Greek Cucumber Salad

Craving something fresh, crisp, and irresistibly flavorful ? Meet your new go-to side dish Greek Cucumber Salad. This Mediterranean classic combines crunchy cucumbers, ripe tomatoes, salty feta cheese, tangy red onions, and briny olives, all dressed in a simple yet zesty vinaigrette. It’s a celebration of textures and flavors that perfectly complements any meal from grilled meats to light seafood. Not only is it easy to make, but it’s also light, nutritious, and can be ready in just 10 minutes!

Greek cucumber salad isn’t just a summer dish it’s a year-round staple that brings sunshine to your plate. Whether you’re hosting a BBQ, meal-prepping for the week, or looking for a healthy lunch, this salad hits all the right notes: crunchy, savory, and satisfying.

❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

• ✅ Quick & Easy – Only 10–15 minutes from prep to plate.
• 🧀 Deliciously Creamy & Crunchy – The balance between the crispy cucumbers and creamy feta is perfection.
• 🌿 Healthy & Light – Packed with fiber, vitamins, and healthy fats.
• 🍽️ Versatile Side or Main – Enjoy it alone or pair it with grilled chicken, lamb, or pita.
• 🧄 Simple Ingredients – Everything is fresh and easy to find.
• 🧊 Make-Ahead Friendly – Tastes even better after marinating.

🛒 What You Need to Prepare Greek Cucumber Salad ?

Here’s a rundown of the essential ingredients you’ll need to create an authentic and vibrant Greek cucumber salad:

Main Ingredients:

• 2 large cucumbers (preferably English or Persian, thinly sliced)
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
• 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled or cubed
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley or dill, chopped

For the Dressing:

• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar (or lemon juice)
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt & black pepper, to taste

👩‍🍳 How to Make Easy Greek Cucumber Salad Step-by-Step ?

🥒 Step 1: Slice the Vegetables

• Start by thinly slicing the cucumbers. You can peel them or leave the skin on for extra crunch and nutrients.
• Halve the cherry tomatoes.
• Thinly slice the red onion and soak it in cold water for 5 minutes to reduce sharpness.

🧂 Step 2: Mix the Base

• In a large salad bowl, combine cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, and drained red onion.
• Gently toss to mix.

🧀 Step 3: Add the Feta

• Crumble or cube the feta cheese and add it to the bowl. Don’t mix too aggressively to avoid breaking the feta too much.

🍋 Step 4: Make the Dressing

• In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar (or lemon juice), minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper until emulsified.

🥄 Step 5: Combine & Toss

• Pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss to combine.
• Sprinkle fresh parsley or dill on top for garnish.

🔄 Variations

Greek cucumber salad is wonderfully flexible. While the classic version is beloved, here are a few delicious variations to try:

• Add Avocado: For a creamier texture, diced avocado blends beautifully with feta and cucumbers.
• Use Different Cheese: Try goat cheese or halloumi for a twist on the traditional flavor.
• Make It Vegan: Simply omit the feta or use a plant-based feta substitute.
• Add Chickpeas: Want to turn this into a full meal? Add a cup of chickpeas for extra protein.
• Spicy Kick: Sprinkle with crushed red pepper flakes or sliced jalapeños for some heat.
• Swap Herbs: Fresh mint or basil can replace dill or parsley for a new flavor profile.
• Add Greens: Serve it over a bed of arugula or spinach to bulk it up into a hearty salad bowl.

🍳 Cooking Note

No actual cooking is involved in this salad, but quality matters. Since the ingredients are raw and simple, the flavor of each component shines through. Choose the freshest, ripest tomatoes, firm cucumbers, and high-quality feta for the best experience. English or Persian cucumbers are ideal due to their minimal seeds and thin skins.

If possible, allow the salad to rest for about 10–15 minutes after combining everything. This lets the flavors meld together, resulting in a more balanced and vibrant taste. However, don’t let it sit too long—cucumbers release water and can make the salad soggy if left overnight.

Use a non-reactive bowl (glass or ceramic) to mix the salad to preserve the flavor and color of the vinaigrette. Always taste and adjust the salt and acidity before serving.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

This Greek cucumber salad is incredibly versatile. It can be served:

• As a starter with warm pita bread or crackers
• As a side dish alongside grilled lamb, chicken skewers, or roasted fish
• As a light lunch with a scoop of quinoa or bulgur on the side
• As a wrap filler in pita bread with hummus or falafel
• On a mezze platter with tzatziki, dolmas, and tabbouleh

Pair it with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a refreshing mint lemonade for a perfect Mediterranean vibe.

💡 Helpful Tips

• Chill before serving for extra crispness and refreshing flavor.
• Use seedless cucumbers like English or Persian types for the best texture.
• Thinly slice red onions and soak them in water to mellow their sharpness.
• Crumble feta gently with clean hands to maintain chunkiness.
• Make the dressing in a jar for easy shaking and storing leftovers.
• Taste before serving and adjust the salt, vinegar, or herbs as needed.
• Keep the salad separate from the dressing if making ahead, and combine just before serving to prevent sogginess.
• Try fresh lemon juice in place of vinegar for a citrusy touch.
• Add a sprinkle of sumac for extra tang (optional but traditional in some regions).

🌟 Tips for the Best Greek Cucumber Salad

• Freshness is key – Use the ripest, most vibrant produce available.
• Balance your flavors – The dressing should be zesty but not overpowering.
• Don’t overmix – Gentle tossing preserves the texture and visual appeal.
• Use quality feta – Opt for block feta in brine for a more authentic taste.
• Let it rest – A 10-minute marination helps ingredients absorb the dressing.

⏱️ Timing Overview

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 15 minutes

🧾 Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Approx. 1 cup)

• Calories: 180
• Protein: 5g
• Sodium: 420mg
• Carbohydrates: 8g
• Fat: 14g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 3g

❓ FAQs

Q: Can I make Greek cucumber salad in advance?
Yes, you can prep the veggies and dressing separately and combine them just before serving.

Q: What cucumbers are best for this salad?
English or Persian cucumbers are ideal because they’re crisp and have fewer seeds.

Q: Can I substitute red wine vinegar?
Yes, lemon juice or white wine vinegar are excellent alternatives.

Q: How long will it last in the fridge?
It’s best fresh, but it can last 1–2 days in an airtight container. Expect some water release from the cucumbers.

Q: Is Greek cucumber salad gluten-free?
Absolutely, it’s naturally gluten-free.

✅ Conclusion

Greek cucumber salad is everything you want in a salad fresh, light, crunchy, and deliciously tangy. It captures the essence of Mediterranean cuisine in one bowl. With simple ingredients and minimal prep, this dish brings color and flavor to any table. Whether you’re entertaining guests or enjoying a quiet meal, this recipe is sure to impress.

Add it to your weekly meal plan and discover why this traditional Greek side has stood the test of time. 🌿🥒🇬🇷