When the sun is shining and the days are long, there’s nothing more satisfying than a fresh, crisp, and vibrant salad. This Cucumber Tomato Feta Cheese Salad is a prime example of simple ingredients coming together to create something truly spectacular. It’s a classic for a reason, blending the cool crispness of cucumber, the juicy sweetness of tomatoes, the tangy bite of feta, and a light, herby dressing. It’s the perfect side dish for a barbecue, a light lunch, or a refreshing addition to any dinner table.

Why This Recipe is a Favorite

This recipe is a favorite because it’s the epitome of a no-fuss, high-reward dish. There’s no cooking involved, and it comes together in just a few minutes. The combination of textures—crunchy cucumber, soft tomatoes, and crumbly feta—is incredibly satisfying. The simple vinaigrette, with its bright and zesty flavor, perfectly complements the fresh vegetables without overpowering them. It’s a salad that doesn’t wilt, making it an ideal choice for picnics, potlucks, or meal prepping for the week ahead.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this bright and refreshing Cucumber Tomato Feta Cheese Salad:

• 2 large English cucumbers or 5-6 Persian cucumbers, diced
• 1 pint cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 medium red onion, thinly sliced or finely diced
• 8 ounces feta cheese, crumbled or cubed
• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup Kalamata olives, pitted (optional)
• Fresh parsley or mint, chopped, for garnish (optional)

Swaps and Notes

• Cucumbers: English cucumbers are great because they have thin skin and fewer seeds, so you don’t need to peel them. Persian cucumbers also work wonderfully.
• Tomatoes: Cherry or grape tomatoes are ideal as they hold their shape well, but any ripe, juicy tomato, chopped into bite-sized pieces, will be delicious.
• Red Onion: For a milder onion flavor, soak the sliced red onion in a bowl of cold water for 10 minutes before adding it to the salad. This helps to reduce its harshness.
• Feta Cheese: A block of feta cheese that you crumble or cube yourself often has a better flavor and texture than pre-crumbled feta.
• Vinaigrette: The simple olive oil and red wine vinegar base is key. For a slightly different flavor, you can swap the red wine vinegar for fresh lemon juice.
• Herbs: Oregano is a classic choice for a Greek-inspired salad. Fresh parsley, dill, or mint would also be fantastic additions.
• Olives: Kalamata olives add a briny, salty punch that elevates this salad. They are highly recommended if you enjoy them.

Steps for the Recipe

1. Prepare the Vegetables: Dice the cucumbers, halve the tomatoes, and thinly slice or dice the red onion. Place all the vegetables in a large salad bowl.
2. Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper.
3. Combine & Toss: Pour the dressing over the vegetables in the large bowl. Add the feta cheese and the optional Kalamata olives. Toss everything gently to combine, ensuring the dressing coats all the ingredients.
4. Chill (Optional): For best results, let the salad chill in the refrigerator for at least 15-30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
5. Serve: Just before serving, give the salad one final gentle toss. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or mint, if desired.

Tips for Success

• Chop Evenly: Cutting your cucumbers and tomatoes into similar, bite-sized pieces makes for a more appealing and easier-to-eat salad.
• Go Easy on the Salt: Feta cheese is naturally salty, so start with a small amount of salt in the dressing and add more to taste at the end.
• Fresh Ingredients are Key: Since this salad is so simple, the quality of your ingredients, especially the fresh vegetables, will make a big difference.
• Add Dressing Just Before Serving: To keep the salad crisp, you can prepare the vegetables and the dressing separately and combine them right before serving.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

This salad is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a wide range of dishes, especially grilled meats, fish, and chicken. It’s also fantastic as part of a Mediterranean-inspired meal.

Looking for other light and refreshing dishes or drinks to pair it with? Consider:

• A Light, Tangy Chicken Salad I Actually Crave (and There’s No Mayo in Sight) for a complementary main dish.
• This Blueberry Lemonade is My Favorite Refreshing Drink for Sunny Days for a perfect beverage pairing.

Storage and Leftover Tips

This salad is best enjoyed fresh. However, if you have leftovers, they can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1-2 days. The cucumbers may become slightly softer, and the dressing will settle at the bottom, but the flavor will still be great. Give it a good stir before serving any leftovers.

More Recipes You Will Love

If you appreciate easy, fresh, and flavorful recipes, you’ll find more to love on ChefManiac.com:

• This Crockpot Nacho Dip is the Reason I Never Have Leftovers – perfect for a game day or casual gathering.
• This Baked Brie Appetizer is My Favorite Effortless Way to Impress Guests – a simple yet sophisticated starter.
• This Rainbow Sangria is My Favorite Colorful Drink for Any Celebration – another fantastic drink recipe for a warm day.

Final Thoughts

This Cucumber Tomato Feta Cheese Salad is a beautiful reminder that sometimes the simplest recipes are the most delicious. It’s a fresh, vibrant, and satisfying dish that truly celebrates the flavors of summer. Enjoy it as a side, a light meal, or a snack whenever you need a refreshing bite.

What are your favorite simple summer salads? Share your ideas and feedback in the comments below! And don’t forget to follow ChefManiac.com for more delicious and easy-to-make recipes!