I love making fresh, vibrant salads, especially when they’re simple, yet packed with flavor. This Tomato Cucumber Feta Salad is one of my go-to recipes when I want something light, refreshing, and full of bright, tangy notes. The combination of juicy tomatoes, crunchy cucumbers, and creamy feta cheese is a match made in heaven. It’s drizzled with a lemony dressing that ties everything together perfectly.
The simplicity of this salad makes it perfect for a quick side dish at lunch, a picnic, or even as a light dinner. It’s not just easy to prepare but also full of flavor, offering a satisfying crunch from the cucumbers, the sweet-tart taste of tomatoes, and the creamy texture of feta. Plus, it’s an ideal option for any season, especially when you want a refreshing dish that’s both nutritious and delicious.
A Refreshing, Creamy Salad
This Tomato Cucumber Feta Salad is a refreshing and well-balanced dish. The tomatoes add a juicy, slightly sweet flavor, while the cucumbers bring a crisp, cool crunch. The feta cheese adds a rich, creamy contrast, and the dressing, made with olive oil, lemon, and herbs, adds a light and zesty kick. Together, these ingredients create a harmonious balance of textures and flavors that’s simply irresistible.
Whether you’re serving this salad at a family dinner, a summer BBQ, or just making a quick lunch for yourself, it’s guaranteed to be a hit. It’s one of those recipes that always makes you feel good after eating, with fresh ingredients that nourish and refresh. Plus, it’s a breeze to make, requiring no complicated steps—just chop, mix, and enjoy!
Ingredients for Tomato Cucumber Feta Salad
To create this vibrant, refreshing salad, you’ll need just a handful of simple, fresh ingredients that complement each other perfectly.
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Tomatoes – Use ripe, juicy tomatoes for the best flavor. I prefer Roma or cherry tomatoes, as they hold up well in salads and offer a burst of sweetness.
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Cucumbers – Choose English cucumbers for their crisp texture and mild flavor. They don’t require peeling and are perfect for adding a fresh crunch.
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Feta Cheese – Crumbled feta adds a tangy and creamy component that pairs beautifully with the tomatoes and cucumbers.
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Olive Oil – A good-quality extra virgin olive oil serves as the base for the dressing, bringing richness to the salad.
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Lemon Juice – Freshly squeezed lemon juice adds a zesty, bright note to the dressing, balancing the flavors.
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Fresh Herbs (optional) – A sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or dill adds an extra layer of freshness and a pop of color.
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Salt and Pepper – These simple seasonings help to enhance the flavors of the salad and bring everything together.
How to Make Tomato Cucumber Feta Salad
This salad is incredibly easy to make, and the result is a perfect combination of fresh ingredients and bold flavors.
Step 1:
Start by washing all your vegetables thoroughly. Cut the tomatoes into bite-sized pieces, ensuring they’re not too small to avoid losing their juiciness.
Step 2:
Slice the cucumbers into thin rounds or half-moons, depending on your preference. If using regular cucumbers, you may want to peel them before slicing.
Step 3:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the tomatoes, cucumbers, and crumbled feta cheese. Toss gently to distribute everything evenly.
Step 4:
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. You can add more lemon juice or olive oil depending on how tangy or rich you prefer your dressing.
Step 5:
Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to coat. If you like, sprinkle a bit of fresh parsley or dill on top for added freshness and flavor.
Step 6:
Serve the salad immediately, or let it chill in the fridge for 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. This salad is best served fresh, but it also holds up well in the refrigerator for a few hours.
Enjoy the cool, crisp, and creamy Tomato Cucumber Feta Salad, perfect for any occasion!
How Long to Store Tomato Cucumber Feta Salad
While this Tomato Cucumber Feta Salad is best enjoyed fresh, it can still be stored for a short time if needed. Here are some tips for storing and enjoying leftovers:
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Refrigerator – Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 day. The cucumbers and tomatoes will lose some of their crunch over time, but it will still taste delicious. Make sure to store the dressing separately if you plan to keep leftovers, as the salad will become soggy if left in the dressing for too long.
