Zesty Mediterranean Cucumber and Tomato Salad Recipe

Cool summer days call for this crisp Mediterranean cucumber and tomato salad that dances with bright, fresh flavors.

Mediterranean ingredients bring incredible zest to your plate.

Cucumbers and tomatoes mingle with herbs in a delightful symphony of taste.

Olive oil and lemon juice create an effortless dressing that makes each bite sing.

Mediterranean kitchens have perfected this simple yet elegant combination for generations.

Chopped parsley adds a vibrant green note that lifts the entire dish.

You’ll want to savor every refreshing spoonful of this light, nutritious salad.

What Makes Mediterranean Cucumber and Tomato Salad So Refreshing

• Celebrate Fresh Flavors: Burst with vibrant, crisp Mediterranean ingredients that dance on your taste buds and deliver an authentic culinary experience.
• Quick Mediterranean Magic: Prepare this refreshing salad in minutes with simple chopping and mixing, perfect for busy home cooks seeking delicious meals without complicated techniques.
• Healthy Nutrition Boost: Packed with fresh vegetables, herbs, and lean protein from feta, this salad delivers incredible nutritional value while satisfying hunger with colorful, wholesome ingredients.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Adaptable for multiple occasions like summer gatherings, potlucks, picnics, or as a stunning side dish that complements grilled meats and seafood beautifully.

Essential Ingredients for Mediterranean Cucumber and Tomato Salad

• Cucumber: A crisp and refreshing vegetable that adds a cool crunch to the Mediterranean salad.
• Tomatoes: Juicy and flavorful red fruits that provide a sweet and tangy base for the salad.
• Red Onion: A sharp and colorful allium that brings a zesty bite to the dish.
• Kalamata Olives: Salty and rich Mediterranean olives that add a distinctive briny flavor.

• Parsley: A bright green herb that adds fresh and clean notes to the salad.
• Mint: An optional herb that provides a cool and aromatic touch to the Mediterranean mix.

• Olive Oil: A smooth and rich Mediterranean staple that creates a silky dressing base.
• Lemon Juice: A tart citrus liquid that adds brightness and helps balance the salad's flavors.
• Feta Cheese: A crumbly and tangy Greek cheese that adds creamy texture and salty depth.

• Garlic: A pungent and aromatic ingredient that enhances the overall flavor profile.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that bring out the natural tastes of the ingredients.

How to Prepare Mediterranean Cucumber and Tomato Salad Easily

Step 1: Prepare Fresh Vegetables

Wash and dry cucumbers, tomatoes, red onion, and herbs. Using a sharp knife, dice cucumbers into bite-sized cubes, chop tomatoes into similar-sized pieces, slice red onion into thin rings, and roughly chop fresh parsley and mint leaves.

Step 2: Create Zesty Dressing

• Extra virgin olive oil
• Fresh lemon juice
• Minced garlic
• Sea salt
• Freshly ground black pepper

Whisk ingredients together until well blended and slightly emulsified.

Step 3: Combine Salad Components

Transfer chopped vegetables to a large serving bowl.

• Kalamata olives
• Crumbled feta cheese

Pour prepared dressing over vegetables and gently toss to ensure even coating.

Step 4: Let Flavors Develop

Allow salad to rest at room temperature for 10-15 minutes.

This resting period helps ingredients absorb dressing and enhances overall flavor profile.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle additional fresh herbs on top.

Serve immediately in a beautiful bowl. Can be enjoyed chilled or at room temperature as a refreshing side dish perfect for summer gatherings or Mediterranean-inspired meals.

Tips to Nail Mediterranean Cucumber and Tomato Salad Every Time

• Let the salad rest for 10-15 minutes before serving to allow ingredients to marinate and develop deeper, richer tastes.
• Select ripe, firm tomatoes and crisp cucumbers for the best texture and vibrant flavor profile.
• Modify the lemon juice and garlic quantities to suit your personal taste preferences and create a balanced dressing.
• Chill ingredients beforehand to maintain a refreshing temperature and enhance the salad's crispness during serving.
• Replace feta with vegan cheese alternatives or omit for a dairy-free version that still delivers Mediterranean-inspired freshness.

