Fresh, crunchy, colorful, and packed with Mediterranean flavors. This easy cucumber salad combines crisp cucumbers, tomatoes, red onion, olives, feta, fresh herbs, and a bright lemon-olive oil dressing.
Servings: 4–6
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Chill Time: 20–30 minutes
Total Time: About 45 minutes
Difficulty: Easy
Ingredients
For the Salad
- 3 large English cucumbers, sliced
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ small red onion, thinly sliced
- ½ cup Kalamata olives, pitted
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
- 1 small bell pepper, diced, optional
- ¼ cup chickpeas, optional
Mediterranean Dressing
- 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 small garlic clove, finely minced
- ½ tsp Dijon mustard, optional
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
1. Prepare the cucumbers
Wash and dry the cucumbers thoroughly. Slice them into thin rounds or half-moons.
If they contain a lot of water, lightly sprinkle them with salt and let them sit for 10 minutes, then gently pat dry.
2. Prepare the vegetables
Add the cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, red onion, olives, and optional bell pepper and chickpeas to a large bowl.
3. Add the herbs and feta
Add the chopped parsley and dill. Gently fold in the feta cheese so it doesn’t break apart too much.
4. Make the dressing
In a small bowl or jar, combine olive oil, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, oregano, garlic, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper.
Whisk or shake until well combined.
5. Combine
Pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss until all the ingredients are coated.
6. Chill
Refrigerate for 20–30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to blend.
7. Serve
Give the salad one final gentle toss and serve chilled or slightly cool.
Nut & Allergy Information
Is this recipe nut-free?
Yes. The basic recipe contains no peanuts or tree nuts.
However, if you’re preparing it for someone with a serious allergy:
- Check packaged olives, feta, mustard, and seasonings for allergen or cross-contact information.
- Use clean utensils and preparation surfaces.
- Don’t add pine nuts, almonds, walnuts, or other nuts unless specifically desired.
Optional nut addition
For extra crunch, you can add 2–3 tablespoons toasted pine nuts, almonds, or chopped walnuts. These are optional and change the recipe from nut-free.
Important: Nuts are not necessary for the recipe.
Easy Variations
Mediterranean Chickpea Cucumber Salad
Add 1 cup cooked chickpeas for a more filling salad.
Creamy Version
Add 2–3 tablespoons Greek yogurt to the dressing for a creamy variation.
Extra Olive Flavor
Add extra Kalamata olives or a few chopped green olives.
Spicy Version
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or finely chopped fresh chili.
Avocado Version
Add 1 diced avocado immediately before serving.
Extra Lemon
Add additional lemon zest and juice for a brighter flavor.
Helpful Tips
- Use English or Persian cucumbers for a crisp texture and fewer seeds.
- Don’t overdress the salad; add more dressing only if needed.
- For the best texture, add avocado shortly before serving.
- If preparing ahead, keep the dressing separate and combine shortly before serving.
- Feta can be salty, so taste the salad before adding additional salt.
- Fresh lemon juice gives the dressing a much brighter flavor than bottled lemon juice.
Recipe Q&A
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes. You can prepare the vegetables and dressing several hours ahead. For the freshest texture, combine them shortly before serving.
How long does it last?
Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator and enjoy within 2–3 days. The cucumbers will gradually become softer as they absorb the dressing.
Can I use regular cucumbers?
Absolutely. If the skin is thick or the cucumber has many seeds, you can peel and seed it before slicing.
Can I leave out the feta?
Yes. The salad is delicious without feta and becomes dairy-free.
Can I use another cheese?
Goat cheese or small cubes of a mild Mediterranean-style cheese can work well.
Can I make it vegan?
Yes. Simply omit the feta or use a suitable plant-based feta alternative.
Can I add lettuce?
Yes. Romaine lettuce makes this into a larger Mediterranean chopped salad.
Can I add protein?
Yes. Grilled chicken, chickpeas, lentils, or cooked shrimp can turn it into a more substantial meal.
Why is my cucumber salad watery?
Cucumbers naturally contain a lot of water. Salting and draining them briefly before assembling the salad can reduce excess liquid.
Can I use dried herbs?
Yes, but fresh parsley and dill provide a brighter flavor. If substituting, use smaller amounts of dried herbs.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The basic ingredients are naturally gluten-free. Check packaged ingredients such as mustard, olives, and seasonings if you need to avoid gluten strictly.
Approximate Nutrition
Per serving, assuming 6 servings, without optional chickpeas or nuts:
- Calories: ~170–190 kcal
- Protein: ~4–5 g
- Carbohydrates: ~8–10 g
- Fat: ~13–15 g
- Fiber: ~2–3 g
- Sodium: varies depending on olives, feta, and added salt
Nutrition is approximate and varies according to ingredients and serving size.
What to Serve With It
This cucumber salad pairs beautifully with:
- Grilled chicken
- Baked fish
- Chicken souvlaki
- Falafel
- Hummus and pita
- Grilled vegetables
- Rice or couscous
- Mediterranean wraps