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.
Ingredients
Scale
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)
Instructions
- Slice crisp cucumbers and dice ripe tomatoes into a spacious mixing vessel, creating a vibrant Mediterranean base.
- Incorporate thinly sliced red onion for a sharp, aromatic layer of flavor and texture.
- Create a zesty dressing by vigorously whisking extra virgin olive oil with freshly squeezed lemon juice and fragrant dried oregano until well emulsified.
- Gently cascade the herbaceous dressing over the vegetable medley, carefully tossing to ensure every morsel is generously coated.
- Enhance the salad’s profile with a delicate sprinkle of sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, adjusting to personal taste preferences.
- Crumble tangy feta cheese across the surface, allowing the creamy white chunks to contrast beautifully with the colorful vegetables.
- Garnish with a flourish of freshly chopped parsley or dill, adding a final burst of herbal brightness.
- 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