Fresh Mediterranean Tomato Cucumber Feta Salad: A Quick and Healthy Summer Delight
Discover the ultimate refreshing side dish for any occasion: this vibrant Tomato Cucumber Salad with Feta. Bursting with fresh, crisp flavors and the tangy notes of authentic feta cheese, it’s a taste of the Mediterranean that comes together in under 10 minutes! Perfect for bustling weeknights, leisurely weekend BBQs, or elegant holiday gatherings, this healthy and easy-to-make salad is destined to become a staple in your culinary repertoire.
Imagine juicy, sun-ripened tomatoes, cool, crisp cucumbers, and thinly sliced red onion, all gently tossed with a generous crumbling of salty feta cheese and a simple olive oil dressing. It’s a symphony of textures and flavors that embodies the essence of summer. Beyond its incredible taste, this tomato cucumber salad offers a light and nutritious option that complements nearly any main course.
Why This Easy Tomato Cucumber Feta Salad Recipe Works
This tomato cucumber feta salad isn’t just another side dish; it’s a testament to how simple ingredients can create extraordinary flavor. Its effortless preparation and vibrant taste make it an instant favorite. Here’s why this recipe shines:
- Unbeatable Speed: In a world where time is precious, this salad truly delivers. With a prep time of under 10 minutes, you can have a fresh, flavorful, and healthy dish on the table in a flash, perfect for those busy evenings or last-minute potluck invitations.
- Explosion of Fresh Flavor: The combination of crisp cucumbers, juicy ripe tomatoes, the subtle bite of red onion, and the salty creaminess of feta cheese creates a harmonious flavor profile that is both refreshing and deeply satisfying. It’s a classic Mediterranean combination that never disappoints.
- Healthy and Nutritious: Packed with fresh vegetables, this salad is a powerhouse of vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Cucumbers provide hydration, tomatoes are rich in antioxidants like lycopene, and feta offers a good source of calcium and protein. Drizzled with heart-healthy olive oil, it’s a guilt-free indulgence.
- Incredibly Versatile: This recipe is a fantastic canvas for customization. While delicious on its own, it can easily be adapted to suit your taste or what you have on hand. Craving a creamy texture? Consider adding a dollop of yogurt or a lemon-tahini dressing. Want to bulk it up? Toss in some chickpeas, olives, or even turn it into a delightful pasta salad by adding your favorite noodles.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue, enjoying a quiet dinner at home, or looking for a vibrant addition to your holiday spread, this salad fits seamlessly. Its bright colors and inviting aroma make it a crowd-pleaser every time.
Essential Ingredients for Your Fresh Feta Salad
The beauty of this cucumber tomato feta salad lies in its simplicity and the quality of its fresh ingredients. While the full list with precise measurements is available in the printable recipe card at the end of this post, here’s a closer look at the key components and how to choose them for the best results.
TOMATOES: For the most vibrant flavor, opt for fresh, vine-ripe tomatoes. Their natural sweetness and juiciness are unparalleled. While the recipe suggests wedges for a substantial bite, feel free to use smaller cherry or grape tomatoes, halved, or dice larger tomatoes into smaller pieces if you prefer a finer chop. The key is ripeness – a good tomato can make or break this salad.
CUCUMBER: We typically leave the skin on for added texture and nutrients, especially when using English or Persian cucumbers with thinner skins. However, if you prefer, you can easily peel the cucumber before slicing. Slice them into quarter-inch thick rounds or half-moons for an ideal crunch.
FETA CHEESE: This salty, tangy, and creamy cheese is the star that brings the Mediterranean flair to the salad. You can use pre-crumbled feta for convenience or, for a superior taste and texture, buy a block of feta (preferably sheep or goat milk feta stored in brine) and crumble it yourself. The choice is yours, and even without feta, the salad remains delicious if you’re looking for a dairy-free option.
RED ONION: Thinly sliced red onion adds a welcome sharpness and a beautiful pop of color. To mellow its pungency, you can soak the sliced red onion in ice water for about 10-15 minutes before adding it to the salad. This technique helps reduce the strong onion flavor while maintaining its crispness.
OLIVE OIL: A good quality extra virgin olive oil is crucial for the dressing. It binds all the flavors together, adds a silky texture, and imparts a rich, fruity note. Don’t skimp on quality here; it makes a noticeable difference.
COARSE SEA SALT & FRESHLY GROUND BLACK PEPPER: These fundamental seasonings enhance all the natural flavors. Always taste and adjust to your preference. Some might prefer less salt due to the feta’s inherent saltiness, while others might enjoy a more robust seasoning.
