Imagine a refreshing dish that combines the crisp coolness of cucumbers with the tangy richness of feta and the nutty crunch of toasted pine nuts. This Cucumbers with Oregano Feta and Pine Nuts recipe is not just a side dish—it's a Mediterranean flavor explosion that will transform your ordinary meal into an extraordinary culinary experience. Perfect for summer gatherings, light lunches, or as an impressive appetizer, this recipe is about to become your new go-to for fresh, vibrant eating.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 10 mins
Cuisine: Greek
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 large cucumbers, sliced
- 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup pine nuts, toasted
- 2 tablespoons fresh oregano, chopped
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Wash the cucumbers thoroughly under cool running water to remove any dirt or residue.
- Using a sharp knife, slice the cucumbers into thin, uniform rounds approximately 1/8 inch thick. For best presentation, try to maintain consistent slice thickness.
- Toast the pine nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently to prevent burning. Toast until they are golden brown and fragrant, which typically takes 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat immediately and set aside to cool.
- Carefully chop the fresh oregano leaves, releasing their aromatic oils. Aim for a fine, uniform chop to distribute the herb evenly.
- Arrange the cucumber slices on a serving platter, slightly overlapping for an attractive presentation.
- Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese evenly over the cucumber slices, ensuring good coverage.
- Drizzle the olive oil gently over the cucumbers and feta, ensuring even distribution.
- Scatter the toasted pine nuts across the dish for added texture and nutty flavor.
- Sprinkle the chopped fresh oregano over the top of the dish.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Serve immediately at room temperature to enjoy the freshest flavors and crispest texture.
Tips
- Choose firm, fresh cucumbers for the best texture and flavor. English or Persian cucumbers work wonderfully in this recipe.
- For the most intense flavor, use fresh oregano rather than dried herbs. The aromatic oils make a significant difference.
- Toast pine nuts carefully—they can burn quickly! Watch them constantly and stir frequently.
- Let the dish sit for 5 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld together.
- For a more elegant presentation, use a mandoline slicer to get perfectly uniform cucumber rounds.
- If you're preparing in advance, add the pine nuts and oregano just before serving to maintain their crunch and freshness.
- This dish is best served at room temperature to highlight the subtle flavors of each ingredient.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 261kcal
Carbohydrates: 9g
Protein: 7g
Fat: 23g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 20mg
