The Ultimate Mediterranean Salad Recipe with Cucumber: Fresh & Zesty!

Ingredients for Mediterranean Salad with Cucumber

• 1 large English cucumber, diced: This crisp cucumber is the star of our Mediterranean Salad, providing a refreshing crunch. Choose firm, dark green cucumbers for best results.
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved: Juicy tomatoes add essential sweetness and a burst of color to this vibrant Mediterranean Salad. Halve them for easy eating and visual appeal.
• 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved: Briny Kalamata olives are crucial for that authentic Mediterranean flavor profile. Always use pitted for convenience and safety.
• 4 ounces feta cheese, crumbled: Creamy, salty feta cheese is a foundational ingredient, adding rich tanginess and texture. Opt for block feta and crumble it yourself for superior flavor.
• 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced: Red onion provides a delightful sharpness and a pop of color, balancing the other fresh flavors. Soak in cold water for 10 minutes to mellow its bite.
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped: Aromatic fresh parsley provides bright, herbaceous notes, essential for that summer-fresh feeling. Always use fresh herbs for maximum impact.
• 2 tablespoons fresh mint, chopped: Fresh mint adds a unique, cooling zest that elevates this Mediterranean Salad with Cucumber. Don’t skip this delightful herb for true authenticity.
• 1 green bell pepper, diced: Adds a wonderful crispness and a mild, sweet flavor, contributing to the wholesome ingredients. Select firm, glossy peppers for optimal freshness.
• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil: This is the base of our zesty dressing, providing richness and body to the Mediterranean Salad. Use a high-quality, cold-pressed olive oil for best flavor.
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar: Adds essential tang and acidity, cutting through the richness of the feta and olive oil. Choose a good quality vinegar for a balanced dressing.
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice: Fresh lemon juice brings a bright, zesty lift to the dressing, enhancing all the other fresh flavors. Always use freshly squeezed for superior taste.
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Dried oregano infuses the salad with classic Mediterranean warmth and earthiness. Rub it between your palms before adding to release more aroma.
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt, or to taste: Essential for enhancing all the individual flavors and making the salad truly satisfying. Adjust to your preference, especially with salty feta.
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, or to taste: Freshly ground black pepper adds a subtle, aromatic warmth that completes the seasoning. Grind just before using for peak flavor.

How to Make Mediterranean Salad with Cucumber

Prep Salad Base:

Dice your English cucumber, halve cherry tomatoes, and thinly slice the red onion. Chop fresh parsley and mint, then dice the green bell pepper. Uniform cuts ensure every bite of this Mediterranean Salad with Cucumber is perfect.

Whisk Dressing:

In a small bowl, whisk together extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, fresh lemon juice, and dried oregano. Add sea salt and black pepper to taste. Whisk until the dressing is well emulsified and slightly thickened.

Combine Ingredients:

Gently combine the diced cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, sliced red onion, diced bell pepper, Kalamata olives, and crumbled feta cheese in a large mixing bowl. Ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed for the Mediterranean Salad with Cucumber.

Dress Salad:

Pour the freshly whisked zesty dressing over the combined salad ingredients in the large bowl. Add the chopped fresh parsley and mint now for maximum freshness. This brings all the vibrant flavors together.

Gently Toss:

Using large salad tongs or two spoons, gently toss all the ingredients until everything is thoroughly coated with the delicious dressing. Be careful not to mash the feta. The vibrant colors will really pop!

Serve Fresh:

Taste your Mediterranean Salad with Cucumber and adjust salt and pepper if needed. Serve immediately as a refreshing side dish or a light main meal. It’s best enjoyed fresh to savor the crisp textures.

How to Store Mediterranean Salad with Cucumber

To properly store this Mediterranean Cucumber Salad, transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate. It stays fresh for 1-2 days, though it can last up to 3-4. Beyond that, ingredients get soggy, dulling the vibrant flavors – don’t do what I did and leave it too long! Signs of spoilage include limpness or an off smell.

For make-ahead convenience, prep the vegetables and dressing separately. Keep the dressing sealed and chopped ingredients refrigerated for 1-2 days. Assemble and dress the salad just before serving to maintain its crispness.

This Mediterranean Salad with Cucumber is best enjoyed immediately for peak freshness.

What to Serve with Mediterranean Salad with Cucumber

This Mediterranean Cucumber Salad is incredibly versatile! Simply **serve** it chilled in a beautiful large bowl. For special occasions, **pair** it with a sprinkle of extra fresh mint and crumbled feta for a vibrant presentation. It’s **perfect** as a refreshing side alongside grilled chicken or fish, and you’ll **enjoy** it best when it’s cool and crisp.

I love to **serve** this Mediterranean Cucumber Salad as a light, satisfying lunch. The crisp cucumber and zesty dressing are **perfect** for a warm day, truly allowing me to **enjoy** every refreshing bite. It’s my ultimate go-to!

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Leftovers of this Mediterranean Cucumber Salad stay fresh for 1-2 days in an airtight container. Beyond that, the ingredients can get soggy, losing their crispness and vibrant flavor. Enjoy it quickly for the best taste.

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

You absolutely can prep elements of this Mediterranean Salad with Cucumber ahead. Chop vegetables and make the dressing separately, storing them refrigerated for 1-2 days. Assemble and dress just before serving to ensure peak freshness and crispness.

→ Can I substitute ingredients in this Mediterranean Cucumber Salad recipe?

Yes, feel free to substitute! Bell peppers of other colors work, or try cherry tomatoes with diced Roma. For olives, green olives are an option, but Kalamata offers that authentic Mediterranean taste. I recommend sticking to fresh herbs.

→ How do I make this Mediterranean Salad Recipe suitable for vegans?

To make this Mediterranean Salad Recipe vegan, simply omit the feta cheese. The vibrant vegetables and zesty dressing still create a delicious, satisfying meal. You could also add a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.

→ How do I prevent my Mediterranean Salad from getting soggy after dressing?

The key to preventing a soggy Mediterranean Salad is to dress it right before serving. The dressing’s acids break down vegetables over time. If making ahead, keep the dressing separate and only toss just before enjoying.