greek tomato and cucumber salad recipe

The Best greek tomato and cucumber salad recipe

I’m so excited to share with you my favorite Greek tomato and cucumber salad recipe. This refreshing salad is a staple in Greek cuisine and has been a part of my family’s gatherings for years.

The combination of juicy tomatoes, crunchy cucumbers, and a drizzle of zesty feta cheese dressing is simply irresistible. It’s the perfect side dish for any occasion, whether it’s a casual dinner party or a family gathering.

Not only is it delicious, but it’s also incredibly easy to make and requires minimal ingredients. I’ve made this salad countless times, and every time it’s a hit with my family and friends.

My kids love helping me prepare the ingredients and assembling the salad, making it a fun and interactive experience for everyone involved. As we all know, cooking with fresh, seasonal ingredients is essential for creating dishes that are not only healthy but also packed with flavor.

The key to this recipe lies in using high-quality tomatoes and cucumbers that are at their peak ripeness. I like to use heirloom tomatoes for their sweet and slightly smoky flavor.

Once you’ve chosen your ingredients, the rest is a breeze – simply chop, slice, and assemble the salad with some crumbled feta cheese on top.

Greek Tomato and Cucumber Salad

4.6 from 1628 votes

A refreshing and crisp salad combining ripe tomatoes, cool cucumbers, and tangy feta cheese with a simple lemon-oregano dressing. This classic Greek side dish is perfect for summer meals and pairs well with grilled meats or pita bread.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time15 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time15 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 180 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Salad

4 large ripe tomatoes, cut into wedges
1 English cucumber, halved and sliced
1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
1/2 cup Kalamata olives
1 cup crumbled feta cheese
2 tablespoons fresh oregano leaves

For the Dressing

3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 clove garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and black pepper to taste

👨‍🍳Directions

1In a large mixing bowl, combine the tomato wedges, cucumber slices, red onion slices, and Kalamata olives.
2Toss gently to mix the ingredients evenly without bruising the tomatoes.
3In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
4Continue whisking until the dressing is fully emulsified and smooth.
5Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat all ingredients.
6Let the salad sit for 5 minutes at room temperature to allow the flavors to meld together.
7Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese and fresh oregano leaves over the top.
8Serve immediately as a side dish or light lunch, and enjoy the bright, tangy flavors.

🔧Equipment

Large mixing bowl
Small bowl or jar for dressing
Chef’s knife
Cutting board
Measuring spoons

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 180 kcal🧈Total Fat: 14g💛Saturated Fat: 5g❤️Cholesterol: 20mg🧂Sodium: 520mg🌾Total Carbs: 10g🥦Dietary Fiber: 3g🍬Sugars: 6g🥩Protein: 6g

📝Notes

For best flavor, use ripe, in-season tomatoes and a good quality extra virgin olive oil. You can add chopped fresh mint or parsley for extra freshness.

Watch Video Of How Greek Tomato and Cucumber Salad Works

This Greek tomato and cucumber salad recipe is always a good idea for any occasion – whether it’s a casual dinner party or a family gathering. It’s incredibly easy to make, requires minimal ingredients, and is perfect for showcasing fresh seasonal produce.

For storage ideas, consider refrigerating individual components separately (e. g.

, chopped vegetables in one container, crumbled feta cheese in another) to maintain their texture and quality until serving time. When reheating leftovers (if you have any!)

, be gentle when warming up the feta cheese dressing as it can easily separate or become too runny.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Greek Tomato and Cucumber Salad

Q1: What type of tomatoes should I use for this recipe?

For the best results, use high-quality heirloom tomatoes that are at their peak ripeness. These varieties tend to be sweeter and have a more complex flavor profile than regular tomatoes.

Q2: Can I use low-fat or non-fat feta cheese instead of regular feta?

No, traditional Greek cuisine calls for full-fat feta cheese to achieve the rich and creamy texture that this salad is known for. Low-fat or non-fat alternatives won’t provide the same depth of flavor.

Q3: How do I prevent the cucumbers from becoming too soggy in the salad?

To avoid sogginess, slice the cucumbers thinly and pat them dry with a paper towel before adding them to the salad. You can also try salting them lightly before assembling the salad to draw out excess moisture.

Q4: Can I make this salad ahead of time?

While it’s best to assemble the salad just before serving, you can prepare individual components ahead of time – chop the vegetables, crumble the feta cheese, etc.

Q5: Is it possible to customize this recipe by adding other ingredients?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different herbs (such as parsley or dill), spices (like red pepper flakes), or even other vegetables (like bell peppers or zucchini) to create your own unique variations.

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