1. Prepare the Salad Ingredients:
- Cucumbers: Peel and slice the cucumbers into thin rounds or quarter them for a chunkier texture. If the cucumbers are large, you may want to remove the seeds.
- Tomatoes: Halve the cherry or grape tomatoes.
- Red Onion: Thinly slice the red onion.
- Feta Cheese: Crumble the feta cheese into small pieces.
- Olives (optional): Slice the Kalamata olives if using.
- Herbs (optional): Chop fresh parsley or basil for garnish.
2. Make the Dressing:
- In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar (or lemon juice), Dijon mustard, minced garlic, and dried oregano.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Adjust seasoning as needed.
3. Combine the Salad:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cucumber slices, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and Kalamata olives (if using).
- Gently toss to combine.
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss again to ensure everything is evenly coated.
- Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese over the top.
4. Garnish and Serve:
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or basil if desired.
- Serve immediately or chill for about 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld.
Tips for Success
- Chilling: If you have time, chilling the salad before serving allows the flavors to develop further.
- Cucumber Preparation: For a less watery salad, you can sprinkle the sliced cucumbers with a bit of salt and let them sit for 10 minutes before patting them dry with paper towels.
- Dressing Adjustment: Feel free to adjust the amount of vinegar or lemon juice to suit your taste preference. For a tangier dressing, add a little more.
Conclusion
Cucumber Tomato Feta Salad is a light, refreshing, and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. The combination of crisp cucumbers, sweet tomatoes, creamy feta, and tangy dressing makes it a delightful addition to your meal. Enjoy this easy-to-make salad as a healthy side or a delicious standalone dish!
Explore more fresh and vibrant recipes on our blog. Discover how to make meals that are both tasty and nutritious!