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Fresh Mediterranean Cucumber Tomato Salad with Feta and Olives

fresh mediterranean cucumber tomato salad - featured image

A vibrant and refreshing Mediterranean salad combining crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, briny Kalamata olives, and creamy feta cheese, tossed in a light lemon-oregano dressing. Perfect for quick lunches, summer gatherings, or as a bright side dish.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 medium cucumbers, peeled and sliced (English cucumbers recommended)
  • 3 large ripe tomatoes, chopped
  • 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion
  • 1/2 cup pitted and halved Kalamata olives
  • 3/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Peel cucumbers if desired and slice into 1/4 inch (6 mm) half-moons. Chop tomatoes into roughly 1-inch (2.5 cm) chunks. Thinly slice red onion and soak in cold water for 5 minutes if a milder taste is preferred, then drain well.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine cucumbers, tomatoes, and drained onions. Toss gently to mix.
  3. Add halved Kalamata olives and chopped parsley to the bowl.
  4. In a small bowl, whisk together extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  5. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently but thoroughly to coat all ingredients without bruising the tomatoes.
  6. Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese on top and gently toss once more, keeping feta in chunks.
  7. Taste and adjust salt or pepper if needed. Serve immediately or chill for up to 30 minutes to let flavors meld.

Notes

Use block feta crumbled by hand for best texture. Soak red onions in cold water to reduce sharpness if desired. Toss salad gently to avoid breaking tomatoes and crumbling feta too much. Prepare and serve within a few hours to avoid watery salad. Can substitute parsley with mint or basil, and cucumbers with zucchini. For vegan option, omit feta or use plant-based cheese.

Nutrition

Keywords: Mediterranean salad, cucumber tomato salad, feta cheese salad, healthy salad, easy salad recipe, summer salad, vegetarian salad, gluten-free salad