The Art of Ultimate Mediterranean Cucumber Feta Salad Perfection

Perfect Cucumber Preparation Mastery

Master the technique of preparing cucumbers to maintain crispness while removing excess moisture.

Feta Cheese Selection Excellence

Learn the skill of choosing and preparing quality feta for optimal flavor and texture.

Fresh Herb Handling Perfection

Perfect the method of selecting, cleaning, and chopping herbs for maximum flavor impact.

Vinaigrette Balance Technique

Master the art of balancing acid, oil, and seasonings for perfect Mediterranean dressing.

Assembly and Timing Strategy

Learn optimal mixing and serving techniques for maintaining freshness and texture.

Mediterranean Salad Mastery Secrets for Perfect Cucumber Feta Combination

Cucumber Prep: Salt cucumbers and drain to remove excess water and prevent watery salad.

Feta Quality: Use high-quality block feta and crumble by hand for best texture and flavor.

Herb Freshness: Use only fresh herbs - dried herbs won't provide the bright flavor needed.

Onion Treatment: Soaking red onions in cold water removes harsh bite while maintaining crunch.

Dressing Balance: Taste and adjust lemon juice, olive oil, and seasoning for perfect harmony.

Serving Timing: Serve within 30 minutes of dressing to maintain optimal vegetable texture.

Mediterranean Cucumber Feta Salad with Fresh Herbs and Lemon Vinaigrette

Name: Mediterranean Cucumber Feta Salad with Fresh Herbs and Lemon Vinaigrette
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: For the Salad Base:; 4 large English cucumbers, sliced; 8 oz feta cheese, crumbled; 1 medium red onion, thinly sliced; 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted; For the Fresh Herbs:; 1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped; 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped; 2 tablespoons fresh mint, chopped; 1 tablespoon fresh oregano; For the Lemon Vinaigrette:; 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil; 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice; 1 tablespoon lemon zest; 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard; For the Flavor Enhancers:; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon honey; 1/2 teaspoon sea salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; For the Vegetable Components:; 2 large tomatoes, diced; 1 red bell pepper, julienned; 1/2 English cucumber for garnish; For the Cheese Variation:; 4 oz goat cheese, crumbled (optional); 2 tablespoons pine nuts, toasted; For the Gourmet Touches:; 1 tablespoon capers, drained; Flaky sea salt

A refreshing Mediterranean cucumber feta salad featuring crisp cucumbers, creamy feta cheese, fresh herbs, and red onions dressed in a bright lemon vinaigrette. This vibrant salad combines the cool crunch of fresh cucumbers with the tangy richness of quality feta cheese, creating a perfect balance of textures and flavors that captures the essence of Mediterranean cuisine. Ideal as a light lunch, side dish, or healthy appetizer that brings together simple ingredients to create an extraordinarily satisfying and nutritious dish perfect for summer gatherings, picnics, or any time you crave fresh, clean flavors.

Prep Time

15 Minutes

Cook Time

0 Minutes

Total Time

15 Minutes

Chef

JUE

Ingredients

Custard Cream

For the Salad Base:

4 large English cucumbers, sliced

8 oz feta cheese, crumbled

1 medium red onion, thinly sliced

1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted

For the Fresh Herbs:

1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped

1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

2 tablespoons fresh mint, chopped

1 tablespoon fresh oregano

For the Lemon Vinaigrette:

1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

1 tablespoon lemon zest

1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

For the Flavor Enhancers:

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon honey

1/2 teaspoon sea salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the Vegetable Components:

2 large tomatoes, diced

1 red bell pepper, julienned

1/2 English cucumber for garnish

For the Cheese Variation:

4 oz goat cheese, crumbled (optional)

2 tablespoons pine nuts, toasted

For the Gourmet Touches:

1 tablespoon capers, drained

Flaky sea salt

Fresh cracked black pepper

For the Dressing Enhancement:

1 tablespoon red wine vinegar

1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

For the Perfect Serving:

Lemon wedges for garnish

Fresh herb sprigs

For Special Equipment:

Large mixing bowl

Sharp knife

Cutting board

Whisk

Instructions

Begin by preparing all vegetables with clean, sharp cuts for best presentation.

Wash and slice cucumbers into 1/4-inch thick rounds for optimal texture.

Place sliced cucumbers in large mixing bowl and sprinkle with salt.

Let cucumbers sit for 10 minutes, then drain excess liquid that forms.

Thinly slice red onion and soak in cold water for 5 minutes to mellow flavor.

Drain onions thoroughly and pat dry with paper towels before adding to salad.

Crumble feta cheese into bite-sized pieces, maintaining some larger chunks for texture.

Chop fresh herbs finely, keeping dill, parsley, and mint separate initially.

Combine olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, and Dijon mustard in small bowl.

Whisk dressing ingredients vigorously until emulsified and well combined.

Add minced garlic, honey, salt, and pepper to dressing mixture.

Taste dressing and adjust seasoning as needed for perfect balance.

Add drained cucumbers to large serving bowl as the foundation layer.

Distribute crumbled feta cheese evenly over the cucumber base.

Scatter drained red onion slices throughout the salad mixture.

Add halved Kalamata olives for Mediterranean authenticity and flavor depth.

Sprinkle fresh chopped herbs generously over the entire salad mixture.

Pour prepared lemon vinaigrette over salad ingredients evenly.

Toss gently with clean hands or large spoons to coat all ingredients.

Add diced tomatoes and bell pepper strips for color and additional freshness.

Garnish with toasted pine nuts and capers for extra Mediterranean flair.

Season with flaky sea salt and fresh cracked pepper to taste.

Let salad rest for 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld together.

Serve immediately while vegetables maintain their crisp, fresh texture.

Accompany with warm pita bread, olives, or grilled proteins for complete meal.

Mediterranean Cucumber Feta Salad with Fresh Herbs and Lemon Vinaigrette

JUE

Essential Ingredients Selection

Creating Your Masterpiece

The Art of Ultimate Mediterranean Cucumber Feta Salad Perfection

Mediterranean Cucumber Feta Salad with Fresh Herbs and Lemon Vinaigrette

Ingredients

Instructions