If you’re on the hunt for the perfect summer side or a light meal that bursts with freshness and vibrant flavors, the Refreshing Greek Cucumber and Tomato Salad Recipe is your new best friend. This salad brings together crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and tangy feta cheese, all elevated by a simple yet zesty dressing made with olive oil, red wine vinegar, and garlic. Every bite feels like a sunny Mediterranean day on your plate, and it’s incredibly easy to make, whether you’re hosting a garden party or simply craving something healthy and delicious at home.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For a salad that sings with freshness and texture, the ingredients are dazzlingly straightforward but absolutely vital. Each component adds a unique splash of color and flavor, ensuring every forkful tastes like pure summer joy.
- Grape or cherry tomatoes (2 pints): Sweet, juicy, and bursting with color, they’re the foundation of this salad’s vibrancy.
- English cucumber (1, diced): Crisp and refreshing with a subtle crunch that balances the tomatoes.
- Feta cheese (8 oz, cubed): Creamy and tangy, feta adds a salty richness that perfectly complements the veggies.
- Fresh parsley (1/4 cup, chopped): Brightens the salad with a hint of herbal freshness.
- Extra virgin olive oil (1/4 cup): Smooth and fruity, it ties all the ingredients together with silky goodness.
- Red wine vinegar (2 tablespoons): Adds the right amount of sharp acidity to balance the creaminess of the feta and the sweetness of the tomatoes.
- Garlic cloves (2, finely minced): A punch of aromatic flavor that cuts through the salad just enough.
- Dried oregano (1 teaspoon): A classic Greek herb to sprinkle in, enhancing the authentic Mediterranean vibe.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Brings out the natural flavors and keeps everything bright.
- Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a subtle heat and depth to round off the taste.
How to Make Refreshing Greek Cucumber and Tomato Salad Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Start by dicing the English cucumber into small cubes and halving the grape or cherry tomatoes. Cube your feta cheese and finely chop the fresh parsley. Having everything prepped and ready makes the assembly part quick and smooth.
Step 2: Combine the Fresh Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, add the cubed cucumber, halved tomatoes, feta cubes, and chopped parsley. This colorful mix is already looking delicious and sets the stage for the dressings to work their magic.
Step 3: Dress It Up
Drizzle the extra virgin olive oil and red wine vinegar over the salad mixture. Add in the finely minced garlic, then sprinkle the dried oregano, salt, and black pepper evenly across. These simple touches elevate the salad from good to unforgettable.
Step 4: Toss and Serve
Gently toss everything together until each piece is evenly coated with the dressing, herbs, and spices. Freshness is key here, so be gentle to keep that perfect texture. Serve immediately, or for even better flavor, refrigerate for a bit to let those ingredients meld beautifully.
How to Serve Refreshing Greek Cucumber and Tomato Salad Recipe
Garnishes
Feel free to sprinkle extra crumbled feta on top or add a few Kalamata olives for a briny pop that pairs beautifully with the salad’s bright notes. Fresh basil or a few lemon wedges also make for stunning, tasty garnishes.
Side Dishes
This salad is wonderfully versatile as a refreshing side to grilled meats like chicken or lamb, or alongside roasted vegetables. It also makes a fantastic companion to hearty dishes such as spanakopita or grilled seafood for a full Mediterranean feast.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the salad in hollowed-out cucumber boats or on a bed of leafy greens. You could also layer it in mason jars for picnic-friendly portions that look just as appealing as they taste.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This salad keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The flavors deepen over time while maintaining that satisfying crunch from the cucumber and freshness from the tomatoes.
Freezing
Because this salad relies on crisp vegetables and fresh cheese, freezing is not recommended as it would affect texture negatively. Enjoy it fresh or within a few days for the best experience.
Reheating
Since it’s best served cold or at room temperature, reheating is unnecessary and not advised. However, if you prefer, simply take it out of the fridge a few minutes before serving to let it come to room temperature and enhance the flavors.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cheese instead of feta?
Absolutely! While feta is traditional and offers that perfect salty tang, you can substitute with goat cheese or queso fresco for a similarly creamy texture and flavor profile.
What if I don’t have red wine vinegar?
No worries! You can use white wine vinegar, apple cider vinegar, or even a splash of lemon juice to provide the necessary acidity in this recipe.
Is this salad suitable for vegans?
To make it vegan, simply omit the feta cheese or replace it with a plant-based cheese alternative that suits your taste.
How can I make this salad more filling?
Add a handful of cooked quinoa, chickpeas, or toasted nuts like walnuts or pine nuts for a protein boost that turns this light salad into a satisfying main dish.
Can I prepare this salad in advance for a party?
Yes! Prepare everything except the dressing a few hours ahead, then toss with the dressing just before serving to keep it fresh and vibrant for your guests.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend the Refreshing Greek Cucumber and Tomato Salad Recipe enough—it’s simple, stunning, and full of lively Mediterranean flavors that brighten any meal. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a kitchen newbie, this salad’s ease and deliciousness will make it a go-to in your repertoire. Give it a try and let this classic Greek delight bring a splash of sunshine to your table!
Print
Refreshing Greek Cucumber and Tomato Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Greek
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Refreshing Greek Cucumber and Tomato Salad is a vibrant and healthy dish featuring juicy tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, and creamy feta cheese, all tossed in a zesty olive oil and red wine vinegar dressing. Perfect for a light lunch or as a side dish for Mediterranean meals, it’s easy to prepare and great for making ahead.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 2 pints grape or cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 English cucumber, cut into small cubes
Dairy
- 8 oz feta cheese, cut into cubes
Herbs & Seasonings
- 1/4 cup freshly chopped parsley
- 2 garlic cloves, finely minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Dressings
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Dice the cucumber, halve the tomatoes, cut the feta into cubes, and chop the parsley finely. Mince the garlic cloves to have all ingredients ready for mixing.
- Combine Main Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the cubed cucumber, halved grape or cherry tomatoes, feta cheese cubes, and freshly chopped parsley to create the base of the salad.
- Add Dressing and Seasonings: Drizzle the olive oil and red wine vinegar over the salad mixture. Sprinkle the finely minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper evenly to enhance the flavors.
- Toss and Serve: Gently toss all the ingredients until the salad is thoroughly coated with the dressing and seasonings. Serve immediately for the freshest flavor, or store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days for a chilled option.
Notes
- For best flavor, use ripe grape or cherry tomatoes.
- If feta is too salty, rinse it briefly under cold water and pat dry before adding to salad.
- This salad can be made a few hours ahead to let flavors meld, but avoid long storage to keep vegetables crisp.
- Optional additions include sliced red onions or Kalamata olives for a more traditional Greek taste.
- Ensure to gently toss the salad to prevent the feta from breaking down too much.
