Why It’s Great

What makes this Greek salad so wonderful? It’s the perfect combination of crunchy cucumbers, sweet tomatoes, and creamy feta, all dancing together on your palate. The dressing, made from olive oil, fresh lemon juice, and herbs, enhances this mix of fresh ingredients, ensuring each bite is full of flavor. Beyond its taste, this salad is incredibly versatile — feel free to add your favorite vegetables, herbs, or proteins. Plus, it’s a healthy choice, rich in essential vitamins and minerals!

Recipe: Greek Cucumber, Tomato, and Feta Salad

Ingredients

• 2 cups cucumbers, diced
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved (optional)
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Prepare the Vegetables:

   Start by gathering a large mixing bowl. Toss in the diced cucumbers, halved cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced red onion, optional Kalamata olives, and fresh chopped parsley. Mix these vibrant ingredients together to create a colorful base for your salad.

2. Make the Dressing:

   In a smaller bowl, combine the olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, dried oregano, and season with salt and pepper. Whisk these ingredients together until they blend into a harmonious dressing — this will bring all the flavors of the salad together.

3. Combine Everything:

   Drizzle the dressing over your vegetable mixture, and gently toss everything to ensure an even coating. Finally, add the crumbled feta cheese on top, giving it a light toss to mix without breaking up the cheese too much.

4. Serve:

   Your delicious Greek salad is ready to enjoy! You can serve it right away or let it chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to develop even further, enhancing the taste experience.

Storing and Preserving

The Greek Cucumber, Tomato, and Feta Salad is best when served fresh. However, if you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To keep your salad crisp, it’s best to store the dressing separately and combine it just before serving. If left too long with the dressing, the salad can become watery, so try to enjoy it within a couple of days for the best flavor and texture.

Common Mistakes and Troubleshooting

• Using Overripe Tomatoes: For the best flavor and texture, opt for ripe but firm tomatoes. Overripe tomatoes can lead to a mushy salad.
• Too Much Dressing: Start by adding a little dressing and adjust to your taste. You can always add a bit more, but it’s tough to fix if you’ve added too much!
• Lack of Flavor: Don’t forget to season your salad. A pinch of salt and pepper goes a long way, and fresh herbs can amplify the dish’s deliciousness, so use them generously!

FAQs

1. Can I add other vegetables to this salad?

   Absolutely! Feel free to add bell peppers, radishes, or even avocado to boost flavor and nutrition.

2. Can I make this salad ahead of time?

   You can prepare the vegetables and dressing separately, allowing you to combine them right before serving for maximum freshness.

3. Is this salad suitable for meal prep?

   Yes, but it’s best to keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to eat to preserve the crispness of the veggies.

4. What can I use instead of feta cheese?

   If you’re looking for a dairy-free alternative, crumbled tofu works well, or you can skip the cheese and load up on olives or nuts for added flavor.

5. How can I make this salad more filling?

   To transform this salad into a heartier meal, consider adding cooked quinoa, chickpeas, or grilled chicken for extra protein.