OPTIONAL FRESH HERBS: While not strictly in the base recipe, consider adding fresh dill, parsley, or mint for an aromatic boost. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a splash of red wine vinegar can also brighten the flavors even further, adding a zesty kick.
How to Make This Quick Tomato Cucumber Salad with Feta
These step-by-step photos and instructions are designed to help you visualize the simple process of making this delicious recipe. For the complete printable version with all measurements and detailed instructions, simply Jump to Recipe at the bottom of this post.
- Prepare Your Vegetables: Begin by washing your tomatoes and cucumbers thoroughly. Slice the tomatoes into decent-sized wedges, or if using cherry tomatoes, simply halve them. Next, slice the cucumber into quarter-inch thick rounds or half-moons. For the red onion, peel it and then slice it into thin half-moons. The consistency of your cuts will contribute to the overall texture and presentation of the salad. For a milder onion flavor, you can soak the sliced red onion in ice water for a few minutes and then pat it dry before adding to the salad.
- Combine and Dress: Transfer all your beautifully prepped vegetables into a large mixing bowl. Next, add the crumbled feta cheese. Drizzle generously with olive oil, then sprinkle with coarse sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Using a large spoon or salad tongs, gently toss all the ingredients until everything is thoroughly coated with the dressing and seasonings. Be careful not to over-mix, as this can bruise the delicate vegetables. Serve immediately for the freshest, crispiest experience.
Tips for a Perfect Tomato Cucumber Feta Salad
Achieving a truly outstanding tomato cucumber feta salad goes beyond just mixing ingredients. Here are some pro tips to elevate your salad to the next level:
- Quality Ingredients are King: Since this salad has so few ingredients, the quality of each one truly shines through. Always opt for the freshest, ripest tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, and good quality olive oil and feta. Sourcing local, seasonal produce can make a significant difference in flavor.
- Chill Your Veggies: Before assembling, ensure your cucumbers and tomatoes are well chilled. A cold salad is always more refreshing, especially on a hot summer day.
- Dress Just Before Serving: This is perhaps the most important tip for maintaining crispness. Tomatoes and cucumbers release water when salted and dressed. To prevent a watery, soggy salad, add the olive oil, salt, and pepper just before you plan to serve. If making ahead, keep the chopped vegetables and dressing separate and combine them at the last minute.
- Mellow the Onion: Red onion adds a great punch, but can sometimes be overpowering. If you find raw red onion too strong, slice it thinly and soak it in a bowl of ice water for 10-15 minutes. This process significantly reduces its pungent flavor without sacrificing its crunch. Drain and pat dry thoroughly before adding to the salad.
- Experiment with Herbs: While simple, a sprinkle of fresh herbs can transform this salad. Fresh dill, mint, or parsley are traditional Mediterranean choices that pair beautifully with the existing flavors.
- Don’t Be Afraid to Taste: Seasoning is subjective. Start with the recommended amounts of salt and pepper, but always taste and adjust. The saltiness of feta can vary, so you might need less added salt.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tomato Cucumber Feta Salad
This salad is wonderfully versatile! There’s a myriad of options to enhance its flavor and texture. Consider adding sliced avocado for creaminess, fresh dill, cilantro, or mint for an aromatic touch, or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for extra zest. For a heartier salad, chickpeas or canned cannellini beans are great additions. Marinated artichoke hearts, Kalamata olives, or capers can introduce a delightful briny note. If you’re looking to transform it into a more substantial meal, adding bowtie, orzo, or rotini pasta noodles will turn it into a fantastic pasta salad. Bell peppers (red, yellow, or orange) also add extra crunch and sweetness, while toasted pine nuts or sunflower seeds can offer a nutty contrast.
While this fresh tomato cucumber feta salad is undoubtedly best when served immediately due to the high water content of the vegetables, you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Be aware that the longer it sits, the more moisture the vegetables will release, resulting in a less crisp texture. If you plan to make it ahead of time, a key tip is to prepare all the vegetables and the dressing separately. Store them in individual containers in the fridge and only combine them just before serving to maintain optimal freshness and crunch. If your salad does get a bit watery, simply drain any excess liquid before serving again.
This versatile tomato cucumber feta salad pairs beautifully with a wide variety of main courses. It’s an ideal accompaniment to grilled meats like chicken souvlaki, lamb chops, or a simple grilled fish such as salmon or cod. For a vegetarian meal, serve it alongside falafel, hummus and pita bread, or a hearty lentil soup. It also complements pasta dishes, serves as a fantastic side for burgers and hot dogs at a barbecue, or can be a light, refreshing starter to any Mediterranean-themed dinner. Don’t forget it’s also excellent as part of a mezze platter with dips and olives.
