: Pair with grilled chicken for a protein boost and a balanced meal.
- Pita Bread: Serve with warm pita bread for a Mediterranean-inspired spread.
- Quinoa: Add a scoop of quinoa for a heartier, nutrient-rich side.
- Grilled Fish: Complement with grilled fish for a light and invigorating dinner.
- Hummus: Enjoy alongside hummus for a rich and creamy contrast.
Storage
To store Cucumber Feta Salad, place it in an airtight container and refrigerate.
Consume within 2 days for ideal freshness.
Avoid freezing, as it may alter texture and flavor.
Freezing
Freezing Cucumber Feta Salad isn’t recommended.
Cucumbers and feta cheese can lose texture and flavor.
For freshness, enjoy it immediately or store in the fridge for up to two days.
Reheating
Reheating isn’t recommended for Cucumber Feta Salad, as it’s meant to be served fresh.
Heat can compromise the texture and flavor of the cucumbers and feta cheese.
Final Thoughts
Cucumber Feta Salad is a revitalizing and simple dish that’s perfect for any occasion.
With a prep time of just 15 minutes and no cooking required, it’s quick and easy to prepare.
The combination of crisp cucumbers, tangy feta cheese, and fresh dill creates a delightful blend of flavors.
Using fresh, high-quality ingredients is key to achieving the best taste.
For those who prefer a milder onion flavor, soaking the sliced red onions in cold water can help.
Feel free to customize the salad by adding ingredients like cherry tomatoes or olives.
This salad isn’t only delicious but also a healthy option for a Mediterranean-inspired meal. Enjoy it as a side dish or a light main course.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use a Different Type of Cheese Instead of Feta?
You can substitute feta with goat cheese or ricotta for a creamy texture. To maintain a Mediterranean flavor, consider using halloumi. Make certain the cheese complements the cucumber’s freshness and the tanginess of lemon juice. Adjust seasoning accordingly.
How Do I Prevent the Cucumber From Becoming Too Watery?
To prevent cucumbers from becoming too watery, you should slice and salt them lightly, letting them rest for 10 minutes. This draws out excess moisture. Rinse and pat them dry before adding them to your salad.
Is There a Vegan Alternative for Feta in This Salad?
Replace feta with vegan cheese, like almond or tofu-based feta. Enhance flavors by pairing with nutritional yeast for a cheesy kick. Balance with fresh herbs and lemon juice for brightness. Adjust seasoning to taste for perfection.
What Wine Pairs Well With Cucumber Feta Salad?
Pairing a wine with this dish, choose a crisp, dry white like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. Their acidity complements the salad’s freshness, enhancing the cucumber’s crunch and feta’s creaminess. Serve chilled for the best experience.
Can I Make This Salad in Advance for a Party?
You can make it ahead, just keep the dressing separate until serving. Prep cucumbers, feta, and onions earlier. Store them in the fridge. Combine with olive oil and lemon juice for fresh, crisp flavors right before your party.
Cucumber Feta Salad
Equipment
- 1 Cutting board
- 1 Chef's knife
- 1 large mixing bowl
- 1 Salad tongs or spoon
Ingredients
- 2 Medium cucumbers diced
- 1 cup Feta cheese crumbled
- 1/4 cup Red onion thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup Fresh dill chopped
- 3 tablespoons Olive oil
- 2 tablespoons Lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt
- 1/4 teaspoon Black pepper
Instructions
- Dice the cucumbers and add them to a large mixing bowl.
- Add the crumbled feta cheese to the bowl.
- Thinly slice the red onion and add to the bowl.
- Chop the fresh dill and sprinkle it over the ingredients in the bowl.
- Drizzle olive oil and lemon juice over the salad mixture.
- Season with salt and black pepper.
- Toss all ingredients together gently using salad tongs or a spoon until well combined.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve.
Notes
