Name: Ultimate Cucumber Greek Salad: 15 Minute Refresh
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 4 cups chopped cucumbers; 2 cups chopped tomatoes; 1 cup chopped green bell pepper; 1/2 cup sliced red onion; 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted; 4 ounces feta cheese, crumbled; 1/4 cup olive oil; 2 tablespoons lemon juice; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

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Oh, you are going to LOVE this Cucumber Greek Salad! Seriously, it’s my go-to when I need something super fresh and vibrant, like, yesterday. Forget those sad, wilted salads – this one is all about crisp, cool goodness. What makes this particular Cucumber Greek Salad so special, you ask? It’s all about the balance, my friends! We’re talking about the perfect crunch from the cucumbers and bell peppers, the salty bite of Kalamata olives and feta, all tied together with the simplest, brightest lemon-herb dressing. It’s so easy, you’ll wonder why you ever bought pre-made salads again. Trust me, this is the one you’ll be making all summer long.

Why You’ll Love This Cucumber Greek Salad

This Cucumber Greek Salad is an absolute winner, and here’s why:

Incredibly Fresh: It’s packed with crisp veggies that just scream summer!
Super Easy: Seriously, you can whip this up in minutes – no cooking required.
Flavor Explosion: That tangy lemon-herb dressing with salty feta and olives is just divine.
Healthy & Delicious: It’s light, packed with good-for-you ingredients, and totally satisfying.

Quick Prep for Your Cucumber Greek Salad

Honestly, the best thing about this Cucumber Greek Salad is how ridiculously fast it is. You’re looking at just 15 minutes from start to finish! That means you can totally make this on a crazy busy weeknight for dinner, or even throw it together for a quick, healthy lunch without breaking a sweat. Even if you’re new to cooking, this salad is foolproof. Just chop, whisk, and toss – that’s it! It’s the perfect way to get a taste of the Mediterranean without any fuss.

Fresh and Flavorful Ingredients for Cucumber Greek Salad

The magic of this Cucumber Greek Salad really comes down to using the freshest ingredients you can find. It’s all about those bright, crisp flavors! We start with about 4 cups of crunchy, chopped cucumbers – I like to leave the skin on for extra texture and nutrients. Then, we add 2 cups of juicy, chopped tomatoes, making sure they’re ripe and sweet. A cup of chopped green bell pepper brings a lovely mild crunch, and half a cup of thinly sliced red onion gives it that classic zesty bite. Don’t forget half a cup of those briny, pitted Kalamata olives – they’re non-negotiable for that authentic Greek flavor! Finally, we crumble in 4 ounces of good-quality feta cheese. It adds that perfect salty, creamy finish that just ties everything together.

Cucumber Greek Salad Dressing Ingredients

And for the dressing? It’s so simple, it’s almost silly! We’re talking a quarter cup of good olive oil – use the extra virgin kind if you have it, it makes a difference! Then, two tablespoons of fresh lemon juice for that bright, tangy kick. I love using a teaspoon of dried oregano, it’s got that signature Mediterranean aroma. Just a half teaspoon of salt and a quarter teaspoon of black pepper to season it all up. Whisk it all together, and boom – you’ve got a dressing that’s going to make your Cucumber Greek Salad sing!

How to Prepare the Perfect Cucumber Greek Salad

Alright, let’s get this amazing Cucumber Greek Salad put together! It’s honestly so straightforward, you’ll be a pro in no time. We’re talking about a no-cook wonder here, so grab your biggest bowl and let’s do this.

Step 1: Combining the Fresh Ingredients

First things first, get all those gorgeous chopped veggies and the feta into a really large bowl. We’re talking the cucumbers, tomatoes, green bell pepper, that thinly sliced red onion, and of course, those briny Kalamata olives. Then, crumble in all that delicious feta cheese. Now, this is important: be gentle! Give it a nice, careful toss with a big spoon or even your hands. You don’t want to mash up the veggies or feta; we want everything to stay nice and distinct so you get that perfect bite every time. Just a gentle nudge to get things mixed up nicely.

Step 2: Whisking the Lemon-Herb Vinaigrette

Next, grab a smaller bowl for the dressing. It’s ridiculously simple. Just pour in your olive oil, the fresh lemon juice, that dried oregano, and your salt and pepper. Now, get your whisk or a fork and really give it a good whisking. You want to make sure that oil and lemon juice emulsify a bit, meaning they get all friendly and combined, not separated. Keep whisking until it looks nice and smooth. This little dressing is the flavor powerhouse for our Cucumber Greek Salad, so make sure it’s all well mixed!

