Refreshing and Delicious Cucumber Feta Salad to Brighten Your Meals

There was a moment at my kitchen table last summer when my youngest daughter, who usually turns up her nose at veggies, asked for the Cucumber Feta Salad again. She’d tried it at a friend’s barbecue and was hooked. The request caught me off guard because I hadn’t made it in a while, but seeing her so excited made me realize how this simple dish had quietly become a family favorite.

About This Salad

This Cucumber Feta Salad is one of those recipes that feels like a celebration of fresh summer flavors without opening a ton of jars or complicated steps. It’s crunchy, salty, and bright all at once—a Mediterranean salad that’s easy enough to whip up after a busy workday but special enough to serve when company comes over. I’ve found it reliably brings my family together around the table, inviting even my picky eater to try something fresh and healthy.

Getting this Cucumber Feta Salad just right took a bit of experimenting at first. I wanted the cucumbers crisp but not watery, with the feta cheese crumbled for just the right tang, and a dressing that tied it all together without overpowering the simple veggies. Now I make it with confidence, always ready to share it for a quick lunch or alongside grilled chicken for dinner.

If you’re looking for a fresh cucumber salad that skips the fuss but keeps the flavor, I invite you to try this Cucumber Feta Salad recipe. It’s become a dependable go-to in our home, and I hope it will in yours too. And if you’re curious about other easy veggie salads to round out your meal, our Homemade Caesar Salad Dressing recipe is an easy, creamy hit that pairs beautifully with this.

What You’ll Need

Ingredients for Cucumber Feta Salad laid out on a kitchen counter

For this Cucumber Feta Salad, you’ll want ingredients that highlight freshness and balance. Here’s the simple list I stick to for the best results:

  • 3 medium cucumbers, peeled and thinly sliced
  • 1 cup crumbled feta cheese (use good quality for best flavor)
  • ½ red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (optional for a colorful touch)
  • ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and pepper to taste

You’ll find everything for this Cucumber Feta Salad at your regular grocery store, often near other Mediterranean ingredients. Trust me, this Cucumber Feta Salad ingredient list keeps things simple without sacrificing flavor.

For the cucumbers, I prefer English cucumbers when I can find them because they’re less seedy and tend to have thinner skins. If you need to swap out the red onion, a bunch of scallions or a mild shallot works well. For a twist, some of my family also enjoys tossing in a handful of Kalamata olives, which adds a nice briny kick to this feta cheese salad.

When buying feta, look for a block instead of pre-crumbled for better flavor and freshness. Crumbling it yourself right before making your fresh cucumber salad really makes a difference.

How to Make It

Making this Cucumber Feta Salad is straightforward, and you’ll have it ready in about 15 minutes from start to finish. Here’s how I do it:

  1. Start by prepping your cucumbers—peel if needed, then slice thinly. This salad works best when the cucumber slices are consistent so every bite blends flavors nicely.
  2. Thinly slice half a red onion and halve your cherry tomatoes. This combination adds layers of texture and sweetness.
  3. In a large bowl, combine the cucumbers, red onion, tomatoes, and parsley. Mix gently to keep that fresh crunch.
  4. Crumble your feta cheese over the veggies. I used to crumb it too small, and it ended up sinking to the bottom, but now I keep the pieces a bit larger so you get those delicious bites with texture.
  5. Whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, oregano, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Pour this dressing over your salad and toss lightly.
  6. Let the Cucumber Feta Salad sit for about 10 minutes if you can. This resting time lets the flavors marry without the cucumbers losing their crisp.
  7. Taste and adjust with a little more salt or vinegar if it feels flat.

You’ll know your Cucumber Feta Salad is ready when the vegetables look glistening but still firm. Don’t worry if your salad looks a little wet — that’s natural as the cucumbers release some juice.

While your Cucumber Feta Salad is resting, this is a perfect time to prepare a simple grilled protein or check on the black-eyed pea salad refreshing summer recipe I like for additional side dishes.

Here’s where I used to mess up my Cucumber Feta Salad — adding too much vinegar at the start made it overpowering. Now, I always add dressing gradually and adjust after resting.

Serving Ideas

My family loves to serve Cucumber Feta Salad alongside grilled meats, especially chicken or lamb, but it’s just as perfect paired with a crusty baguette for a light lunch. Everyone reaches for seconds when this salad comes out with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and an extra sprinkle of fresh parsley on top.

