Zesty Mediterranean Cucumber and Tomato Salad Recipe

Cool summer breezes dance through this refreshing mediterranean cucumber and tomato salad that promises crisp, vibrant flavors.

Chopped vegetables shine with zesty herbs and a bright lemon dressing.

Crisp cucumbers mingle with juicy tomatoes, creating a light and satisfying dish.

Fresh ingredients burst with Mediterranean charm and simple elegance.

You can whip up this colorful salad in minutes, making it perfect for quick lunches or side dishes.

Each bite offers a delightful blend of textures and tangy notes.

Dig into this delicious recipe and transport your taste buds to sunny coastal landscapes.

FAQs

• Is this salad healthy?

Yes, it’s packed with fresh vegetables, low in calories, and rich in vitamins and antioxidants from cucumbers, tomatoes, and herbs.

• Can I make this salad ahead of time?

You can prepare it a few hours before serving, but add salt just before serving to prevent vegetables from releasing too much water.

• What type of cucumbers work best?

English or Persian cucumbers are ideal because they’re crisp, have fewer seeds, and don’t require peeling.

• How do I prevent the salad from becoming watery?

Remove seeds from tomatoes, salt cucumbers briefly to draw out excess moisture, and add dressing just before serving.

Mediterranean Cucumber Tomato Salad Essentials

• Savor Quick Preparation: This Mediterranean salad comes together in mere minutes, requiring no cooking and minimal chopping skills.
• Celebrate Fresh and Healthy Ingredients: Packed with crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and zesty herbs, the recipe offers a nutritious burst of natural flavors without heavy processing.
• Embrace Versatile Serving Options: Perfect as a side dish for grilled meats, a light lunch, or a refreshing potluck contribution, this salad adapts beautifully to various meal scenarios.
• Enjoy Simple Seasonal Delight: With just a few fresh ingredients and a quick dressing, this recipe captures the essence of Mediterranean cuisine, making it a go-to for summer gatherings and casual dining.

Ingredients for Fresh Mediterranean Salad

• Cucumber: A crisp and refreshing vegetable that provides a cool, light foundation for the salad.
• Tomatoes: Juicy and vibrant, these add a sweet and tangy flavor to the Mediterranean-style dish.
• Red Onion: Adds a sharp, pungent bite and crisp texture to the salad.

• Olive Oil: A classic Mediterranean ingredient that brings a smooth, rich flavor and helps bind the dressing.
• Lemon Juice: Provides a bright, citrusy acidity that enhances the overall taste of the salad.
• Dried Oregano: A traditional herb that contributes an earthy and slightly peppery Mediterranean flavor.

• Salt, Pepper: Basic seasonings that help balance and elevate the natural flavors of the ingredients.
• Feta Cheese, Parsley or Dill: Optional toppings that add a creamy, salty element and fresh herbal notes to the salad.

How to Toss Mediterranean Cucumber Tomato Salad

Step 1: Chop Fresh Vegetables

Grab your cutting board and slice crisp cucumbers into thin rounds. Dice ripe tomatoes into bite-sized chunks.

Thinly slice vibrant red onions to add a zesty kick to your salad.

Step 2: Create Zesty Dressing

• Extra virgin olive oil
• Fresh lemon juice
• Dried oregano

Blend the ingredients until they form a smooth, aromatic mixture that will make your taste buds dance.

Step 3: Combine and Toss

Pour the dressing over the chopped vegetables. Gently toss everything together, ensuring each piece gets coated with the tangy Mediterranean-inspired vinaigrette.

Step 4: Season and Elevate

Sprinkle salt and pepper to enhance the flavors. If you’re feeling adventurous, crumble creamy feta cheese over the top for an extra burst of richness.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Shower the salad with freshly chopped parsley or dill. You can serve this vibrant dish chilled or at room temperature – perfect for summer gatherings or a quick lunch.

Pro Tip: Let the salad sit for 10 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to mingle and develop a deeper, more complex taste profile.

