When I think of summer, I can almost taste the crispness of a Cucumber Salad with Red Onion and Feta. Picture this: fresh cucumbers glistening in the sunlight, mingling with tangy feta cheese and zesty red onions. Cucumber Radish Salad for a twist It’s a refreshing harmony that dances on your palate while reminding you of lazy afternoons spent outdoors.
I remember the first time I made this salad for a backyard barbecue. My friends were skeptical at first, but one bite later, they were clamoring for more. It became the star of the show, the perfect sidekick to grilled meats and other party favorites. You’ll want to whip this up for picnics or family gatherings; trust me, it’s an instant crowd-pleaser! For more inspiration, check out this Garlic Parmesan Smashed Potatoes recipe.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Cucumber Salad with Red Onion and Feta is effortlessly simple to prepare, making it perfect for any occasion
- The flavors blend beautifully for a satisfying bite that sings summer
- Visually stunning with its vibrant colors, it will be the highlight of your table
- Versatile enough to pair with almost any dish, you’ll find it hard not to make this again!
I once brought this salad to a potluck dinner, and you would have thought I had solved world hunger by the way everyone raved about it.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Cucumbers: Use firm cucumbers for crunch; English cucumbers are my go-to as they have fewer seeds.
- Red Onion: Thinly slice for a mild bite; soak in cold water if you prefer a milder flavor.
- Feta Cheese: Crumbled feta adds creaminess and tang; opt for high-quality feta for the best taste.
- Olive Oil: A good quality extra virgin oil enhances the salad’s flavor; drizzle generously but not too much.
- Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice brightens everything up; skip bottled juice if possible.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that elevate all the flavors; adjust according to your taste.
- Fresh Dill (optional): Adds a fresh herbal note that complements the cucumber beautifully; use dried if you don’t have fresh.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Preparation Phase: Start by washing your cucumbers thoroughly under cool water. This ensures they’re clean and ready for slicing.
Slice Those Cucumbers!: With a sharp knife, thinly slice your cucumbers into rounds or half-moons based on your preference. Aim for uniformity to ensure even texture in every bite.
Add Some Color!: Next up is your red onion—thinly slice them and add them to a bowl with the cucumber slices. If you want less pungency, let them soak in cold water for about 10 minutes before mixing.
Crumble That Feta!: Grab your feta cheese and crumble it right over your cucumber and onion mixture. Make sure it’s evenly distributed so you get creamy bites with every forkful.
Dress It Up!: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil and freshly squeezed lemon juice along with salt and pepper. Pour this dressing over your salad mix and toss gently until everything is well-coated.
Add Fresh Herbs!: If you’re using fresh dill, chop it finely and sprinkle it over the salad before giving it another gentle stir. This step adds an aromatic twist that makes all the difference.
Serve immediately or let it sit in the fridge for about 30 minutes before serving. This allows all those lovely flavors to meld together even better!
Enjoying Cucumber Salad with Red Onion and Feta is like taking a refreshing dip into summer itself. It’s quick, easy, versatile, and oh-so-delicious! Whether you’re hosting a big barbecue or just enjoying dinner at home, this salad brings that delightful crunch without any fuss. Pair with Tomato Pie for summer meals Feta Tomato Chicken for a hearty meal.
You Must Know
- Cucumber Salad with Red Onion and Feta is incredibly refreshing, perfect for summer picnics
- Using fresh ingredients elevates the flavor, while the combination of crunch and creaminess creates an irresistible texture
- Don’t overlook marinating time; it truly enhances the taste!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by slicing cucumbers and onions thinly to allow flavors to meld quickly. Toss them in a bowl with feta and dressing for maximum flavor absorption.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out feta with goat cheese or add olives for extra brininess. A sprinkle of dill or mint can also enhance the freshness!
Storing & Reheating
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Avoid reheating; this salad is best enjoyed cold and fresh.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To avoid a soggy salad, salt your cucumbers and let them drain before mixing
- Use high-quality feta for a richer taste
- Always taste before serving; a little extra seasoning can go a long way!
There’s nothing quite like seeing friends gobble up my Cucumber Salad with Red Onion and Feta at summer barbecues. Make Zesty Refrigerator Pickles Their smiles make all the chopping worthwhile!
FAQ
Can I use different types of onions?
Yes, red, yellow, or even green onions work well in this salad.
How can I make this salad vegan?
Substituting feta with avocado or tofu creates a creamy, plant-based option.
Is there a way to add more protein?
Adding chickpeas or grilled chicken can make this salad heartier and more satisfying.
Cucumber Salad with Red Onion and Feta
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: About 4 servings 1x
Description
Cucumber Salad with Red Onion and Feta is a refreshing and vibrant dish that’s perfect for summer gatherings. Bursting with crisp cucumbers, tangy feta, and zesty red onions, this salad is not only easy to prepare but also visually stunning. It’s the ultimate complement to grilled meats or can be enjoyed on its own for a light meal. Whip it up for picnics or potlucks and watch as it quickly becomes a favorite among friends and family.
Ingredients
- 2 medium cucumbers, thinly sliced
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill (optional), chopped
Instructions
- Wash the cucumbers under cool water.
- Thinly slice cucumbers into rounds or half-moons.
- Thinly slice the red onion and soak in cold water for about 10 minutes (optional).
- In a large bowl, combine cucumber slices, drained red onion, and crumbled feta.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and toss gently until well-coated.
- If using fresh dill, sprinkle it over the salad before giving it another gentle stir.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate for 30 minutes to enhance flavors.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (150g)
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
