If you’re on the hunt for a crisp, flavorful, and insanely easy dish, this Mediterranean cucumber salad is about to be your new favorite recipe. It’s light, tangy, fresh, and packed with ingredients that are as good for your taste buds as they are for your health. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week, needing a quick side for a dinner party, or trying to eat a little healthier, this salad checks all the boxes. Best of all? No cooking required, and it comes together in just 10–15 minutes!
What You’ll Need: Ingredients
The ingredients in this salad are all stars on their own, but together, they create something truly special. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2–3 large English cucumbers or 6 small Persian cucumbers
- 1 pint of cherry tomatoes
- 1 small red onion
- ½ cup Kalamata olives (pitted and halved)
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
- Fresh herbs: parsley, dill, or mint
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional: 1 minced garlic clove
Want to go the extra mile? Learn more about feta cheese varieties here to pick the best one for your salad.
Step-by-Step: How to Make It
- Chop the Veggies
Wash your cucumbers and slice them into thin rounds or half-moons. Halve the cherry tomatoes. Slice the red onion super thin (tip: soak it in cold water for 10 minutes to reduce the bite).
- Toss It Together
In a big bowl, combine cucumbers, tomatoes, onions, and olives. Give it a gentle toss.
- Make the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, salt, pepper, and garlic (if using). Want to master homemade dressings? This guide from BBC Good Food is a great reference.
- Assemble and Finish
Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently. Crumble feta cheese on top and finish with chopped fresh herbs. Give it one last mix—light and gentle is the key!
Pro Tips and Variations
- Cucumbers: Go for English or Persian cucumbers for a less watery texture.
- Extra flavor: Add avocado, chickpeas, or quinoa for more nutrition.
- Crunch factor: Toasted pine nuts or sunflower seeds work great.
- Vegan-friendly? Just skip the cheese or use a plant-based feta.
Make-Ahead & Storage
Mediterranean cucumber salad tastes best fresh. But if you’re prepping ahead, store the dressing separately and mix before serving. Once tossed, it stays good in the fridge for up to 24 hours.
Is It Healthy?
You bet. This salad is a rockstar when it comes to nutrition. Cucumbers are hydrating and low-cal. Tomatoes are loaded with vitamin C and antioxidants. Olives and olive oil bring heart-healthy fats. Feta gives you a dose of calcium and protein. Herbs like parsley or mint add even more vitamins.
Even better? It fits perfectly into the Mediterranean diet, one of the world’s healthiest ways to eat. Curious about how cucumbers fit into that lifestyle? Check out this post from QuicklyTaste.
Try These Variations
Feeling adventurous? Here are some ways to change things up:
- Add protein: Grilled chicken or chickpeas turn it into a full meal.
- Switch the herbs: Try basil for a sweet twist, or cilantro for a bold punch.
- Change the acid: Swap lemon juice for red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar.
Related Recipes You’ll Love
If you love this, you’ll probably enjoy these recipes too:
- Mediterranean Cucumber Salad (QuicklyTaste) – Another version with a slightly different twist
- What is the Difference Between a Greek and Mediterranean Salad? – A deep dive into what makes them unique
- Are Cucumbers Good on a Mediterranean Diet? – Learn more about why they’re a staple
FAQ: Mediterranean Cucumber Salad
Mediterranean cucumber salad is a refreshing, healthy dish that features sliced cucumbers, tomatoes, red onions, olives, feta cheese, and herbs, all tossed in a simple lemon and olive oil dressing. It’s a staple in many Mediterranean diets and perfect as a light side dish or even a lunch on its own.
Avoid ingredients that release too much water or get soggy quickly, like zucchini or overripe tomatoes. Heavy, creamy dressings also don’t go well with this salad’s light, crisp profile. And if you’re storing it, keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to serve to avoid a watery texture.
They’re similar, but not the same. Greek salad sticks to a classic combo of cucumbers, tomatoes, onion, olives, and a block of feta—no lettuce. Mediterranean salad is a broader category that may include grains, leafy greens, beans, and a wider range of dressings and herbs. Think of Greek salad as a subcategory of Mediterranean salads.
It doesn’t always go by one name. In Greece, you might find something similar called “Horiatiki salata.” In other places, it might just be called a Mediterranean cucumber salad or even a variation of an Israeli or Turkish salad. No matter what it’s called, it’s all about that combo of crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and tangy olive oil dressing.
Final Thoughts
This Mediterranean cucumber salad is more than just a side—it’s a celebration of fresh, vibrant ingredients that are good for your body and taste amazing. Whether you’re looking for a light lunch, something to serve at your next BBQ, or just a new way to enjoy veggies, this recipe delivers. Ready to give it a try? Snap a pic and share your creation with us using #QuicklyTasteEats or tag us online. You’re going to love how simple, healthy, and delicious eating Mediterranean can be.
Mediterranean Cucumber Salad
Equipment
- Mixing Bowl
- Small bowl for dressing
- Knife
Ingredients
Salad Base
- 2-3 large English cucumbers or 6 Persian cucumbers
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes halved
- 1 small red onion thinly sliced
- 0.5 cup Kalamata olives pitted and halved
- 0.5 cup crumbled feta cheese
- chopped fresh herbs parsley, dill, or mint
Dressing
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 lemon juiced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 clove garlic minced, optional
Instructions
- Wash and chop cucumbers into thin rounds or half-moons. Halve cherry tomatoes and thinly slice onion (soak in cold water for 10 minutes to mellow).
- Combine cucumbers, tomatoes, onion, and olives in a mixing bowl. Toss gently.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, salt, pepper, and garlic (if using).
- Drizzle dressing over salad, toss gently. Add feta and herbs last, then mix lightly once more.