Mediterranean Cucumber Tomato Feta Salad

Name: Mediterranean Cucumber Tomato Feta Salad
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 cups cucumber, diced; 2 cups tomatoes, diced; 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled; 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped; 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped; 3 tablespoons olive oil; 2 tablespoons lemon juice; Salt and pepper to taste

Highlighted under: Global Flavors

When a warm day calls for something light and refreshing, I turn to this Mediterranean Cucumber Tomato Feta Salad. It's vibrant, bursting with flavor, and incredibly easy to make. With the crunchy cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and creamy feta, it's the perfect recipe to share at gatherings or enjoy as a quick lunch. Tossed together with a simple dress of olive oil and lemon juice, this salad captures the essence of summer and brings a taste of the Mediterranean right to my kitchen.

Created by

Natalie Warren

Last updated on 2026-01-24T11:22:14.350Z

I love how quick and easy this salad comes together, making it ideal for busy weekdays or spontaneous gatherings. The key to maximizing the flavors lies in allowing the salad to sit for just a few minutes before serving, letting the juices meld beautifully. I often customize it by adding olives or a sprinkle of fresh herbs to enhance the Mediterranean flair.

This salad is not only a delight to the eyes with its colorful ingredients, but it also provides a refreshing crunch that pairs perfectly with grilled meats or can be enjoyed as a standalone dish. Using ripe tomatoes and crisp cucumbers is essential for the best flavor and texture, so choose ingredients that look and feel fresh.

        Why You'll Love This Salad
        Refreshing and packed with crunch from fresh veggies
Tangy feta cheese adds a creamy texture
Simple to prepare and requires no cooking

      

The Importance of Fresh Ingredients

For this Mediterranean Cucumber Tomato Feta Salad, using fresh, high-quality ingredients is crucial for achieving the best flavor. Look for cucumbers that are firm and shiny, and choose tomatoes that feel slightly soft to the touch but are not squishy. These ingredients should have a deep color, indicating ripeness and flavor. The freshness of your vegetables will truly make this salad pop, providing that essential crunch and juiciness that defines a great Mediterranean dish.

Feta cheese is another key player in this recipe. Opt for a block of feta rather than pre-crumbled varieties, as it offers superior flavor and texture. The crumbles should be semi-dry and not overly salty; if they taste too salty, you can soak them in water for about 30 minutes to mellow the flavor. This delicious cheese adds a creamy tang that balances the crisp vegetables perfectly.

Dressing and Flavor Development

The simple dressing made from olive oil and lemon juice enhances the overall flavor of the salad without overpowering it. Choose a high-quality extra virgin olive oil for its rich taste; it will add depth to the salad. Another tip is to zest the lemon before juicing it, as it brings out vibrant citrus notes that will awaken the salad's flavors even more.

It’s beneficial to let the salad sit for about 10 to 15 minutes at room temperature before serving. This resting period allows the cucumbers and tomatoes to release their juices while absorbing the dressing, resulting in an even more flavorful dish. The salad can also be made a few hours in advance and stored in the refrigerator, just be sure to keep the feta separate until serving to maintain its texture.

Ingredients

Gather the following fresh ingredients to create this delicious salad:

Ingredients

2 cups cucumber, diced
2 cups tomatoes, diced
1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
3 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons lemon juice
Salt and pepper to taste

Once you have all the ingredients, you're ready to whip up this delightful salad!

Instructions

Here's how to put it all together:

Prepare the Vegetables

In a large bowl, combine the diced cucumbers, tomatoes, red onion, and parsley.

Add Feta and Dressing

Sprinkle the crumbled feta over the vegetable mixture, then drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice.

Season and Toss

Season with salt and pepper to taste, then gently toss everything together to combine.

Serve

Let the salad sit for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld before serving chilled.

Enjoy your Mediterranean Cucumber Tomato Feta Salad as a refreshing side or a light meal!

Pro Tips

For added flavor, try roasting the vegetables slightly before adding to the salad or incorporating a splash of balsamic vinegar.

Creative Variations

Feel free to customize your Mediterranean salad by adding other ingredients based on your preferences. Black olives or kalamata olives can provide a briny contrast that complements the feta beautifully. For an extra nutrient boost, consider incorporating chickpeas or quinoa to make the salad heartier, transforming it into a balanced meal on its own.

Another lovely addition could be diced avocado, which brings a creamy richness that pairs well with the other flavors. If you’re looking for a bit of heat, a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes can give the salad a delightful kick. The beauty of this salad lies in its versatility, so don’t hesitate to experiment!

Storage Tips

Proper storage can help maintain the freshness of this salad. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The salad is best consumed within two days, as the vegetables can become soggy over time. If you find leftover dressing, keep it in a separate container to dress the salad again just before serving.

For meal prep enthusiasts, you can chop the vegetables in advance and store them in the fridge, but wait to combine them with the dressing until right before eating. This keeps everything crisp and prevents the salad from becoming watery, ensuring that every bite remains as refreshing as when it was first made.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, but for the freshest taste, add the dressing just before serving.

→ What other vegetables can I add?

Feel free to include bell peppers, olives, or avocado for extra flavor.

→ How long will this salad last in the fridge?

It’s best enjoyed fresh, but it can last up to 2 days in the fridge.

→ Is this salad gluten-free?

Yes, all the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.