Cucumber Tomato Feta Salad

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Simple ingredients like marinated veggies, fresh herbs, and tangy cheese come together to create a truly amazing flavor.

Mediterranean cucumber tomato salad combines farm fresh vegetables with herbs, seasoning, and a simple dressing. Mix up a bowl in minutes!

Crisp cucumbers, ripe sweet tomatoes, red onion, and tangy Feta cheese get tossed with a splash of extra-virgin olive oil and red wine vinegar in this yummy 15-minute summer side.

This recipe is so easy, you can even prepare it table-side! Have everything prepped ahead of time, toss together in a pretty bowl, and allow it to sit for just a few minutes before dishing it out.

Enjoy more Mediterranean flavor with this heirloom tomato salad or my chicken kabobs with cucumber sauce. Both are a great way to use up any extra vegetables while they’re still ripe.

Looking for something a little more kid friendly? This Catalina salad made with crispy corn chips is always a hit at every potluck and picnic.

Mediterranean Cucumber Tomato Salad: behind the recipe

Growing up as a farm girl, fresh tomatoes and cucumbers were served at almost every meal during the summer harvest. 

I love a good tomato in any form, and I’ve developed a taste for Greek flavors which means I add a little Feta cheese wherever I can manage.

So, there’s no way I could resist a good cucumber tomato feta salad! It has the best of both worlds — fresh vegetables and Greek-inspired flavor. I think you’ll love it, too.

Key ingredients and substitutions

• Cucumbers — Avoid big, thick cucumbers for this recipe and choose small to medium-sized ones instead. English cucumbers are another great option, especially if you prefer your vegetables peeled. The skin is a lot more delicate and can be left on, saving you extra prep!
• Tomatoes — Look for the ripest, sweetest tomatoes you can find. In my area, I opt for Grainger Country homegrown tomatoes when they are available. Other times, I’ll substitute Campari or cherry tomatoes. Heirloom tomatoes will add a lovely range of colors to your plate as well.
• Olive oil — With simple recipes like this, it’s important to use a high-quality oil for the marinated veggies for the best flavor. Extra virgin olive oil is perfect for dressings and dips because it has a more pleasant taste than other grades that have undergone more processing.

Serving suggestions

Perfect for picnics, outdoor barbecues, or whenever you want something fresh and delicious. Enjoy this side dish with all of your warm weather favorites.

There’s plenty of acidity in every bite, so pair this Mediterranean cucumber tomato salad with something savory and sweet for a nice contrast. 

Red meat and chicken are always popular choices, but don’t forget about seafood! Want something lighter? Add a platter of pita bread and hummus and graze until you are full. 

How to make cucumber tomato feta salad

STEP 1 | Combine the vegetables

• Cut everything into bite-sized pieces and season with salt and pepper.
• If your red onion seems particularly strong, put it in a colander and pour a cup of boiling water over the top to tame the flavor a bit.

STEP 2 | Toss with dressing

• Pour oil and red wine vinegar right over the top of everything, then stir until well coated.
• To avoid clumping, add the basil and cheese after mixing or sprinkle it over the marinated veggies once plated.

STEP 3 | Marinate and serve

• Allow the cucumber tomato feta salad to marinate for a few minutes before serving. Then, be sure to soak up all the goodness at the bottom of the bowl with slices of crusty bread or my easy focaccia.
• Garnishing the salad with some basil chiffonade and whole black peppercorns adds a little more visual interest to the plate.

Recipe variations

Not only is this Mediterranean cucumber tomato salad wonderful as written, but it’s a good base for creating other delicious dishes!

I love to transform it into a panzanella by tossing in about 3 cups of toasted bread cubes. Slice an Italian loaf into 2-inch chunks and pop them in the oven until they turn golden brown. Add to the marinated veggies just before serving and sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.

• Make it extra Greek. Add a couple handfuls of kalamata olives and capers.
• Turn it into pasta salad. Stir in about 2 cups of cooked pasta like bowties or corkscrews.
• Mix up the cheese. Not a fan of Feta? Try cubes of mozzarella instead.

Frequently asked questions