Refreshing Greek Cucumber Tomato Salad
Summertime calls for refreshing, flavor-packed salads that showcase the season’s bounty, and this Greek cucumber tomato salad checks all the boxes. Bursting with a medley of crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and a tangy, herb-infused dressing, this dish is a crowd-pleasing favorite that’s equal parts nourishing and delightful.
Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue, packing a picnic, or simply craving a light and satisfying meal, this Greek-inspired salad is sure to delight your taste buds and leave you feeling energized and satisfied.
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe ❓
What sets this Greek cucumber tomato salad apart is its perfect balance of flavors and textures. The cool, crunchy cucumbers and juicy, ripe tomatoes are complemented by the tangy feta cheese, fragrant herbs, and a zesty lemon-based dressing. The result is a salad that’s refreshing, nutrient-dense, and utterly addictive.
One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility. It can be served as a side dish to grilled meats or fish, or enjoyed on its own as a light and healthy main course. Plus, the make-ahead potential means you can prepare it in advance, making it the perfect dish for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings.
🛒 What You Need to Prepare Greek Cucumber Tomato Salad ❓
• 3 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 red onion, thinly sliced
• 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh oregano, chopped
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
The beauty of this Greek cucumber tomato salad is that most ingredients are pantry or freezer staples. The combination of crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and tangy feta cheese creates the Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile that has made Greek salad recipes perennially popular.
📝 How to Make Greek Cucumber Tomato Salad Step-by-Step ❓
• Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper to create the dressing.
• Step 3: Pour the dressing over the cucumber and tomato mixture and toss gently to coat.
• Step 4: Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese and chopped fresh parsley and oregano over the top of the salad, then toss again to combine.
⏱️ Timing Overview
• Cooking time: 0 minutes
• Total time: 15 minutes
Compared to traditional Greek salad, which can take up to 30 minutes to prepare, this Greek cucumber tomato salad saves you 50% of your cooking time while delivering similar flavors.
👩🏻⚕️ Nutritional Information
Per serving (based on 6 servings):
• Protein: 6g
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Fat: 11g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sodium: 370mg
These Greek cucumber tomato salads provide approximately 20% of your daily vitamin C requirements and 15% of your daily vitamin K needs, making them not just delicious but nutritionally valuable as well.
🔄 Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
• Lower-carb version: Omit the cherry tomatoes and add more cucumber, bell peppers, or zucchini to reduce the carbohydrate content.
• Dairy-free adaptation: Replace the feta cheese with crumbled tofu or a dairy-free cheese alternative.
• Added protein: Top the salad with grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas for an extra protein boost.
• Boost vegetables: Add diced bell peppers, thinly sliced radishes, or chopped kale for an even more nutrient-dense salad.
These modifications can reduce calories by up to 20% or adapt the recipe for specific dietary needs without compromising the fundamental flavor profile of the Greek cucumber tomato salad.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
• Pair with pita bread, hummus, and a side of roasted vegetables for a complete Mediterranean-inspired meal.
• Complement the salad with a bowl of tzatziki or a light, lemony soup for a more substantial lunch or dinner.
• For a summer gathering, serve the salad as part of a larger meze (appetizer) platter with olives, marinated feta, and dolmades (stuffed grape leaves).
❌ Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Underdressing the salad: Make sure to use the full amount of dressing to ensure all the ingredients are evenly coated and flavored.
• Letting the salad sit too long before serving: The salad is best served shortly after being dressed to prevent the vegetables from becoming soggy.
🧊 Storing Tips for the Recipe
These Greek cucumber tomato salads retain their quality remarkably well:
• Freezing: This salad does not freeze well, as the cucumber and tomatoes will become watery and lose their texture upon thawing.
❓ FAQs
Can I make this salad in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the salad in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. However, it’s best to wait to dress the salad until just before serving to prevent the vegetables from becoming soggy.
Can I substitute other vegetables in this recipe?
Absolutely! This salad is very versatile, and you can easily swap in or add other crunchy vegetables like bell peppers, radishes, or zucchini. Just be sure to adjust the dressing proportions accordingly.
Is this salad suitable for a low-carb diet?
Yes, this Greek cucumber tomato salad can be easily adapted for a low-carb diet. Simply omit the cherry tomatoes and add more cucumber, bell peppers, or zucchini to reduce the carbohydrate content.
What if I don’t have fresh herbs on hand?
If you don’t have fresh parsley and oregano, you can substitute 1 teaspoon of dried oregano and 1/2 teaspoon of dried basil. The flavor won’t be quite as vibrant, but the salad will still be delicious.
Can I add additional proteins to this salad?
Absolutely! This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas. You can simply add your protein of choice on top of the salad or mix it in for a more substantial meal.
Conclusion
These refreshing Greek cucumber tomato salads represent the perfect balance of convenience, flavor, and presentation. Whether you’re serving them as a light and healthy side dish or as the star of a Mediterranean-inspired feast, they’re sure to impress with their vibrant colors, crisp textures, and tantalizing flavors.
The versatility of this recipe allows for countless variations to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs. With simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, these Greek-inspired salads demonstrate that sophisticated flavors don’t require complicated techniques – just quality ingredients and a little bit of care in the assembly.
Print
Refreshing Greek Cucumber Tomato Salad
- Total Time: 15 minutes
Ingredients
• 2 large English cucumbers, diced
• 3 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 red onion, thinly sliced
• 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh oregano, chopped
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
• Step 1: In a large bowl, combine the diced cucumbers, halved cherry tomatoes, and thinly sliced red onion.
• Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper to create the dressing.
• Step 3: Pour the dressing over the cucumber and tomato mixture and toss gently to coat.
• Step 4: Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese and chopped fresh parsley and oregano over the top of the salad, then toss again to combine.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Lunch
- Cuisine: Americans
Keywords: Refreshing Greek Cucumber Tomato Salad
