If you are searching for a vibrant, zesty dish that bursts with fresh summer flavors, look no further than this Refreshing Greek Cucumber and Tomato Salad Recipe. It’s a wonderfully simple yet incredibly satisfying salad that combines crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, creamy feta, and a bright, tangy dressing. Each bite feels like a sunny Greek afternoon, perfect to brighten up any meal or as a standalone light lunch. This salad is not only colorful and beautiful to serve but also amazingly easy to throw together, making it a true kitchen favorite for both weeknights and casual gatherings.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is key to making this salad sing with flavor. The simplicity of the components means each one shines on its own, offering the perfect balance of texture, color, and taste to bring the salad to life.
- Grape or cherry tomatoes (2 pints): Their natural sweetness and juiciness create the vibrant base of the salad.
- English cucumber (1, diced): Crisp and hydrating, it adds a refreshing crunch that complements the tomatoes.
- Feta cheese (8 oz, cubed): Creamy and salty, feta brings a rich, indulgent flavor contrast.
- Fresh parsley (1/4 cup, chopped): Adds a bright herbal note that lightens the dish beautifully.
- Extra virgin olive oil (1/4 cup): A quality olive oil contributes depth and a silky texture to the dressing.
- Red wine vinegar (2 tablespoons): Provides acidity that balances the richness of the feta and oil.
- Garlic cloves (2, finely minced): Lends a subtle kick and aromatic warmth.
- Dried oregano (1 teaspoon): A classic Greek herb that adds authentic Mediterranean flavor.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Enhances all the natural flavors.
- Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): For a touch of subtle heat and complexity.
How to Make Refreshing Greek Cucumber and Tomato Salad Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Begin by thoroughly washing your tomatoes and cucumber. Halve the grape or cherry tomatoes and dice the English cucumber into small, bite-sized cubes. Cube your feta cheese and finely chop the fresh parsley. This careful prep sets a solid foundation for flavor harmony and texture balance in your salad.
Step 2: Toss Your Salad Base
In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced cucumbers, halved tomatoes, feta cubes, and chopped parsley. This colorful medley is the heart of your salad and promises a refreshing crunch with every scoop.
Step 3: Make the Dressing and Season
Drizzle in the extra virgin olive oil and red wine vinegar directly onto the salad. Add the finely minced garlic along with the dried oregano, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. These simple seasonings elevate the salad by adding layers of tang, herbal aroma, and a perfectly balanced finish.
Step 4: Toss and Serve
Gently toss everything together, ensuring every piece is thoroughly coated with the dressing and seasoning. The key here is gentle mixing to avoid mashing the delicate ingredients while achieving an even distribution of flavors. Serve immediately to enjoy the freshest textures, or chill in the fridge for up to five days.
How to Serve Refreshing Greek Cucumber and Tomato Salad Recipe
Garnishes
Try adding a sprinkle of freshly chopped dill or a few kalamata olives on top for an extra boost of Mediterranean flair and color contrast. A wedge of lemon on the side allows guests to add a zesty brightness as they please.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs beautifully with grilled meats like chicken souvlaki or lamb kebabs, as well as hearty flatbreads and tzatziki dips. It’s also a fantastic lighter option alongside roasted potatoes or orzo pasta, balancing heavier mains perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning presentation, serve the salad in a rustic earthenware bowl or individual glass jars layered with the dressing on the bottom and the salad components on top. You can even skewer cherry tomatoes, cucumber cubes, and feta on toothpicks for a fun, salad-on-the-go appetizer!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your Refreshing Greek Cucumber and Tomato Salad Recipe keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. Keep in mind that the tomatoes may release some juice over time, so tossing the salad again before serving helps refresh the flavors.
Freezing
Because this salad is packed with fresh vegetables and delicate cheese, freezing is not recommended. The texture and taste will be negatively affected once thawed.
Reheating
This salad is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature, so reheating is unnecessary. Allow it to sit out for 10-15 minutes before serving if you prefer it less chilled.
FAQs
Can I use regular cucumbers instead of English cucumbers?
Absolutely! Regular cucumbers work fine, but be sure to peel them and remove seeds if they are large, as the skin and seeds can sometimes add extra bitterness or mushiness to the salad.
Is there a vegan alternative to feta cheese in this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute with a firm tofu marinated in lemon juice and sea salt or use a commercially available plant-based feta to maintain the creamy, tangy element without dairy.
How long does this salad stay fresh?
Stored properly in the fridge, it stays delicious for up to five days. For best texture and flavor, consume within two to three days.
Can I add other vegetables or herbs?
Feel free to experiment! Red onions, bell peppers, or fresh mint can add exciting new layers of flavor and crunch without overpowering the classic Greek profile.
What makes this salad so refreshing?
The combination of crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, bright herbs, and the tangy dressing creates a natural freshness that wakes up your palate and pairs beautifully with a variety of main dishes.
Final Thoughts
This Refreshing Greek Cucumber and Tomato Salad Recipe is one of those effortless dishes that brings joy to the table every time. Its simplicity, balanced flavors, and beautiful colors make it an absolute delight to prepare and enjoy. So go ahead and toss up a batch to brighten your next meal—you might just find yourself reaching for this salad on repeat!
Print
Refreshing Greek Cucumber and Tomato Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Greek
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A light and refreshing Greek cucumber and tomato salad featuring fresh vegetables, creamy feta cheese, and a zesty dressing with olive oil, red wine vinegar, garlic, and oregano. Perfect as a side dish or a healthy snack, this salad comes together quickly with no cooking required.
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 2 pints grape or cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 English cucumber, cut into small cubes
- 8 oz feta cheese, cut into cubes
- 1/4 cup freshly chopped parsley
Dressing Ingredients
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 2 garlic cloves, finely minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Dice the cucumber, halve the tomatoes, cube the feta cheese, and finely chop the parsley and garlic cloves so all components are ready to combine.
- Combine Salad Components: In a large mixing bowl, add the cubed cucumber, halved tomatoes, cubed feta cheese, and freshly chopped parsley.
- Add Dressing: Drizzle the extra virgin olive oil and red wine vinegar over the salad mixture, then add the finely minced garlic. Sprinkle the dried oregano, salt, and black pepper evenly on top.
- Toss and Serve: Gently toss the salad ingredients together until everything is well coated with the dressing. Serve immediately for best freshness, or store covered in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Notes
- Use ripe, fresh tomatoes for the best flavor impact.
- Adjust salt and pepper to taste depending on your preference.
- This salad can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days but is most flavorful when fresh.
- Optional: add sliced red onions or Kalamata olives for extra authenticity.
- Use a sharp knife for clean cuts of cucumber and feta to maintain texture.
