Name: Cucumber Feta Salad Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: PT-489658H28M32S
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 3 cups cucumber, thinly sliced; ½ small red onion, thinly sliced; ¾ cup crumbled feta cheese; 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; Salt and pepper to taste

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Introduction

This Cucumber Feta Salad is a refreshing and light dish perfect for warm days or as a crisp side to your favorite meals. The combination of cool cucumbers, tangy feta, and bright lemon dressing creates a delightful balance of flavors that’s simple and quick to prepare.

A white bowl filled with a fresh cucumber salad, featuring two main layers: thick slices of bright green cucumber with their skin on forming the base, and irregular chunks of white feta cheese scattered on top. The cucumbers have a slightly shiny texture from the light olive oil drizzled over them, while the feta cheese adds a crumbly texture. The salad is sprinkled with black pepper and small bits of green herbs, with a few parsley leaves adding a touch of deeper green color on top. Some cucumber slices with cheese and herbs lie beside the bowl on a dark surface, contrasting with the white marbled texture background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

3 cups cucumber, thinly sliced
½ small red onion, thinly sliced
¾ cup crumbled feta cheese
2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon lemon juice
½ teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Start by washing and slicing your cucumbers thinly. If you prefer a firmer crunch, slice them a bit thicker. For standard cucumbers, peeling and deseeding can reduce bitterness. English cucumbers don’t need peeling and work perfectly.
Step 2: Slice the red onion as thinly as possible. A mandoline slicer works well, but a sharp knife is fine too. If raw onion is too strong, soak the slices in cold water for 10 minutes to mellow the flavor before adding.
Step 3: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, garlic powder, a pinch of salt, and some freshly cracked black pepper. Aim for a bright, clean dressing to complement the fresh ingredients.
Step 4: In a large bowl, combine the cucumber, onion, chopped dill, and crumbled feta. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and gently toss to coat everything without breaking up the feta too much.
Step 5: Serve immediately or cover and chill in the fridge for 15–30 minutes to let the flavors meld and the cucumbers become crispier.

Tips & Variations

For a zestier salad, add a splash of red wine vinegar along with the lemon juice in the dressing.
Try swapping fresh dill for mint or parsley for a different herbal note.
Add cherry tomatoes or sliced radishes for extra color and crunch.
If you prefer a creamier dressing, mix in a spoonful of Greek yogurt with the olive oil and lemon juice.

Storage

Store the salad covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The cucumbers may release some water over time, so drain any excess liquid before serving. It’s best enjoyed fresh or within a day for the best texture. Reheat is not recommended; serve chilled or at room temperature.

How to Serve

A white bowl filled with bright green cucumber slices arranged in layers, topped with small white chunks of soft cheese scattered evenly across the cucumbers. The cucumbers have a shiny, fresh texture with some herbs sprinkled on top, and small droplets of olive oil glisten on the surface. A few fresh green leaves are placed on the cheese and cucumber, adding a fresh, leafy touch. Outside the bowl, on the white marbled surface, some cucumber slices with cheese and herbs are placed loosely. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of cheese instead of feta?

Yes, you can substitute feta with goat cheese or queso fresco for a similar tangy flavor and crumbly texture, but feta is preferred for its classic taste in this salad.

Should I peel and seed the cucumbers?

Peeling and seeding can help reduce bitterness and excess moisture, especially with regular cucumbers. English cucumbers typically don’t need peeling or seeding and can be sliced with skin on for added texture and nutrients.