If you’re looking for a quick and refreshing dish that’s bursting with flavor, this Cucumber Salad with Feta is going to be your new go-to. It’s a vibrant blend of fresh cucumbers, creamy avocado, and crumbly feta, all brought together with a tangy dressing that promises to tantalize your taste buds. Trust me; this salad is more than just a side dish—it’s a little bowl of summery delight!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: From start to finish, this dish takes just 5 minutes to prepare.
- Flavorful and Fresh: Each ingredient adds a burst of flavor that’s wonderfully bright and refreshing.
- Perfectly Versatile: This salad goes with almost anything, from grilled salmon to a simple sandwich lunch.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Cucumber Salad with Feta is in its simplicity. Just a handful of ingredients creates a harmony of flavors. Here’s a quick rundown of what you’ll need and why they’re essential to the dish.
- Chopped Persian Cucumbers: These cucumbers are small, crisp, and less bitter, perfect for salads.
- Shallot: Adds a mild onion flavor without overpowering the dish.
- Avocado: Provides a creamy texture that complements the crunchiness of the cucumbers perfectly.
- Fresh Dill: Adds a unique, tangy herb flavor that ties everything together.
- Feta Cheese: Crumbly and slightly salty, it elevates the dish with its rich texture and taste.
- Olive Oil: The base of your dressing, giving it a smooth and rich flavor.
- Red Wine Vinegar: Offers the salad a bold, tangy kick.
- Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed for the best taste—it brightens the flavors in the salad.
- Garlic: A touch of minced garlic provides a savory depth to the dressing.
- Kosher Salt and Black Pepper: To taste; essential for seasoning the dish just right.
Variations
This Cucumber Salad with Feta is delightfully flexible, making it easy to adjust according to what you have on hand or any dietary needs. Feel free to get creative!
- Add Tomatoes: Diced cherry tomatoes add a juicy sweetness that pairs beautifully with the feta.
- Swap the Feta: For a vegan option, use a plant-based feta substitute or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
- Herb Swap: Try basil or mint for a different aromatic experience.
How to Make Cucumber Salad with Feta
Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables
Begin by placing your chopped Persian cucumbers, thinly sliced shallots, diced avocado, fresh dill, and crumbled feta cheese into a large mixing bowl. Ensure everything is evenly chopped for a consistent bite of deliciousness in each forkful.
Step 2: Mix the Dressing
In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, minced garlic, and a dash of salt and pepper. Whisk until the mixture is well combined, tasting for seasoning and adjusting as necessary.
Step 3: Toss and Serve
Pour the freshly made dressing over the cucumber mixture. Gently toss the ingredients until everything is well coated. Serve immediately for the freshest taste experience!
Pro Tips for Making Cucumber Salad with Feta
- Ingredient Selection: Choose ripe yet firm avocados to add creaminess without turning mushy in the salad.
- Herb Highlight: Don’t skip the fresh dill; it’s the secret weapon that brightens the entire dish.
- Dress Right Before Serving: To maintain crisp textures, toss the salad with its dressing just before serving.
- Season Generously: Don’t be shy with seasoning; a bit more salt and pepper can really enhance the flavors.
How to Serve Cucumber Salad with Feta
Garnishes
Top your salad with additional feta or a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper for an extra pop of flavor and visual appeal. A few more sprigs of dill never hurt anyone, either!
Side Dishes
This salad pairs perfectly with grilled protein like salmon or chicken or alongside stuffed pitas and hummus. It’s a versatile player that complements a variety of main dishes.
Creative Ways to Present
For an elegant twist, serve this salad in individual glass jars or layer it parfait-style in tall glasses for a visually appealing appetizer at your next gathering.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Keep in mind, the flavors will meld together, so it might taste even better the next day!
Freezing
This salad isn’t suitable for freezing due to the fresh vegetables and the texture changes that can occur. It’s best enjoyed fresh!
Reheating
No reheating required for this refreshing dish. Just serve it straight from the fridge or allow it to sit at room temperature for a few minutes for the best taste.
FAQs
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Can I use a different type of cucumber?
Absolutely! English cucumbers or regular slicing cucumbers can work well, just be sure to deseed them for the best texture.
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Is this salad suitable for a vegan diet?
To make it vegan, simply substitute the feta with a vegan cheese alternative or sprinkle in some nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
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What can I use instead of dill?
If you’re not a fan of dill, basil or mint can provide a different, yet delightful herbal twist to the salad.
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Can I prepare this salad ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the components ahead but store them separately. Combine with the dressing just before serving for the freshest taste.
Final Thoughts
This Cucumber Salad with Feta is like a little piece of culinary happiness that’s easy, quick, and oh-so-satisfying. Whether you’re serving it as a standalone delight or a vibrant side dish, it’s bound to bring joy and a sense of freshness to your table. Give it a try, and let it brighten your day!
Print
Cucumber Salad with Feta Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A fresh and vibrant cucumber salad infused with creamy feta cheese and fragrant dill, dressed in a tangy vinaigrette made with olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, and garlic. Perfect as a light appetizer or side dish, this salad is quick to assemble and bursting with flavor.
Ingredients
Vegetables and Cheese
- 4 cups chopped Persian cucumbers
- 1 shallot, thinly sliced
- 1 avocado, peeled, pit removed, then diced
- 1/4 cup fresh dill, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
For the Dressing
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Combine the vegetables and cheese: Place the chopped cucumbers, sliced shallot, diced avocado, chopped dill, and crumbled feta cheese in a large mixing bowl.
- Prepare the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt and pepper until well combined.
- Dress the salad: Pour the vinaigrette over the vegetable mixture and gently toss to coat everything evenly.
- Serve: Enjoy immediately, or refrigerate for 10-15 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Serve with pita or over salmon for a complete meal.
Notes
- Serve chilled for the best experience.
- This salad pairs well with grilled meats, fish, or as a side with pita bread.
- Feel free to add fresh herbs such as mint or basil for extra flavor.
- If using a different type of cucumber, adjust the quantity accordingly.
- Replace feta with goat cheese for a different flavor profile, if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 230mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
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