Quick Greek-Style Cucumber Salad

Name: Quick Greek-Style Cucumber Salad
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: greek
Ingredients: 1 piece 1 large cucumber, chopped; 0.5 cup 1/2 cup Kalamata black olives, pitted and halved; 0.25 piece 1/4 small red onion, very thinly sliced; 0.25 cup 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled; 2 tbsp 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil; 1 tbsp 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice; 1 cup 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 1 tbsp 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped (or parsley/oregano); 0.25 tsp 1/4 tsp sea salt (or to taste); 0.125 tsp 1/8 tsp freshly ground black pepper (or to taste)

RATING

0.0/5

TASTE SCORE

8/10

A vibrant, no-cook Greek-style cucumber salad bursting with fresh flavors, briny olives, and tangy feta, perfect for a quick and healthy side or light meal.

PREP

10m

COOK

SERVES

1 SERVING

135 cal

SERVINGS

METHOD · 8 STEPS

Wash and dry the cucumber. Cut off the ends, then chop it into bite-sized pieces (about 1/2-inch cubes).
Halve the cherry tomatoes and thinly slice the red onion. If using whole Kalamata olives, ensure they are pitted, then halve them.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, sliced red onion, and halved black olives.
In a small separate bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, sea salt, and freshly ground black pepper until well combined.
Pour the dressing over the vegetables in the large bowl. Toss gently to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated.
Add the crumbled feta cheese and chopped fresh dill (or other herbs) to the salad. Toss very gently once more to combine without breaking up the feta too much.
Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary, adding more salt, pepper, or lemon juice to your preference.
Serve immediately for the best crispness, or chill for 10-15 minutes to allow flavors to meld.

PRO TIPS

What to keep in mind.

4 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.

1
For a less watery salad, you can lightly salt the chopped cucumber and let it sit in a colander for 10 minutes, then pat dry before adding to the salad.
2
Use good quality extra virgin olive oil and fresh lemon juice for the best flavor. Kalamata olives are highly recommended for an authentic Greek taste.
3
While quick, allowing the salad to chill for 15-30 minutes before serving can help the flavors meld beautifully.
4
Add fresh herbs just before serving to maintain their vibrant color and aroma.

RECIPE VARIATIONS

Adapt it for your goals.

Add Protein

Add grilled chicken breast strips, canned tuna, or a can of drained and rinsed chickpeas for a more substantial meal.

Spicy Kick

Crumble in a pinch of red pepper flakes with the feta or add a finely diced jalapeño for a mild heat.

Different Veggies

Incorporate diced green bell pepper or quartered marinated artichoke hearts for added texture and flavor.

HEALTH BENEFITS

Why this is on our healthy list.

✓

Rich in Hydration

Cucumbers are over 95% water, aiding hydration, and provide essential vitamins K and C, supporting bone health and immunity.

✓

Heart-Healthy Fats

Olives and extra virgin olive oil are excellent sources of monounsaturated fats, which are beneficial for cardiovascular health and can help reduce bad cholesterol.

✓

Antioxidant Boost

Tomatoes, red onion, and fresh herbs contribute various antioxidants that help combat oxidative stress and protect cells from damage.

QUESTIONS?

Frequently asked questions

While best served fresh, you can chop the vegetables and prepare the dressing separately up to a day in advance. Combine them just before serving to prevent the cucumber from becoming watery and maintain crispness.

PAIRS WELL WITH