The sun-kissed glory of summer is upon us, and what better way to celebrate than with a refreshing Cucumber Feta Salad with Lemon Greek Vinaigrette? Picture this: crisp cucumbers mingling joyfully with tangy feta, all basking in the zesty embrace of a lemony vinaigrette. The crunch, the creaminess, the zing—it’s like a party in your mouth that you don’t want to end.
Now, let me take you down memory lane. I remember the first time I whipped up this salad for a backyard barbecue. The sun was shining, the grill was sizzling, and my friends were eagerly anticipating something delicious. As I tossed together this vibrant dish, laughter filled the air and summer magic unfolded. This salad is not just food; it’s an experience meant for sunny picnics or as a vibrant sidekick at dinner parties. Trust me; your taste buds will thank you!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Cucumber Feta Salad with Lemon Greek Vinaigrette is incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings
- Its flavor profile balances crispness and creaminess while delivering a burst of fresh citrus goodness
- Visually stunning with its bright colors, it adds a festive touch to any table setting
- Versatile enough to serve as a side dish or light lunch, you’ll find yourself returning to this recipe again and again!
Ingredients for Cucumber Feta Salad with Lemon Greek Vinaigrette
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Cucumbers: Choose firm and fresh cucumbers for that satisfying crunch; English cucumbers are great because they have fewer seeds.
- Feta Cheese: Opt for crumbly feta made from sheep’s milk for a creamy texture that pairs beautifully with the cucumbers.
- Red Onion: A small amount finely chopped adds a sharp bite that complements the salad without overpowering it.
- Cherry Tomatoes: These little gems provide sweetness and color; halved tomatoes bring juiciness to every bite.
- Fresh Parsley: Chopped parsley adds freshness and brightness; don’t skip on this green goodness!
For the Vinaigrette:
- Fresh Lemon Juice: Squeeze in some sunshine! Freshly squeezed juice elevates the flavors far beyond bottled options.
- Olive Oil: Use extra virgin olive oil for its rich flavor; it’s like liquid gold in your salad dressing.
- Dried Oregano: Just a pinch brings that essential Mediterranean flair—think of it as your secret weapon!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Cucumber Feta Salad with Lemon Greek Vinaigrette
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Prepare Your Veggies
Start by washing your cucumbers thoroughly under cool running water. Slice them thinly using a sharp knife or mandoline for uniformity—your guests will appreciate that restaurant-quality presentation.
Step 2: Chop and Mix
Next, finely chop your red onion and parsley. Halve those juicy cherry tomatoes like you’re slicing through summer itself! Combine all these colorful goodies in a large bowl.
Step 3: Crumble That Feta
Time to add in the star of our show—feta cheese! Crumble it over the top of your salad mixture. Don’t be shy; more feta equals more flavor!
Step 4: Whisk Up The Vinaigrette
In a separate bowl, whisk together fresh lemon juice, olive oil, dried oregano, salt, and pepper until emulsified into liquid sunshine. This vinaigrette will give your salad that delightful zing!
Step 5: Toss It All Together
Pour your vinaigrette over the salad mixture and toss gently until everything is coated evenly. Be careful not to crush those delicate tomatoes or feta!
Step 6: Chill Before Serving
Allow the salad to sit in the fridge for about 30 minutes before serving. This step lets all those amazing flavors meld together into pure bliss.
Transfer to plates and drizzle with any remaining vinaigrette for the perfect finishing touch.
There you have it! With just a handful of easy steps, you’ve created an irresistible Cucumber Feta Salad with Lemon Greek Vinaigrette that’s sure to impress family and friends alike. Enjoy every crunchy, creamy bite!
You Must Know
- This refreshing cucumber feta salad with lemon Greek vinaigrette brings a burst of flavor to your table
- It’s easy to whip up and perfect for summer picnics or as a side dish at BBQs
- The crunchy cucumbers and tangy feta create a delightful combination that’s sure to impress
Perfecting the Cooking Process
To achieve the best results, start by preparing the vinaigrette first. While it sits and develops flavor, chop the cucumbers and crumble the feta. Toss everything together just before serving for maximum freshness.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to customize your cucumber feta salad with lemon Greek vinaigrette! Add cherry tomatoes for sweetness, swap out feta for goat cheese, or throw in some olives if you’re feeling adventurous.
