Get ready to experience a culinary journey that captures the essence of Mediterranean cuisine with this mouthwatering Greek-style cucumber tomato salad! Imagine a vibrant dish that bursts with fresh flavors, crisp textures, and the perfect balance of tangy and savory notes. Whether you're looking to impress dinner guests or simply craving a light and healthy meal, this recipe is your ticket to a quick, delicious escape to the sunny shores of Greece.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 10 mins
Cuisine: Greek
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups cucumber, diced
- 2 cups tomatoes, diced
- 1/2 cup red onion, sliced
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup olives, pitted and sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing all your ingredients. Wash the cucumbers and tomatoes thoroughly under cold running water.
- Using a sharp knife, dice the cucumbers into bite-sized pieces and place them in a large mixing bowl.
- Next, dice the tomatoes in a similar fashion, ensuring they are roughly the same size as the cucumbers for uniformity in texture and presentation. Add the diced tomatoes to the bowl with the cucumbers.
- Peel the red onion and slice it thinly. If you prefer a milder onion flavor, you can soak the slices in cold water for a few minutes before adding them to the salad. Once ready, add the sliced red onion to the bowl.
- Add the crumbled feta cheese to the bowl, distributing it evenly over the vegetables. The feta will add a creamy texture and tangy flavor to the salad.
- Incorporate the pitted and sliced olives into the mixture. Kalamata olives are a traditional choice for Greek salads, but you can use any variety you prefer.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil and red wine vinegar until well combined. This will be your dressing.
- Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients in the mixing bowl. Gently toss everything together with a large spoon or spatula, ensuring all the vegetables are coated with the dressing.
- Season the salad with salt and pepper to taste. Remember that feta cheese can be quite salty, so adjust the seasoning accordingly.
- Once everything is mixed, let the salad sit for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. This can enhance the overall taste of the dish.
- Serve the Greek style cucumber tomato salad chilled or at room temperature. It can be a refreshing side dish or a light main course.
Tips
- Choose Fresh Ingredients: The key to an outstanding Greek salad is using the freshest vegetables possible. Look for firm cucumbers, ripe tomatoes, and crisp red onions.
- Chill Your Ingredients: For maximum refreshment, keep your vegetables cold before preparing the salad. This enhances the crisp texture and makes the salad extra revitalizing.
- Customize Your Feta: For the best flavor, use authentic Greek feta cheese and crumble it just before adding to the salad to maintain its creamy texture.
- Dressing Tip: Let the salad sit for 5-10 minutes after dressing to allow the flavors to meld together. This short resting time can dramatically improve the overall taste.
- Optional Enhancements: Consider adding fresh herbs like oregano or mint for an extra layer of authentic Greek flavor. A sprinkle of dried oregano can also elevate the dish.
- Serve Smart: This salad is best served chilled or at room temperature. It makes a perfect side dish, light lunch, or potluck contribution.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 120kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 15mg
