Greek Cucumber Salad | Cucumber Salad With Olives

If you're a fan of refreshing, flavorful salads, get ready to add a new favorite to your list! Discover how to make the perfect Greek Cucumber Salad—a delicious blend of crisp cucumbers, and tangy feta, all tied together with a zesty homemade dressing.

Why You'll Love This Refreshing Salad

• Quick & Simple. Ready in just 10 minutes with minimal prep!
• Healthy. Loaded with fresh vegetables and healthy fats from olive oil.
• Flavorful. A delightful mix of fresh and tangy flavors that will excite your taste buds.
• Versatile. Perfect for a light lunch or as a side dish for your dinners.

With its simplicity and burst of flavors, this salad is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. It’s ideal for those who enjoy a meal that’s both quick to prepare and deliciously satisfying, making it perfect for busy weeknights or leisurely weekend lunches.

What Does Greek Cucumber Salad Taste Like?

Greek cucumber salad typically features a refreshing, crisp, and bright flavor profile. The cucumbers provide a cool and crunchy base, often accompanied by tangy red onions. The addition of feta cheese adds a creamy texture and a salty tang, which contrasts nicely with the fresh vegetables.

How Do You Cut Cucumbers For Greek Salad?

For a Greek salad, cucumbers are typically cut into bite-sized pieces to ensure they blend well with the other ingredients and are easy to eat. Here’s how you can prepare the cucumbers:

1. Choose the Right Cucumbers. For Greek salads, it's best to use firm, fresh cucumbers like the English or Persian varieties. These are usually seedless, or have very small seeds, and have a sweet, mild flavor.
2. Wash and Prepare. Rinse the cucumbers thoroughly under cold water. If using English cucumbers, you can leave the skin on as it is thin and adds a nice texture and color. If you prefer, you can peel them entirely or stripe them by peeling off alternating strips of skin.
3. Slice into Pieces. You can cut the cucumbers in several ways depending on your preference:
   • Rounds- Simply slice the cucumber into thin or thick rounds.
   • Halves- Slice the cucumber in half lengthwise, then cut each half into thin slices. This is great for longer cucumber pieces that still pick up dressing well.
   • Cubed- Cut the cucumber into quarters lengthwise, and then slice crosswise into chunky pieces.
4. Remove Excess Water. If you find the cucumbers release too much water into the salad, you can salt the pieces lightly and let them sit in a colander for about 10-15 minutes. Rinse and pat dry before adding to the salad.

Ingredients You'll Need

• Cucumbers- Fresh and crisp, they form the base of this salad.
• Red Onion- Thinly sliced for a sharp, zesty crunch.
• Kalamata Olives- Briny and rich, they add a deep flavor contrast.
• Feta Cheese- Creamy and tangy, perfect for adding a touch of richness.
• Olive Oil- A must for that authentic Mediterranean flavor.
• Lemon Juice- For brightness and acidity.
• Garlic- Minced, for a punch of flavor.
• Oregano- Dried, for a hint of earthiness.
• Salt and Pepper- For seasoning.

How To Make Greek Cucumber Salad

1. Prepare the Vegetables. Chop cucumbers and thinly slice the red onion.
2. Mix the Dressing. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper.
3. Combine and Toss. In a large mixing bowl, combine all vegetables, olives, and crumbled feta. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
4. Chill and Serve. Let the salad sit for a few minutes to marinate or serve immediately, garnished with extra herbs or feta if desired.

Tips And Tricks

Creating a delicious Greek cucumber salad is all about fresh ingredients and balanced flavors. Here are some tips and tricks to help you make it great:

• Chill Before Serving. Let the salad chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together nicely.
• Adjust to Taste. Before serving, taste your salad and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Sometimes a little extra splash of lemon juice or a pinch of salt can really enhance the flavors.
• Serve Immediately. Although letting the salad sit for a bit can enhance the flavors, it's best served fresh. If left too long, the vegetables can start to release water and lose their crispness.

Variations

Greek cucumber salad is versatile and can be adapted in many delicious ways. Here are some variations to try:

• Add Protein- Incorporate grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas to turn your salad into a hearty meal. These protein options complement the freshness of the salad and make it more filling.
• Cheese Varieties- While feta is the classic choice, you can experiment with other cheeses like goat cheese for a creamier texture or halloumi for a grilling option.
• Include Different Vegetables- Mix in bell peppers for a sweet crunch, radishes for a peppery bite, or artichoke hearts for a tangy flavor. Avocado can also be a great addition to creaminess.
• Herbs and Spices- Beyond the traditional dill, try adding fresh mint or parsley for a different herbal note. A sprinkle of sumac or za'atar can add a Middle Eastern twist, enhancing the salad with earthy flavors.

What To Serve With Greek Cucumber Salad

Greek cucumber salad is fresh and versatile, making it an excellent companion to a variety of dishes. Here are some delicious options to consider when serving this vibrant salad:

• Grilled Meats- The light and crisp flavors of Greek cucumber salad pair wonderfully with grilled meats such as lamb, chicken, or pork. The acidity and freshness of the salad helps balance the richness of grilled flavors.
• Fish and Seafood- Complement the salad with grilled or baked fish like salmon, seabass, or shrimp for a healthy, Mediterranean-inspired meal.
• Pita and Hummus- Serve the salad alongside warm pita bread and a bowl of creamy hummus for dipping. This combination makes for a satisfying vegetarian meal or a hearty appetizer.

How Long Does It Last?

This salad can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 2 days, though it's best enjoyed fresh for maximum crunch and freshness.

More Spectacular Salads

• Big Mac Salad
• Burrata Salad
• Antipasto Salad
• Chicken Caesar Salad
• Keto Broccoli Salad

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Don't forget to check out my other Keto cookbooks.

Keto Instant Pot, Keto Fat Bombs, Sweets, & Treats, and Easy keto in 30 minutes.