Cucumber Salad with Feta and Tomatoes

A crisp, easy 10‑minute salad perfect for BBQs & Pinterest boards

This Fresh Cucumber Salad with Feta & Tomatoes is a summertime staple that tastes like sunshine in a bowl. With juicy cherry tomatoes, crunchy cucumbers, creamy feta, and zesty herbs, it’s the perfect side dish for hot days, backyard BBQs, potlucks, or quick weeknight dinners. Ready in just 10 minutes—and trending hard on Pinterest—this salad blends crisp texture with Mediterranean flair.

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Why You’ll Love This Salad

• Vibrant, fresh flavors: Bright, herb-forward, with savory feta and tender veggies.

• Rapid prep: Just a few minutes of chopping, whisking, and tossing.

• Mediterranean good-for-you vibes: Rich in antioxidants, hydrating veggies, and healthy fats.

• Stunning colors: Green, red, and white make it visually delicious for parties.

• Versatile: Great alone, as a side, tossed into wraps, or spooned over grilled protein.

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Ingredients (Serves 6 as a side)

• 2 large English cucumbers, sliced into ½‑inch half moons

• 2 cups cherry or grape tomatoes, halved

• 1 cup crumbled feta cheese

• ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced

• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

• 2 tbsp fresh mint or basil, chopped (optional)

• 3 tbsp extra‑virgin olive oil

• 2 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)

• Salt & freshly ground black pepper, to taste

• ½ tsp dried oregano (or 1 tbsp fresh)

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Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the vegetables

Wash cucumbers and tomatoes. Slice cucumbers into half moons and halve the tomatoes. Thinly slice the red onion.

2. Whisk the dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, dried oregano, salt, and pepper until emulsified.

3. Assemble the salad

Add cucumbers, tomatoes, onion, parsley, and mint/basil (if using) to a large salad bowl. Pour dressing over and toss gently to coat.

4. Add the feta

Sprinkle crumbled feta over the top and give it a light toss—reserve some feta for garnish if desired.

5. Rest or serve

Enjoy immediately for maximum crunch, or let rest 10–15 minutes to meld flavors. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

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Pro Tips for Legendary Flavor

• Seed your cucumbers: English cucumbers are low-seed, but any cucumber benefits from halving and scooping seeds for crispness.

• Pick ripe tomatoes: Vibrant, juicy tomatoes elevate the entire bowl.

• Use high-quality olive oil: It really makes a difference in flavor and richness.

• Fresh herbs make it pop: Mint or basil aren’t necessary, but they add fresh brightness.

• Don’t over-salt: Feta is salty—taste before adding extra salt.

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Variations to Theme Up Your Salad

Greek-Inspired Upgrade

Add kalamata olives, diced green peppers, capers, and a drizzle of red vinegar.

Crunch & Color Boost

Toss in sliced radishes, chopped cucumber pickles, or crunchy bell pepper strips.

Creamy Avocado Twist

Gently fold in diced avocado for healthy fats and luscious texture.

Grain Bowl Base

Serve over quinoa, farro, or bulgur wheat to create a hearty, lunch-ready bowl.

Protein-Packed Version

Top with grilled chicken, chickpeas, or falafel for a quick complete meal.

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Meal & Occasion Suggestions

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Meal Prep & Storage Tips

• Make ahead: Prepare and toss salad up to 2 hours ahead; store in fridge and toss again before serving.

• Pack for lunch: Layer fresh veggies at the bottom of containers, keep dressing separate, add feta at serving time.

• Leftover life: Keeps freshness for 1–2 days—beyond that cucumbers soften too much.

Meal Prep & Storage Tips (continued)

• Leftover life: Keeps its flavor best within 1–2 days. After that, cucumbers start to soften and release moisture, making the salad less crisp.

• Keep it crunchy: To maintain that crunch, store the dressing separately and mix just before serving.

• Freezing? Nope. This salad isn’t freezer-friendly—the water content in cucumbers and tomatoes causes them to turn mushy after thawing.

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🧠 Nutrition Snapshot (Per Serving)

Estimated for 6 side portions:

• Calories: ~150

• Protein: ~4g

• Carbs: ~6g

• Fat: ~12g

• Fiber: ~2g

• Added sugar: 0g

• Net carbs: 4g

This makes it a great low-carb, high-fiber side option—even keto-friendly if paired wisely.

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🛒 Shopping List

Here’s a quick grocery checklist for your next trip:

Produce:

• Cucumbers (English or Persian)

• Cherry or grape tomatoes

• Red onion

• Fresh parsley

• Mint or basil (optional)

• Lemon

Pantry:

• Extra-virgin olive oil

• Salt

• Black pepper

• Dried oregano

Dairy:

• Feta cheese (crumbled)

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❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use regular cucumbers instead of English cucumbers?

Yes! If using regular cucumbers, peel them if the skin is tough and remove seeds for a crisp texture.

Is this salad keto or low-carb?

Yes! It’s naturally low in carbs—just skip the red wine vinegar if you’re strict keto.

Can I use bottled lemon juice?

Fresh is always best, but bottled lemon juice will work in a pinch—just adjust for taste.

What can I use instead of feta?

Try goat cheese, crumbled queso fresco, or dairy-free feta alternatives for a similar salty tang.

How long does this salad last in the fridge?

It’s best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored for 24–48 hours in an airtight container.

Can I double this recipe?

Absolutely—just double all ingredients and use a large mixing bowl. Perfect for BBQs or potlucks.

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🔥 Serving Ideas: What Goes With Cucumber Feta Salad?

• Grilled meats: Chicken skewers, lamb kebabs, or steak strips.

• Falafel wraps: Add it to pita sandwiches for extra crunch.

• Stuffed peppers: Serve alongside or inside veggie-stuffed bell peppers.

• Soup & salad: Pair with a bowl of lentil soup or tomato basil for a full meal.

• Taco night refresh: Serve with fish or veggie tacos for a cool counterbalance.

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🧑‍🍳 Final Thoughts: A Salad You’ll Actually Crave

This Fresh Cucumber Salad with Feta & Tomatoes isn’t just a side—it’s a crowd-pleasing, Pinterest-trending favorite for good reason. It’s budget-friendly, vibrant, light, and bursting with flavor. Whether you’re feeding picky kids, impressing BBQ guests, or meal-prepping lunches for the week, this salad earns a permanent spot on the summer menu.

Pin & Save for Later!

This recipe is trending for a reason—save it to your BBQ, Meal Prep, or Healthy Summer Eats board on Pinterest so you’ll always have it ready when salad cravings hit!