This Easy Cucumber Feta Salad is a refreshing mix of crisp cucumbers, tangy feta cheese, and a hint of lemon. It’s light, tasty, and perfect for hot days!
I whip this up in no time, and it always impresses my friends. It’s like bringing a little sunshine to the table! 🥒☀️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cucumbers: English cucumbers are a great choice for this salad because they have fewer seeds and skin is thinner. However, you can use regular cucumbers or even pickling cucumbers if that’s what you have on hand.
Feta Cheese: Crumbled feta adds a creamy, salty kick. If you’re dairy-free, try using vegan feta or a different crumbly cheese like goat cheese.
Red Onion: The sharpness of red onion is perfect here, but if it’s too strong for your taste, you can use green onions or even shallots for a milder flavor.
Dill: Fresh dill brightens the salad, but if you don’t have it, dried dill works too. Just use less since dried herbs are more concentrated.
How Can I Perfectly Toss and Chill My Salad?
Gently mixing the salad is key to keeping the cucumbers intact. Toss it with a light hand to avoid mushiness. Chilling for 15-30 minutes in the fridge isn’t just about cooling; it helps the flavors blend and enhances the taste.
- Use a large bowl to give the salad enough space to mix.
- When tossing, use a spatula or large spoon to fold ingredients together instead of stirring vigorously.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap while chilling to keep the ingredients fresh.
Easy Cucumber Feta Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 medium cucumbers, sliced into rounds
- 1/2 medium red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Easy Cucumber Feta Salad takes about 10-15 minutes to prepare, plus a chilling time of 15-30 minutes for the flavors to blend. Overall, you can have this refreshing salad ready to serve in about 30-45 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Cucumbers:
Wash the cucumbers thoroughly and slice them into thick rounds. Then, place the cucumber slices in a large mixing bowl. These will be the crunchy base of your salad!
2. Slice the Red Onion:
Peel and thinly slice the red onion, then add the slices to the bowl with the cucumbers. The sharp taste of red onion complements the salad perfectly!
3. Add Feta and Dill:
Next, sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese and chopped fresh dill on top of the cucumber and onion. The feta will add creaminess, and the dill gives a fresh, herbal note!
4. Mix the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and black pepper until everything is well combined. This dressing will bring all the flavors together beautifully.
5. Combine Everything:
Pour the dressing over the cucumber, onion, and feta mixture. Gently toss everything together with a spatula or spoon, ensuring that the salad is evenly coated with the dressing.
6. Garnish and Chill:
If you like, you can garnish the salad with some extra fresh dill. Then, cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and chill it in the refrigerator for about 15-30 minutes. This chilling time helps the flavors meld and enhances the overall taste!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
After chilling, serve the salad cold as a refreshing side dish. It’s perfect for barbecues, picnics, or a light lunch!
This salad is crisp, tangy, and delicious—exactly what you want for an easy, healthy meal!
FAQ: Easy Cucumber Feta Salad
Can I Use Any Type of Cucumber for This Salad?
Yes! While English cucumbers are preferable for their thin skin and fewer seeds, you can use regular cucumbers or pickling cucumbers if that’s what you have. Just slice them and remove any large seeds if necessary.
What If I Don’t Have Fresh Dill?
No worries! If you can’t find fresh dill, you can use dried dill instead. Just use about 1 teaspoon of dried dill, as it’s more concentrated. Alternatively, fresh parsley or mint can also be great substitutes!
How Long Can I Store Leftover Salad?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Keep in mind that the cucumbers may release some water, so give it a gentle toss before serving again.
Can I Make This Salad Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the salad several hours in advance or even the day before. Just make sure to keep it refrigerated and consider adding the dressing closer to serving time for the best texture.