Step 3: Tossing and Serving Your Cucumber Greek Salad

Time for the grand finale! Pour that beautiful lemon-herb dressing right over the veggies and feta in the big bowl. Again, be gentle with your tossing. You want to coat everything evenly without turning it into a mushy mess. Make sure every piece gets a little bit of that dressing. My absolute favorite trick for the best Cucumber Greek Salad experience is to let it sit for at least 15 minutes before you dive in. Trust me on this! It gives all those flavors a chance to really get to know each other and meld together beautifully. Then, serve it up and watch everyone’s eyes light up!

Tips for an Exceptional Cucumber Greek Salad

Want to take your Cucumber Greek Salad from great to absolutely unforgettable? I’ve got a couple of little secrets that really make a difference. Firstly, that tip about letting the salad sit for at least 15 minutes before serving? It’s not just a suggestion, it’s practically law in my kitchen! This resting period is crucial because it gives all those vibrant flavors a chance to meld and deepen. The cucumbers and tomatoes release a little of their juice, which mixes with the dressing, creating this amazing, cohesive taste that you just don’t get with a freshly tossed salad. It’s like the salad needs a moment to chill out and get its flavor groove on!

Flavor Enhancements for Your Cucumber Greek Salad

And speaking of flavor, don’t be afraid to play around! If you like a little kick, adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dressing is a total game-changer. It adds this subtle warmth that complements the cool cucumber and tangy feta so beautifully. Plus, this Cucumber Greek Salad is super adaptable. Feel free to toss in some chopped romaine lettuce for extra crunch, or maybe some marinated artichoke hearts if you’re feeling fancy. Some people even add a bit of fresh parsley or mint to the salad itself. It’s all about making it your own!

Customizing Your Cucumber Greek Salad

Honestly, the beauty of this Cucumber Greek Salad is how forgiving it is. Don’t have green bell pepper? Red or yellow works just fine! Out of Kalamata olives? Any good quality black olive will do in a pinch, though Kalamatas really give it that authentic Greek punch. You can also totally adjust the dressing to your liking – more lemon if you like it zingier, or a bit more oregano if you love that herbaceous flavor. It’s your kitchen, your salad, so have fun with it and make this Cucumber Greek Salad exactly how you love it!

Frequently Asked Questions about Cucumber Greek Salad

Got questions about making the best Cucumber Greek Salad? I’ve got you covered! It’s a pretty simple salad, but a few things can make it even better.

Can I make this Cucumber Greek Salad ahead of time?

You totally can prep components ahead of time, which is a lifesaver! Chop all your veggies (cucumbers, tomatoes, peppers, onion) and store them separately in airtight containers in the fridge. Keep the olives and feta separate too. Then, just before serving, whisk up the dressing and toss everything together. If you mix it all too far in advance, the cucumbers can get a little watery, which isn’t ideal for a crisp Cucumber Greek Salad.

What are the best olives to use in a Cucumber Greek Salad?

For that authentic, delicious flavor, Kalamata olives are absolutely the way to go for this Cucumber Greek Salad. They have this rich, slightly fruity, and wonderfully briny taste that just makes the whole salad sing. Make sure they’re pitted, of course! While other olives might work in a pinch, Kalamatas really are the classic choice and add that special Mediterranean flair we’re going for. For more salad inspiration, check out our salads section.

How long does the Cucumber Greek Salad last in the refrigerator?

Honestly, this Cucumber Greek Salad is best eaten the day it’s made because of those crisp cucumbers. But, if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. It should be good for about 1-2 days. You might notice the veggies soften a bit, but it’ll still taste great! Just give it a gentle stir before serving again.

Storing and Reheating Your Cucumber Greek Salad

This Cucumber Greek Salad is truly at its best when it’s fresh, thanks to those crisp cucumbers and peppers. If you happen to have leftovers, the best way to store them is in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Try to keep the dressing separate if you can, or at least don’t toss it until just before you’re ready to eat again. Because it’s a fresh salad with no cooking involved, there’s really no reheating needed – just give it a good stir and enjoy it cold! For more quick meal ideas, explore our lunch recipes.

Nutritional Information for Cucumber Greek Salad

Here’s the rundown on what you’re getting with this yummy Cucumber Greek Salad. Keep in mind these are estimates, and your exact numbers might change a bit depending on the brands you use and how generous you are with the feta! Each serving is about 250 calories, with 20g of fat, 12g of carbs, and 8g of protein. It’s a great way to get your veggies in! For a similar healthy option, consider our Mediterranean Quinoa Salad.