Tips for Vibrant Mediterranean Tomato Salad

• Cut cucumbers and tomatoes into consistent, bite-sized pieces for an even texture and beautiful presentation.
• Let the salad sit for 10-15 minutes after dressing to allow ingredients to absorb the tangy lemon and herb flavors.
• Select ripe, firm tomatoes and crisp cucumbers to ensure the best taste and crunch in your salad.
• Add salt gradually and taste as you go to prevent over-seasoning and accommodate different dietary preferences.
• Replace feta with dairy-free alternatives like nutritional yeast or omit completely for a vegan-friendly version.

Variations of Mediterranean Cucumber Tomato Salad

• Greek Island Style: Replace feta with kalamata olives and add diced bell peppers for extra crunch and Mediterranean authenticity.
• Protein Power Boost: Incorporate grilled chicken or chickpeas to transform the salad into a substantial meal with added protein and texture.
• Spicy Moroccan Edition: Mix in harissa paste, cumin, and fresh mint to give the salad a bold, North African-inspired flavor profile.
• Fresh Herb Garden Version: Substitute dried oregano with a blend of fresh herbs like basil, thyme, and cilantro for a vibrant, aromatic experience.

Pairings That Go Well with Mediterranean Salad

• Pair Fresh Greek Wine: Crisp Assyrtiko white wine perfectly complements the salad's bright, zesty flavors and cuts through the tangy feta cheese.
• Serve with Grilled Protein: Tender grilled chicken or lamb skewers match the Mediterranean profile, adding protein and creating a complete, balanced meal.
• Enhance with Warm Pita Bread: Soft, slightly charred pita bread helps scoop up the salad's juicy dressing and provides a delightful textural contrast.
• Complement with Tzatziki Dip: Cool, creamy tzatziki sauce made with yogurt, cucumber, and garlic adds an extra layer of Mediterranean authenticity to the dish.

How to Store Mediterranean Salad Properly

Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days, keeping the salad crisp and fresh in the coldest part of the refrigerator.

Before storing, gently pat ingredients with paper towels to remove extra moisture and prevent soggy texture.

Do not freeze this salad, as cucumbers and tomatoes will lose their crisp texture and become mushy when thawed.

When ready to serve leftovers, give the salad a quick stir and add a splash of fresh lemon juice to revive the flavors and brighten the dish.

Mediterranean Cucumber And Tomato Salad Recipe

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4.7 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 46 1x

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Description

Cool Mediterranean breezes inspire this cucumber and tomato salad, blending fresh summer produce with zesty herbs and olive oil. Crisp ingredients dance together, creating a light, refreshing dish that brings Mediterranean coastal flavors directly to your plate.

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Ingredients

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Main Vegetables:

• 4 to 6 cucumbers (preferably English or Greek), peeled and thinly sliced
• 2 to 3 large tomatoes, diced
• 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced

Fresh Herbs and Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley or dill, chopped (optional)

Dressing and Cheese:

• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)

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Instructions

1. Slice crisp cucumbers and dice ripe tomatoes into a spacious mixing vessel, creating a vibrant Mediterranean base.
2. Incorporate thinly sliced red onion for a sharp, aromatic layer of flavor and texture.
3. Create a zesty dressing by vigorously whisking extra virgin olive oil with freshly squeezed lemon juice and fragrant dried oregano until well emulsified.
4. Gently cascade the herbaceous dressing over the vegetable medley, carefully tossing to ensure every morsel is generously coated.
5. Enhance the salad’s profile with a delicate sprinkle of sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, adjusting to personal taste preferences.
6. Crumble tangy feta cheese across the surface, allowing the creamy white chunks to contrast beautifully with the colorful vegetables.
7. Garnish with a flourish of freshly chopped parsley or dill, adding a final burst of herbal brightness.
8. Allow the salad to rest for 10-15 minutes at room temperature to let the flavors meld together before serving, or chill for a refreshing Mediterranean-inspired side dish.

Notes

• Swap feta for dairy-free alternatives like nutritional yeast or vegan cheese crumbles to make the recipe completely plant-based.
• Slice vegetables uniformly to ensure even dressing distribution and balanced texture in every bite.
• Let the salad marinate for 15-20 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld and intensify the Mediterranean profile.
• Enhance protein content by adding chickpeas or diced grilled chicken for a more substantial meal option.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Mixing
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 46
• Calories: 49 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 69 mg
• Fat: 3 g
• Saturated Fat: 0.6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2.4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 5 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 1 g
• Cholesterol: 3 mg