Absolutely! This salad is a wonderfully healthy choice. It’s packed with nutrient-dense vegetables like tomatoes, which are rich in antioxidants, especially lycopene, and cucumbers, known for their hydrating properties and essential vitamins. Red onions provide antioxidants and are low in calories. Feta cheese, while adding a delightful salty flavor, also contributes protein and calcium. The dressing, made with extra virgin olive oil, provides healthy monounsaturated fats, which are beneficial for heart health. Overall, it’s a low-calorie, low-carb dish that is high in vitamins, minerals, and fiber, making it an excellent addition to a balanced diet.
There’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of using fresh produce from your own garden. Every year, when my tomatoes, cucumbers, and onions are flourishing, this tomato cucumber salad with feta becomes my go-to recipe. It’s an incredibly satisfying and delicious way to enjoy the bounty of summer and share healthy, homemade goodness with family and friends.
Explore More Refreshing Cucumber Recipes
If you love the crispness of cucumbers as much as we do, you’re in for a treat! Here are some other delightful cucumber-based recipes that you might enjoy, ranging from savory to sweet:
- Classic Creamy Cucumber Salad
- Elegant Cucumber Sandwiches
- Unique Greek Salad Sushi
- Adorable Mini Cucumber Sandwiches
- Invigorating Cucumber Tropical Smoothie
- Sweet and Savory Watermelon Salad with Cucumber
I genuinely love to bake and cook, and my greatest joy is sharing my kitchen experiences and delicious recipes with all of you! Remembering to come back each day for new inspiration can be tough, which is why I offer a convenient newsletter every time a new recipe posts. Simply subscribe and start receiving your free daily recipes straight to your inbox!
Tomato Cucumber Salad with Feta
IMPORTANT – Don’t forget to check the Frequently Asked Questions section above within the blog post for helpful tips and variations!
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Ingredients
- 4 vine ripe tomatoes sliced into wedges (or cherry tomatoes, halved)
- 1 cucumber small, sliced into quarter-inch rounds or half-moons
- ⅓ red onion thinly sliced into half moons (soak in ice water to mellow if desired)
- ⅓ cup feta cheese crumbled (from a block or pre-crumbled)
- 4 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tsp coarse sea salt (adjust to taste)
- 2 tsp freshly ground black pepper (adjust to taste)
- Optional: Fresh dill, mint, or parsley for garnish
Things You’ll Need
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Large mixing bowl
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Chef’s knife
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Cutting board
Before You Begin
- Seasoning to Taste: The amounts for salt and pepper are suggestions. Some people prefer less, or even omit the salt entirely given the saltiness of feta. Always taste and adjust seasonings to your personal preference.
- Storage and Prep Ahead: For the best crispness, this salad is ideal when served fresh. If you need to prepare it ahead of time, chop all the vegetables and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Keep the olive oil, salt, and pepper separate, and only dress the salad just before serving. This prevents the vegetables from becoming watery and losing their refreshing crunch. Leftovers can be stored for up to 3 days, though they may become softer over time.
- Mellow the Red Onion: If you find the taste of raw red onion too strong, slice it thinly and soak it in a bowl of ice water for about 10-15 minutes before adding it to the salad. This helps to reduce its pungency.
Instructions
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On a clean cutting board, slice the vine-ripe tomatoes into decent-sized wedges. Then, slice the cucumber into quarter-inch thick slices. Lastly, peel and thinly slice the red onion into elegant half-moons. Ensure your cuts are relatively uniform for consistent texture.4 vine ripe tomatoes, 1 cucumber, 1/3 red onion
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Carefully transfer all the prepared vegetables into a large mixing bowl. Add the crumbled feta cheese on top. Drizzle generously with the extra virgin olive oil, then season with coarse sea salt and freshly ground black pepper. Gently toss all the ingredients together until they are thoroughly coated with the dressing and seasonings. Serve immediately to enjoy its peak freshness!1/3 cup feta cheese, 4 Tbsp olive oil, 2 tsp coarse sea salt, 2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
Nutrition
The recipes on this blog are tested with a conventional gas oven and gas stovetop. It’s important to note that some ovens, especially as they age, can cook and bake inconsistently. Using an inexpensive oven thermometer can assure you that your oven is truly heating to the proper temperature. If you use a toaster oven or countertop oven, please keep in mind that they may not distribute heat the same as a conventional full sized oven and you may need to adjust your cooking/baking times. In the case of recipes made with a pressure cooker, air fryer, slow cooker, or other appliance, a link to the appliances we use is listed within each respective recipe. For baking recipes where measurements are given by weight, please note that results may not be the same if cups are used instead, and we can’t guarantee success with that method.