Description
This Mediterranean Cucumber Tomato Salad is a refreshing, vibrant dish featuring crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and a tangy lemon-olive oil dressing. Perfect as a light side or starter, it brings together classic Mediterranean flavors with fresh herbs and a hint of garlic, making it ideal for summer meals or healthy eating.
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 2 medium cucumbers, diced
- 3 large ripe tomatoes, chopped
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint
Dressing Ingredients
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the vegetables: Rinse the cucumbers and tomatoes under cold water. Dice the cucumbers into bite-sized pieces and chop the tomatoes evenly. Thinly slice the red onion and set all aside in a large salad bowl.
- Add olives and herbs: Add the Kalamata olives to the bowl along with the chopped fresh parsley and mint. These herbs add a bright, aromatic flavor that’s essential to the Mediterranean profile.
- Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, and dried oregano until fully combined. Season with salt and pepper according to taste.
- Toss the salad: Pour the dressing over the vegetables and gently toss everything together to ensure the salad is evenly coated in the dressing.
- Add feta cheese and serve: Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese over the top of the salad just before serving to add a creamy, salty finish that complements the fresh ingredients.
Notes
- For best flavor, use fresh, ripe tomatoes and crisp cucumbers.
- You can substitute fresh oregano if available for a less intense dried flavor.
- Chilling the salad for 20-30 minutes before serving helps meld the flavors better.
- This salad pairs well with grilled meats or as a light vegetarian meal.
- To make the salad vegan, omit the feta cheese or use a plant-based cheese alternative.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
