Ingredients for Mediterranean Salad with Cucumber

• 1 large English cucumber, peeled and diced: Provides essential crispness and refreshing texture to this Mediterranean Salad. Choose firm, unblemished cucumbers for the best crunch.
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved: Bursting with juicy sweetness, they add vibrant color and a delightful tang. Use ripe, firm tomatoes for the best flavor.
• 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved: These briny, rich olives are the star of any authentic Mediterranean Salad with Cucumber. Always buy pitted to save prep time.
• 4 oz (1 cup crumbled) feta cheese, block or pre-crumbled: Crumbly, salty, and tangy, feta is a foundational flavor element. Opt for block feta packed in brine for superior taste.
• 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced: Adds a sharp, pungent bite and beautiful color contrast. Thinly slice and rinse if you prefer a milder flavor.
• 1 medium green bell pepper, cored and diced: Offers a sweet crunch and vibrant green hue. Choose firm, glossy peppers for optimal freshness.
• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil: The base of our simple, healthy dressing, binding all flavors. Use a high-quality, cold-pressed olive oil.
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice: Brightens the entire salad with its zesty acidity. Always use freshly squeezed for superior flavor.
• 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar: Contributes a classic tangy depth to the dressing. A good quality vinegar elevates the overall taste profile.
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano: The quintessential herb for Mediterranean dishes, imparting earthy, aromatic notes. Rub between palms to release aroma.
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped: Adds a burst of fresh, herbaceous flavor and vibrant green color. Flat-leaf parsley is preferred for its milder taste.
• 2 tablespoons fresh mint, chopped (optional): An optional but highly recommended addition for a refreshing, cooling finish. Chiffonade for elegant presentation.
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt, or to taste: Enhances all the natural flavors, bringing them into harmony. Adjust to taste, especially with salty feta and olives.
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground: Provides a subtle warmth and peppery kick. Freshly ground pepper makes a significant difference in taste.

How to Make Mediterranean Salad with Cucumber

Prep Veggies:

Dice your English cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and green bell pepper. Thinly slice the red onion and chop fresh parsley and optional mint. This meticulous preparation forms the fresh base for your delicious salad.

Whisk Dressing:

In a small bowl, combine extra virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, sea salt, and black pepper. Whisk vigorously until the dressing is well emulsified.

Combine Salad:

In a large serving bowl, gently combine the prepped vegetables, Kalamata olives, and crumbled feta cheese. This colorful mix forms the vibrant foundation of your Mediterranean Salad with Cucumber.

Dress Salad:

Pour the prepared vinaigrette over the salad ingredients. Gently toss everything together, ensuring all components are lightly coated. This step truly brings the Mediterranean Salad with Cucumber to life.

Chill Flavors:

For optimal taste, let the dressed Mediterranean Salad with Cucumber rest in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes. This brief chill allows all the fresh flavors to meld beautifully and intensify.

Serve Fresh:

Give your delicious Mediterranean Salad with Cucumber one final gentle toss. Serve immediately as a refreshing side dish or a light, healthy main course. Enjoy every vibrant bite!

How to Store Mediterranean Salad with Cucumber

To store your Mediterranean Salad with Cucumber, refrigerate it promptly in an airtight container. It stays fresh for 3-4 days. Don’t leave it out, or it will wilt and lose its crispness quickly – a mistake I’ve made! Discard if it appears soggy, slimy, or smells off.

For make-ahead convenience, prep your vegetables and whisk the dressing separately. Store them refrigerated for up to 24 hours. Assemble the salad and add dressing right before serving to maintain maximum freshness and crunch.

For ultimate crispness, only dress the portion you’re eating. Store undressed components separately.

What to Serve with Mediterranean Salad with Cucumber

Serve this vibrant Mediterranean Salad with Cucumber chilled for the perfect refreshing bite. For a beautiful presentation, garnish with a sprinkle of fresh mint or a few extra Kalamata olives. It’s fantastic as a light lunch, a healthy side, or to pair with grilled chicken, fish, or warm pita bread. Enjoy its fresh flavors!

My absolute favorite way to serve this salad is alongside warm, fluffy pita bread and a generous dollop of creamy hummus. This pairing creates a perfectly satisfying and complete meal. I truly enjoy the contrast of textures and the added heartiness it brings.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I substitute different vegetables in The Ultimate Mediterranean Salad Recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to customize your Mediterranean Salad with cucumber. Bell peppers, red onion, and tomatoes are staples, but adding artichoke hearts or chickpeas works well. Avoid soft, watery veggies like zucchini.

→ How do I prevent my Mediterranean Salad with Cucumber from becoming soggy?

The key is to dress it just before serving, or only dress portions. I once drowned my salad! Also, try salting diced cucumber for 10 minutes to draw out excess water, then pat dry.

→ Can I make this Mediterranean Salad with Cucumber recipe vegan-friendly?

Yes, it’s simple to make this Mediterranean Salad vegan. Just omit the feta cheese or substitute it with a plant-based feta alternative. The rest of the ingredients are naturally vegan.

→ How long can I store leftover Mediterranean Salad with Cucumber in the fridge?

If stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, your Mediterranean Salad with Cucumber will stay fresh for 3-4 days. For best crispness, only dress the portion you plan to eat immediately.

→ Can I make The Ultimate Mediterranean Salad Recipe with Cucumber ahead of time?

Yes, you can prep the vegetables and whisk the dressing separately up to 24 hours in advance. Store them refrigerated and combine just before serving. Freezing is not recommended; it ruins the texture.