Different Spins on Mediterranean Cucumber and Tomato Salad

• Vegan Mediterranean Salad: Replace feta cheese with crumbled tofu or nutritional yeast for a plant-based version that maintains creamy texture and protein content.
• Spicy Greek Cucumber Salad: Add diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes to increase heat and create a zesty flavor profile while keeping the traditional ingredients.
• Low-Carb Mediterranean Salad: Substitute cucumber and tomato with grilled zucchini and roasted bell peppers to reduce carbohydrate content and enhance smoky undertones.
• Herb-Infused Summer Salad: Incorporate fresh dill and oregano alongside parsley and mint to create a more complex herb blend with deeper Mediterranean authenticity.

Great Pairings to Enjoy with Mediterranean Cucumber and Tomato Salad

Select a crisp Assyrtiko white wine from Santorini to complement the salad’s bright, tangy flavors and enhance the fresh Mediterranean ingredients.

Accompany the salad with succulent grilled chicken, lamb kebabs, or Mediterranean-style fish to create a balanced and satisfying meal with complementary textures and tastes.

Include freshly warmed pita bread to soak up the delicious dressing and provide a hearty element that rounds out the light, refreshing salad experience.

Brew a cool mint or basil-infused iced tea that echoes the herb notes in the salad and provides a refreshing counterpoint to the salad’s vibrant ingredients.

How to Keep Mediterranean Cucumber and Tomato Salad Fresh

• Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days, keeping the salad crisp and fresh. Drain excess liquid before storing to prevent soggy vegetables.
• Keep dressing in a separate container to maintain the salad's crunchiness. Mix just before serving to preserve texture and prevent wilting.
• While best served cold, gently warm at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before eating. Avoid microwaving to prevent vegetables from becoming mushy.
• Add fresh herbs and a splash of lemon juice before serving to restore brightness and zest lost during storage.

FAQs

• What makes Kalamata olives special in this salad?

Kalamata olives add a rich, briny flavor and authentic Mediterranean taste, providing a distinct saltiness that complements the fresh vegetables.

• Can I use a different type of olive if Kalamata is unavailable?

Yes, you can substitute with other Greek-style black olives like Amfissa or regular black olives, though the flavor profile will be slightly different.

• How do I ensure the best flavor for this salad?

Let the salad rest for 10 minutes after mixing to allow the dressing to marinate the vegetables and blend the herbs’ flavors, creating a more cohesive taste experience.

• Is this salad healthy?

Absolutely! This salad is packed with nutrients, low in calories, rich in vitamins from fresh vegetables, and includes heart-healthy olive oil and feta cheese.

Mediterranean Cucumber And Tomato Salad Recipe

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4.6 from 38 reviews

• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Cool Mediterranean cucumber and tomato salad delivers summer freshness with crisp vegetables, zesty herbs, and tangy olive oil dressing. Quick ingredients blend seamlessly, offering refreshing flavors you’ll crave on warm afternoons.

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Ingredients

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Fresh Vegetables:

• 2 large cucumbers, diced
• 4 medium tomatoes, chopped
• 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped

Dairy and Cheese:

• 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled

Flavor Enhancers and Seasonings:

• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 lemon, juiced
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Gather and prepare fresh vegetables by dicing cucumbers into uniform cubes, chopping ripe tomatoes, and thinly slicing red onion into delicate rings.
2. Add Kalamata olives to the vegetable mixture, creating a vibrant Mediterranean palette of colors and textures.
3. Craft a zesty dressing by whisking together extra virgin olive oil, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and finely minced garlic until emulsified.
4. Season the dressing with a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance the overall flavor profile.
5. Drizzle the prepared dressing over the vegetable medley, gently folding ingredients to ensure even coating.
6. Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese generously across the salad, adding a creamy and tangy dimension.
7. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and mint leaves, distributing herbs evenly for balanced aromatics.
8. Allow salad to rest at room temperature for 10-15 minutes, enabling flavors to harmonize and intensify.
9. Serve immediately or slightly chilled, presenting a refreshing and vibrant Mediterranean-inspired side dish.

Notes

• Choose ripe, firm tomatoes for the best flavor and texture in your salad.
• Chill ingredients beforehand to keep the salad refreshingly cool and crisp.
• Use a sharp knife to dice cucumbers and tomatoes uniformly for consistent bite and presentation.
• For a lighter version, reduce feta cheese quantity or substitute with low-fat Greek yogurt crumbles.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Blending
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 115 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 370 mg
• Fat: 9 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 7 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 12 mg