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftover cucumber feta salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Avoid reheating; this salad is best served cold to maintain its crispness and refreshing flavors.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use English cucumbers for less bitterness and fewer seeds
- Letting the salad sit for at least 15 minutes enhances the flavors beautifully
- Always taste before serving; you might want a bit more lemon or salt!
Sharing this salad recipe reminds me of hosting a backyard barbecue last summer where my friends devoured it faster than I could make more. Watching them rave about it made all the chopping worth it!
FAQs
What ingredients are needed for Cucumber Feta Salad with Lemon Greek Vinaigrette?
To make a delicious Cucumber Feta Salad with Lemon Greek Vinaigrette, you’ll need fresh cucumbers, crumbled feta cheese, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and olives. For the vinaigrette, gather extra virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. These ingredients work together to create a refreshing salad that pairs well with various dishes. The combination of flavors in this salad makes it a perfect side dish for summer barbecues or a light lunch option.
How do I prepare the Cucumber Feta Salad?
Preparing the Cucumber Feta Salad with Lemon Greek Vinaigrette is simple. Start by chopping cucumbers and halving cherry tomatoes. Next, finely slice red onion and combine all vegetables in a large bowl. In a separate bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper to create the vinaigrette. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine. Finally, sprinkle crumbled feta cheese on top before serving. This easy recipe takes just minutes to prepare and is sure to impress your guests.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the Cucumber Feta Salad with Lemon Greek Vinaigrette ahead of time for added convenience. To do this, chop the vegetables and store them separately from the vinaigrette in airtight containers in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve, mix them together with the dressing for optimal freshness. However, it’s best to add feta cheese right before serving to keep its texture intact. Preparing it ahead allows flavors to meld beautifully while maintaining crispness.
What variations can I try with this salad?
There are many ways to customize your Cucumber Feta Salad with Lemon Greek Vinaigrette. You can add proteins like grilled chicken or shrimp for extra heartiness. Incorporating bell peppers or avocados can add flavor and texture as well. For an added crunch, consider including nuts such as walnuts or almonds. If you’re looking for more herbs, fresh dill or parsley can enhance the taste profile significantly. Feel free to experiment with different ingredients based on your preferences!
Conclusion for Cucumber Feta Salad with Lemon Greek Vinaigrette
In summary, the Cucumber Feta Salad with Lemon Greek Vinaigrette is an easy-to-make dish that offers a burst of flavor and freshness. With simple ingredients like cucumbers and feta cheese paired with a zesty vinaigrette, it serves as a perfect side for any meal or a light lunch option. Prepare it ahead of time for convenient serving at gatherings. Enjoy experimenting with variations to make this delightful salad your own!
Cucumber Feta Salad with Lemon Greek Vinaigrette
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Cucumber Feta Salad with Lemon Greek Vinaigrette is a refreshing dish perfect for summer gatherings. This vibrant salad features crisp English cucumbers, sweet cherry tomatoes, and creamy feta cheese, all tossed in a zesty lemon vinaigrette. With its delightful crunch and tangy flavors, it’s not just a side dish—it’s a crowd-pleaser that elevates any meal. Quick to prepare and bursting with freshness, this salad is sure to impress your friends and family at picnics or dinner parties.
Ingredients
- 2 cups English cucumbers, sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
- ¼ cup red onion, finely chopped
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Wash the cucumbers thoroughly and slice thinly.
- In a large bowl, combine sliced cucumbers, halved cherry tomatoes, chopped red onion, parsley, and crumbled feta.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, oregano, salt, and pepper until emulsified.
- Drizzle the vinaigrette over the salad mixture and toss gently to combine.
- Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: No Cook
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (150g)
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