Freshly prepared Cucumber Feta Salad served in a white bowl ready to eat

This salad also shines at summer potlucks or picnics. It’s fresh and healthy, a nice balance to heavier dishes. For presentation, I like serving it in a wide, shallow bowl so the colors show off. Adding a few wedges of lemon on the side invites guests to brighten their salad to taste.

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, this Cucumber Feta Salad keeps well in the fridge for up to two days. Just give it a gentle stir before serving again. The flavors deepen but the cucumbers stay satisfyingly crisp. If you’re looking to switch things up, try adding diced bell peppers or chopping the cucumbers for a Mediterranean lentil salad with feta and mint for a heartier option.

We’ve also had great feedback when serving this as a side with a homemade Caesar salad dressing, offering a contrast in flavors that keeps everyone coming back for more.

Your Questions Answered

I often hear from home cooks wanting to know more about this Cucumber Feta Salad. Here are some common questions I’ve answered:

  • Can I make this Cucumber Feta Salad ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare it a few hours ahead. Just keep it covered in the fridge. Add the feta cheese and dressing right before serving if possible to keep the textures fresh.
  • What if I don’t have red wine vinegar? Lemon juice works beautifully as a substitute and adds a nice bright zing to this fresh cucumber salad.
  • How do I store leftover Cucumber Feta Salad? Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. The cucumbers may release water, so drain any excess before serving.
  • Is this salad good for meal prep? Absolutely! It makes an easy veggie salad option to bring to lunches or have on hand for quick dinners.
  • Can I add other ingredients to the Cucumber Feta Salad? Definitely. Some people like adding Kalamata olives, diced bell peppers, or even a handful of toasted pine nuts for extra crunch.
  • How can I keep cucumbers from getting soggy? Using English cucumbers and slicing just before serving helps. Also, salting the cucumbers lightly and draining excess moisture before mixing improves crispness.
  • Does this salad work well for kids? Yes, many kids enjoy the mild flavors. You might want to reduce the onion or serve it alongside something familiar to ease them into trying the salad.

For anyone who loves Mediterranean touches, I recommend checking out this Greek cucumber tomato feta salad by Erin Lives Whole for a delicious twist. Another family favorite is the Greek salad recipe from Love and Lemons, which also pairs well with this style of salad.

The Final Word

This Cucumber Feta Salad has earned its spot in my recipe collection because it’s dependable, fresh, and loved by everyone from picky eaters to bold flavor fans. It strikes the perfect balance of tangy feta cheese and crisp cucumber for a healthy summer salad that feels both nourishing and satisfying.

My Cucumber Feta Salad Tips:

  • Use a sharp knife for clean cucumber slices to keep the salad looking attractive.
  • Add the dressing slowly and taste as you go to avoid overpowering the subtle flavors.
  • Let the salad rest for 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld without sacrificing crunch.

I’ve also tried stirring in chopped fresh mint for a herbal note, swapping red wine vinegar for lemon juice for more brightness, and adding toasted nuts for texture. My husband prefers it classic, while my daughter loves the mint addition. Every family can find their favorite way to make this salad their own.

If your family loves this cucumber feta salad, they’ll also enjoy the black-eyed pea salad refreshing summer recipe from MomsGate. And for holidays or celebrations, the Christmas salad with honey mustard dressing offers another fresh take on veggie salads.

I hope this inspires you to make this Cucumber Feta Salad part of your meal rotation. It’s simple to prepare, brings everyone a little closer at the table, and leaves you feeling good about what you’re serving. Give it a try and watch it become one of your family’s recipe favorites too!

Print

Cucumber Feta Salad

A refreshing cucumber feta salad combining crisp cucumbers, creamy feta cheese, and a zesty lemon dressing, perfect for a light and healthy side dish.

  • Author: Vienna Ellis
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Total Time: 10 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Snack
  • Method: No-Cook
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 large cucumbers, thinly sliced
  • 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
  • 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine the sliced cucumbers, crumbled feta cheese, and red onion.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, chopped dill, salt, and pepper.
  3. Pour the dressing over the cucumber mixture and toss gently to combine.
  4. Chill in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
  5. Serve cold as a refreshing side salad.

Notes

For extra crunch, add some toasted pine nuts or sliced almonds just before serving.

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