If you crave a fresh, easy dish that shines with flavor, you’ll love this Cucumber Tomato Salad with Feta. Perfect for summer picnics or light lunches, this vibrant salad combines crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and creamy feta for a delightful taste. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the ingredients, simple steps, and tips to customize your salad. Let’s dive in and create a refreshing dish that everyone will enjoy!
Ingredients
List of Ingredients
To make a delicious cucumber tomato salad with feta, gather the following ingredients:
– 2 large cucumbers, peeled and diced
– 3 ripe tomatoes, diced
– 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
– 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
– 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
– 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
– 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– 1 teaspoon lemon zest
You can customize this salad with optional ingredients like olives or avocado for added flavor.
Quantity and Preparation Methods
– Cucumbers: Use 2 large cucumbers. Peel them and cut into small cubes.
– Tomatoes: Take 3 ripe tomatoes. Dice them into bite-sized pieces.
– Feta Cheese: Crumble 1 cup of feta cheese. It adds a salty, creamy touch.
– Red Onion: Slice 1/4 of a red onion thinly. This adds crunch and a bit of zing.
– Fresh Parsley: Chop 1/4 cup of fresh parsley. It brings freshness to the salad.
– Olive Oil: Measure 3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil. This acts as the base for the dressing.
– Vinegar: Use 2 tablespoons of red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar. It gives a nice tang.
– Salt and Pepper: Add to taste. These enhance all the flavors.
– Dried Oregano: Use 1 teaspoon for a hint of herbal flavor.
– Lemon Zest: Grate 1 teaspoon of lemon zest. This adds brightness.
This salad is simple and quick. You can find the full recipe to make it easily.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation Steps
To make this salad, you start with fresh ingredients. First, peel and dice 2 large cucumbers. Then, you need 3 ripe tomatoes. Dice them, too. Next, take 1/4 red onion and slice it thinly. Add these to a large mixing bowl. Now, add 1 cup of crumbled feta cheese for a creamy taste.
Here’s a tip: Mix the cucumbers and tomatoes first. This way, they blend well. Adding the feta and onion later keeps them bright and fresh. Fill the bowl to about halfway. This gives you room to toss without spilling.
Dressings and Mixing
For the dressing, grab a small bowl. Whisk together 3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil and 2 tablespoons of red wine vinegar. If you prefer, you can use apple cider vinegar. Add salt and pepper to taste. Mix in 1 teaspoon of dried oregano and 1 teaspoon of lemon zest for a zesty kick.
Once your dressing is ready, pour it over the salad mix. Toss gently so everything is coated without breaking the feta. Let the salad sit for about 10 minutes. This waiting time helps the flavors meld. Serve chilled or at room temperature for the best taste.
For the full recipe, check the section above.
Tips & Tricks
Enhancing Flavor
To make your cucumber tomato salad burst with flavor, I recommend adding fresh herbs. Basil and mint work wonders. They bring a bright taste to the dish. You can also sprinkle in some crushed red pepper for heat. Fresh oregano adds a nice touch too.
Choosing high-quality ingredients is key. Look for firm cucumbers and ripe tomatoes. The best tomatoes feel heavy for their size and have a rich color. For feta, pick the crumbly kind for great texture. Always use extra virgin olive oil for the best taste. Fresh ingredients lead to a fresher salad.
Presentation Ideas
Serving your salad in a clear bowl makes it pop. You can see all the colorful layers. For a fancy touch, drizzle extra olive oil just before serving. This adds shine and invites people in.
Garnish your salad with extra feta crumbles and a sprinkle of parsley. This adds color and makes it look appealing. You can also place some lemon wedges on the side for a fresh twist. Keep it simple, but make it stunning!
Variations
Ingredient Substitutions
You can switch out ingredients based on your needs. If you are dairy-free, try using a vegan feta cheese. This works well and adds a nice flavor. If you don’t like red onion, green onions or chives can be a great swap. They add a milder taste. For a crunchier bite, add bell peppers or radishes. You can also use cherry tomatoes instead of regular ones. They bring a sweet touch.
Seasonal changes can also keep your salad exciting. In summer, use fresh herbs like basil or mint. In fall, consider adding diced apples or pears for sweetness. Each season brings a new twist to your salad.
Flavor Twists
To make your salad unique, consider adding olives or capers. They give a salty bite that pairs well with the feta. You can also toss in some avocado for creaminess. If you enjoy a bit of spice, try adding diced jalapeños.
For dressings, explore different options. Instead of red wine vinegar, use balsamic vinegar for a deeper flavor. You can also try lemon juice for a fresh zing. Mixing in some honey or mustard can add a hint of sweetness or tang. Each twist can make your salad feel new again.
For the full recipe, check out the Crispy Cucumber Tomato Feta Fiesta. It offers a solid base for your variations.
Storage Info
Best Practices for Storing
To keep your cucumber tomato salad fresh, store it in the fridge. I recommend using an airtight container. This helps keep moisture in and air out. Make sure to seal it well. If you have leftovers, try to eat them within a couple of days.
If you want to keep the salad crisp, store the dressing separately. Combining the dressing with the salad too soon can make it soggy. Use small jars or containers for the dressing. It’s easy to pour when you are ready to eat.
Shelf Life
This salad stays good for about 2 to 3 days in the fridge. After that, the cucumbers and tomatoes may lose their crunch. You should also check for any signs of spoilage. If the salad starts to smell sour or looks slimy, it’s time to toss it.
Another sign to watch for is discoloration. If the colorful veggies look dull, they have probably lost freshness. Always trust your senses. When in doubt, throw it out!
FAQs
Common Questions
What can I serve with Cucumber Tomato Salad with Feta?
You can pair this salad with grilled chicken or fish. It also goes well with pita bread and hummus. For a light meal, serve it with quinoa or couscous. These options make a great meal.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can make this salad a few hours in advance. Just mix the salad ingredients, but wait to add the dressing. Add the dressing right before serving. This helps keep the salad fresh and crunchy.
How do I choose ripe tomatoes for the salad?
Look for tomatoes that feel heavy for their size. They should have a bright, rich color. Check for a slight give when you gently squeeze them. Smell the stem end; a sweet scent means they are ripe.
Nutritional Information
Caloric content per serving
Each serving of this salad has about 150 calories. This makes it a light and healthy choice.
Nutrients provided by the ingredients in the salad
– Cucumbers add hydration and fiber.
– Tomatoes provide vitamins C and K.
– Feta cheese gives protein and calcium.
– Olive oil adds healthy fats.
– Fresh herbs boost antioxidants.
Enjoy your fresh and simple Cucumber Tomato Salad with Feta! For the full recipe, check out the Crispy Cucumber Tomato Feta Fiesta.
In this blog post, we explored the essential ingredients for a Cucumber Tomato Salad with Feta. I provided step-by-step instructions and tips to enhance flavor and presentation. You also learned about variations and storage techniques to keep your salad fresh. Remember, customizing your salad can make it even better. Use high-quality ingredients for the best taste. Enjoy making this simple and tasty dish anytime, and share it with friends. Happy salad-making!
