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Fresh Cucumber Tomato Feta Salad Recipe with Easy Herbed Lemon Vinaigrette

fresh cucumber tomato feta salad - featured image

A refreshing and simple salad combining crisp cucumbers, ripe tomatoes, and creamy feta cheese, tossed in a bright herbed lemon vinaigrette. Perfect for summer gatherings or a light side dish.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 medium cucumbers, peeled or unpeeled, sliced into half-moons or rounds
  • 3 large ripe tomatoes, chopped into bite-sized pieces
  • 4 ounces (113 grams) crumbled feta cheese
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
  • 1 teaspoon chopped fresh oregano or thyme
  • Juice of 1 large lemon (about 3 tablespoons)
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup (optional)
  • 1 small clove garlic, finely minced
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Rinse the cucumbers and tomatoes under cold water. Slice the cucumbers into thin half-moons about 1/4-inch thick. Chop tomatoes into roughly 1-inch bite-sized pieces. Place in a large mixing bowl and ensure they are as dry as possible to avoid sogginess.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, minced garlic, and honey. Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while whisking vigorously to create an emulsion. Stir in the chopped fresh herbs, then season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Taste and adjust sweetness or acidity if needed.
  3. Pour the vinaigrette over the cucumbers and tomatoes. Toss gently but thoroughly to coat all pieces lightly. Crumble the feta cheese over the top and fold it in carefully to avoid breaking it down too much.
  4. Optional: Let the salad sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld and the herbs to soften slightly before serving.

Notes

Use ripe but firm tomatoes to avoid a watery salad. If cucumbers seem watery, sprinkle with salt and drain on paper towels for 10 minutes before mixing. Add feta cheese last to prevent it from becoming mushy. Keep vinaigrette separate if preparing ahead to maintain crispness. Fresh herbs are essential for best flavor; dried herbs are not recommended.

Nutrition

Keywords: cucumber salad, tomato salad, feta salad, herbed lemon vinaigrette, summer salad, fresh salad, easy salad recipe