Fresh Cucumber & Feta Salad Herb Vinaigrette Recipe

Summer’s heat calls for a refreshing cucumber and feta salad that brings vibrant Mediterranean flavors to your plate.

Crisp, cool cucumber mingles with tangy feta cheese in a dance of delightful textures.

Herbs from the garden add a burst of freshness to this simple yet elegant dish.

The bright herb vinaigrette weaves through each bite, creating a light and zesty experience.

Salty feta crumbles contrast beautifully with the cucumber clean, watery crunch.

This salad serves as a perfect side or standalone light meal that feels both sophisticated and effortless.

You’ll love how quickly it comes together, making it an ideal solution for busy summer days when cooking seems like a chore.

Dive into this Mediterranean-inspired creation and let your taste buds celebrate the season’s bounty.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 0 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 150 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredients for Cucumber & Feta Salad

• Cucumber: Crisp and refreshing vegetable that provides a cool, watery crunch with mild, clean flavor perfect for summer salads.
• Red Onion: Sharp and zesty allium that adds vibrant color and punchy bite to the salad's overall texture.
• Feta Cheese: Creamy, tangy Greek cheese that brings salty richness and crumbly texture to balance the cucumber's lightness.

• Basil: Aromatic herb with sweet, peppery notes that adds bright, green complexity to the dressing.
• Parsley: Fresh, clean herb that provides a subtle grassiness and enhances the salad's herbal profile.
• Oregano: Robust, earthy herb with slightly bitter undertones that deepens the vinaigrette's flavor.
• Lemon Verbena: Optional delicate herb with citrusy, lemony essence that can elevate the dressing's brightness.
• Olive Oil: Smooth, fruity base that helps emulsify herbs and creates a silky, luxurious dressing texture.

• Black Pepper: Warm, sharp spice that adds subtle heat and complexity to the salad's final flavor.
• Edible Flowers: Delicate, decorative garnish that brings visual beauty and potentially subtle floral notes to the dish.
• Salt: Essential seasoning that helps draw out moisture from cucumbers and enhances overall flavor profile.

Tools You’ll Need for the Herb Vinaigrette Salad

• Large Metal Sieve: Essential for draining excess cucumber liquid and ensuring crisp salad texture.
• Bowl: Placed under sieve to catch liquid during cucumber preparation.
• Food Processor or Blender: Perfect for creating smooth, well-mixed herb vinaigrette quickly.
• Whisk: Alternative tool for mixing dressing ingredients if processor isn't available.
• Large Mixing Bowl: Needed for combining cucumbers, onions, and feta, and tossing with dressing.
• Cutting Board: For chopping herbs and preparing vegetables.
• Sharp Knife: Required for slicing cucumbers and finely chopping herbs.

Preparing Cucumber & Feta with Vinaigrette

• Cucumber Preparation

Place cucumber slices in a metal sieve over a bowl. Sprinkle with salt and let sit, allowing excess moisture to drain for 20-30 minutes.

• Herb Vinaigrette Creation

Blend fresh basil, parsley, oregano, and olive oil in a food processor until herbs are finely chopped. If no processor available, finely chop herbs and whisk with oil.

• Salad Assembly

Combine drained cucumber slices, thinly sliced red onion, and crumbled feta cheese in a large mixing bowl. Gently toss with prepared herb vinaigrette.

• Final Touch

Drizzle remaining dressing over the salad. Add a sprinkle of black pepper and optional edible flower garnish for a beautiful presentation.

Tips for a Fresh Vinaigrette Salad

• Remove excess moisture by salting cucumber slices, which prevents a watery salad and concentrates the fresh flavor.
• Swap or mix herbs based on garden availability or personal preference, like adding mint, dill, or chives for a unique twist.
• Prepare dressing and chop vegetables up to 24 hours in advance, storing separately to maintain crispness and prevent sogginess.
• Boost the salad's nutrition by adding grilled chicken, chickpeas, or quinoa for a more substantial meal option.
• Serve slightly chilled for a refreshing summer side dish, or let ingredients sit at room temperature to enhance herb and feta flavors.

Serving Ideas: Cucumber & Feta Salad

• Garden Party Appetizer: Serve this refreshing salad as a stunning starter at outdoor gatherings, presenting it in clear glass bowls to showcase the vibrant green cucumbers and white feta crumbles.
• Mediterranean Mezze Plate: Complement the salad with warm pita bread, hummus, olives, and grilled lamb skewers for a complete Mediterranean-inspired dining experience that highlights fresh, zesty flavors.
• Summer Lunch Companion: Pair this light cucumber salad with grilled chicken, quinoa, or as a side dish for a perfect warm-weather meal that offers cool, crisp textures and herbal undertones.
• Wine Pairing Delight: Match the salad with a crisp white wine like sauvignon blanc or a light rosé to enhance the herb vinaigrette's delicate flavor profile and create a harmonious culinary moment.

Storing Cucumber & Feta Salad

• Fridge Fresh Storage: Transfer any leftover salad to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Keep the dressing and salad separate to maintain crisp cucumber texture and prevent soggy ingredients.
• Smart Prep Technique: Chop cucumbers and onions ahead of time, storing them in separate sealed containers in the refrigerator. Mix with feta and dressing just before serving to keep ingredients vibrant and fresh.
• Dressing Flavor Boost: Prepare extra herb vinaigrette and store in a glass jar with a tight lid. Refrigerate for up to 5 days, using it as a quick marinade for grilled vegetables or drizzling over other salads.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Assemble all ingredients except the dressing the night before a gathering. Cover and chill the components separately, then toss together just before serving for maximum flavor and crunch.

Crisp Cucumber & Feta Salad

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4.7 from 20 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Mediterranean cucumber & feta salad offers crisp, refreshing flavors perfect for summer gatherings. Cool ingredients blend seamlessly, inviting you to savor each light and zesty bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 medium cucumbers
• 4 oz (113 g) crumbled feta cheese
• ½ medium red onion
• ¼ cup packed fresh basil leaves
• ¼ cup packed fresh parsley leaves
• 1 tbsp packed fresh oregano
• 1 or 2 lemon verbena leaves (optional)
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
• Edible flowers, for garnish

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Instructions

1. Moisture Extraction: Salt cucumber slices and let them rest in a metal sieve over a bowl, allowing excess liquid to drain for 25 minutes while occasionally stirring to release water.
2. Vinaigrette Preparation: Blend fresh basil, parsley, oregano, and optional lemon verbena with olive oil until herbs are finely pulverized, creating a vibrant and aromatic dressing.
3. Salad Assembly: Combine drained cucumber slices with thinly sliced red onion and crumbled feta cheese in a spacious mixing bowl, ensuring even distribution of ingredients.
4. Dressing Integration: Drizzle herb vinaigrette over the salad, gently tossing to coat all components thoroughly, adjusting the quantity to personal taste preferences.
5. Finishing Touches: Enhance the salad with freshly ground black pepper and optional edible floral garnishes, adding visual appeal and subtle flavor complexity to the dish.

Notes

• Drain Cucumber Thoroughly: Salt and drain cucumber slices for 25 minutes to remove excess water, preventing a watery salad and ensuring crisp, concentrated flavor.
• Herb Vinaigrette Flexibility: Choose between blending or hand-chopping herbs for different texture experiences – smooth and refined or rustic and chunky.
• Balance Dressing Carefully: Start with half the vinaigrette and adjust gradually to prevent overwhelming delicate cucumber and feta flavors.
• Garnish Strategically: Use edible flowers sparingly to add visual interest and subtle complexity without overshadowing the main ingredients.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Blending
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 6 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 10 mg