Welcome to a burst of Mediterranean freshness! This salad combines the crispness of cucumbers with the juicy sweetness of tomatoes, enhanced by tangy feta and briny olives. It’s light, refreshing, and perfect for warm days or as a vibrant side dish to any meal. Trust me, you’re going to love the vibrant flavors and textures in every bite!

Why You’ll Love Mediterranean Cucumber and Tomato Salad

Name: Mediterranean Cucumber and Tomato Salad Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: – 2 large cucumbers, diced; – 4 medium tomatoes, chopped; – 1 small red onion, thinly sliced; – 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved; – 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled; – 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil; – Juice of 1 lemon; – 1 garlic clove, minced; – Salt, to taste; – Black pepper, to taste; – 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped; – Optional: 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped

Versatile

This salad is a great companion to grilled meats, seafood, or as a standalone light lunch.

Budget-Friendly

With simple, fresh ingredients, you can enjoy gourmet flavors without stretching your wallet.

Quick and Easy

From chopping to tossing, this recipe comes together in minutes, making it ideal for busy days.

Customizable

Feel free to add extra ingredients like red bell peppers, avocado, or fresh basil for your personal twist.

Crowd-Pleasing

Its bright, refreshing flavors make it a hit with both kids and adults at any gathering.

Ingredients

Ingredients in Mediterranean Cucumber and Tomato Salad

Here’s the secret behind this vibrant salad—it’s all about fresh, quality ingredients coming together in harmony.

Cucumbers

Fresh, crisp cucumbers form the base, adding a satisfying crunch.

Tomatoes

Juicy tomatoes (cherry or vine-ripened) bring a burst of sweetness and color.

Red Onion

Thinly sliced red onion adds a mild bite and beautiful contrast.

Kalamata Olives

These briny olives offer a savory depth that perfectly complements the salad.

Feta Cheese

Crumbled feta brings a tangy creaminess that ties all the flavors together.

Olive Oil

Extra virgin olive oil provides a rich, smooth texture that enhances every ingredient.

Lemon Juice

A squeeze of fresh lemon juice brightens the salad with its zesty tang.

Salt & Pepper

Essential seasonings that elevate the natural flavors of the fresh produce.

Optional Add-Ins

A minced garlic clove or a sprinkle of dried oregano can add an extra layer of Mediterranean charm.

(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Mediterranean Cucumber and Tomato Salad Recipe

Instructions

Prepare the Vegetables

Wash the cucumbers and tomatoes thoroughly. Dice the cucumbers and halve or quarter the tomatoes, depending on their size. Thinly slice the red onion.

Combine the Salad

In a large bowl, add the chopped cucumbers, tomatoes, red onion, and Kalamata olives. Gently toss to mix the ingredients evenly.

Make the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together extra virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, salt, and pepper. For an extra kick, mix in a minced garlic clove or a pinch of dried oregano.

Toss and Chill

Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss lightly to ensure every piece is coated. Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese on top. For best results, allow the salad to chill in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes to let the flavors meld.

Serve and Enjoy

Give the salad a final gentle toss before serving. Enjoy this refreshing dish as a side or light main course, and savor the taste of the Mediterranean in every bite!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 180
(Nutrition values may vary based on added ingredients.)

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes

How to Serve Mediterranean Cucumber and Tomato Salad

This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled fish, chicken, or as a refreshing counterpoint to heavier dishes. It’s also a perfect light meal on its own. For an extra burst of flavor, serve with a side of crusty bread or over a bed of mixed greens.

Additional Tips

For extra crunch, add diced bell peppers or celery.
Use ripe, in-season tomatoes for the best flavor.
If you prefer a stronger lemon flavor, add a little extra lemon juice.
For a creamier texture, try adding avocado chunks just before serving.
Let the salad chill in the refrigerator for 15–20 minutes to enhance the flavor meld.

FAQ’s

1. Can I prepare this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can chop the vegetables and mix the dressing in advance. Add the feta just before serving to keep it fresh.

2. What type of tomatoes work best?
Both cherry tomatoes and vine-ripened tomatoes work well. Choose whichever is freshest and most flavorful.

3. Can I substitute the olives?
Absolutely, green olives or even a mix of your favorite olives can be used for a different twist.

4. Is this salad gluten-free?
Yes, all the ingredients in this salad are naturally gluten-free.

5. Can I make this salad vegan?
Simply omit the feta cheese or replace it with a vegan cheese alternative.

6. How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The salad is best enjoyed fresh.

7. Can I add protein to this salad?
Yes, grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas can be added for extra protein.

8. What herbs can I use to customize the flavor?
Fresh basil, mint, or parsley all work beautifully in this salad.

9. Can I use bottled lemon juice?
Fresh lemon juice is recommended for the best flavor, but bottled can work in a pinch.

10. How do I avoid a watery salad?
Drain any excess liquid from the chopped vegetables, especially if using very ripe tomatoes, before tossing with the dressing.

Conclusion

Mediterranean Cucumber and Tomato Salad is a refreshing celebration of fresh ingredients and vibrant flavors. With its crunchy vegetables, tangy feta, and zesty dressing, this salad brings a taste of the Mediterranean to your table in minutes. Enjoy it as a side or a light main course, and feel free to experiment with your favorite additions. Bon appétit!

Mediterranean Cucumber and Tomato Salad Recipe

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A refreshing and vibrant salad bursting with Mediterranean flavors. Crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, red onion, and Kalamata olives are tossed with creamy feta and a zesty lemon-herb dressing, making it a perfect side dish for any summer meal.

Author: Grace Sullivan
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Category: Salad
Method: No-cook
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Diet: Vegetarian

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine the diced cucumbers, chopped tomatoes, thinly sliced red onion, and Kalamata olives.

2. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper to create the dressing.

3. Pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss to combine.

4. Add the crumbled feta cheese, fresh parsley, and mint (if using), and toss lightly.

5. Let the salad sit for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

6. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Notes

For best flavor, use ripe, in-season tomatoes and fresh cucumbers. Adjust seasoning to taste and consider adding a drizzle of balsamic glaze for an extra layer of flavor.