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Freezer – I don’t recommend freezing this salad because the texture of the cucumbers and tomatoes will change when thawed, losing their crispness. The feta cheese may also become crumbly and lose its creamy texture.
Tips for Perfect Tomato Cucumber Feta Salad
Here are some helpful tips to ensure your salad turns out perfect every time:
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Use Fresh, Ripe Ingredients – The quality of your tomatoes, cucumbers, and feta cheese will directly impact the flavor of the salad. Choose ripe tomatoes that are juicy and full of flavor, and use fresh cucumbers for the best crunch.
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Adjust the Dressing – You can adjust the olive oil and lemon juice to suit your personal taste. If you prefer a more tangy dressing, add extra lemon juice. If you want a richer flavor, increase the olive oil.
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Add Extra Crunch – For some extra texture, consider adding a handful of toasted sunflower seeds or chopped nuts, such as walnuts or almonds. These add a satisfying crunch that complements the creamy feta and fresh vegetables.
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Make it a Meal – You can turn this simple salad into a complete meal by adding protein. Grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas make excellent additions that will make the salad more filling.
By following these tips, you’ll be able to enjoy a flavorful and refreshing Tomato Cucumber Feta Salad every time, whether it’s as a side dish or a light meal.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use a different type of cheese instead of feta?
Yes! If you prefer a different type of cheese, you can substitute feta with goat cheese, mozzarella, or even ricotta salata. Goat cheese will add a tangy, creamy flavor similar to feta, while mozzarella will provide a milder, softer texture.
2. Can I prepare the salad in advance?
While the salad is best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the ingredients in advance. Chop the tomatoes, cucumbers, and feta cheese, and store them separately in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, simply toss them together and add the dressing. Keep in mind that the salad may lose some of its crunch if stored for more than a few hours.
3. Can I add other vegetables to this salad?
Absolutely! Feel free to customize the salad by adding other vegetables like red onion, bell peppers, or olives for extra flavor and texture. Just be sure to keep the balance of ingredients in check to maintain the freshness of the salad.
4. Is this salad suitable for a vegan diet?
To make this salad vegan, simply replace the feta cheese with a plant-based alternative, such as vegan feta or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor. The rest of the ingredients are naturally vegan, making it an easy and delicious option for plant-based diets.
By addressing these common questions, I hope to make your experience with the Tomato Cucumber Feta Salad even better. It’s a versatile dish that you can tweak to your liking, and it’s perfect for almost any occasion.
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Tomato Cucumber Feta Salad
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Tomato Cucumber Feta Salad is a simple yet sophisticated dish perfect for any occasion. Juicy, tender tomatoes and crisp cucumbers are combined with tangy feta cheese and a zesty lemon dressing to create a refreshing, light, and satisfying salad. Whether served as a side dish, appetizer, or light meal, this salad will impress your guests and leave you craving more.
Ingredients
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4 ripe but firm tomatoes (such as Roma or cherry tomatoes)
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2 medium English cucumbers
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1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
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2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
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2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
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Salt and pepper to taste
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Fresh parsley or dill for garnish (optional)
Instructions
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Wash and dry the tomatoes and cucumbers. Cut the tomatoes into bite-sized pieces and slice the cucumbers into thin rounds.
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In a large mixing bowl, combine the tomatoes, cucumbers, and crumbled feta cheese.
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In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
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Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat all the ingredients evenly.
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Garnish with fresh parsley or dill, if desired. Serve immediately, or refrigerate for 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Notes
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For added crunch, try adding toasted sunflower seeds or chopped nuts such as walnuts or almonds.
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This salad is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. If you have leftovers, store the dressing separately to keep the salad crisp.
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If you prefer, you can substitute the feta with goat cheese or mozzarella for a different flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes