Mediterranean Cucumber Salad

This Mediterranean Cucumber Salad is crisp, bright, and bursting with feta, olives, herbs, and a zesty Italian dressing. The perfect fresh side dish - ready in 15 minutes.

Prep Time15

Total Time15

Course: Salad

Cuisine: Italian, Mediterranean

Keyword: cucumber salad, summer salad

Servings: servings

Author: Elena Davis

Ingredients

Salad

3 cups diced English cucumber about 2 large English cucumbers or several Persian cucumbers
2½ cups cherry or grape tomatoes halved
½ cup red onion finely diced
1 cup Kalamata olives drained and sliced
1 cup feta cheese crumbled
2 tablespoons fresh mint finely chopped
3 tablespoons fresh parsley finely chopped

Zesty Italian Dressing

¾ cup extra-virgin olive oil
4 tablespoons red wine vinegar or fresh lemon juice
1 clove garlic minced
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

For Garnish

Extra fresh mint leaves

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

Prepare the vegetables. Dice the cucumbers into bite-size pieces. Halve the cherry tomatoes and finely dice the red onion.
Build the salad base. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cucumbers, tomatoes, red onion, sliced Kalamata olives, parsley, and mint.
Make the dressing. In a small bowl or mason jar, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar (or lemon juice), minced garlic, Dijon mustard, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until well emulsified.
Dress the salad. Pour the dressing over the cucumber mixture and gently toss until everything is evenly coated.
Add the feta. Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese over the top and lightly toss once more.
Let the flavors develop. Allow the salad to sit for 10–15 minutes before serving so the vegetables absorb the dressing.
Garnish and serve. Finish with fresh mint and an extra drizzle of olive oil if desired. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Notes

Use English or Persian cucumbers (they have fewer seeds)
Dice cucumbers evenly so the dressing coats each piece
Let the salad rest 10–15 minutes before serving
Add feta last to keep it creamy and intact

Nutrition