Authentic Greek Cucumber Salad: A Fresh & Easy Mediterranean Delight
This recipe for Greek Style Cucumber Salad is an absolute delight! Bursting with fresh and crisp flavors like bright tarragon vinegar, crunchy cucumbers, savory feta cheese, and tender, ripe tomatoes, this salad will quickly become a favorite. Perfect for any occasion, it comes together in just about 20 minutes, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or relaxed weekend gatherings. Enjoy it as a vibrant side dish or a light, flavorful meal alongside your favorite main course or protein.
As the weather warms and the bounty of spring and summer vegetables becomes available, there’s nothing quite like a refreshing salad to bring a taste of the Mediterranean to your table. This authentic Greek cucumber salad recipe is designed for simplicity without sacrificing flavor. Its effortless preparation makes it perfect for even the busiest days, and it’s an absolute showstopper for weekend cookouts, potlucks, and family dinners. Prepare to be captivated by its vibrant taste and incredible freshness!
If you’re in the mood for Greek cuisine or simply craving something tangy, fresh, and utterly delicious, then you’ve come to the right place. Be sure to explore some of my other favorite Greek-inspired recipes, such as this Greek cauliflower rice salad bowl, a modern twist on a classic, or my timeless marinated vegetables recipe, which always reminds me of childhood summers. Both are fantastic options for entertaining guests or simply enjoying a healthy, flavorful meal at home.
Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Greek Cucumber Salad
This Greek-style cucumber salad isn’t just a recipe; it’s an experience. Here’s why it’s destined to become a staple in your kitchen:
- Bursting with Fresh, Vibrant Flavors: At its core, this salad celebrates raw, seasonal vegetables. Each bite delivers an explosion of natural flavors, from the cool, crisp cucumber to the sweet, juicy tomatoes. Complemented by aromatic herbs and a zesty dressing, it truly tastes like a sunny day in the Mediterranean. The simplicity allows the quality of the ingredients to shine through, creating a comforting yet exhilarating flavor profile.
- Incredibly Quick to Prepare: Life is busy, and sometimes you need a delicious and healthy meal that doesn’t take hours to make. This recipe is designed to be stress-free, requiring minimal chopping and just a few minutes of assembly. You can have a gourmet-level appetizer or a nutritious side dish ready in as little as 10-15 minutes, making it the perfect solution for impromptu dinners or last-minute potlucks.
- Effortlessly Simple Steps: You don’t need to be a seasoned chef to master this salad. The instructions are straightforward: simply chop a handful of fresh ingredients, whisk together a simple vinaigrette, and toss everything in a bowl. It’s so easy, it almost feels like cheating! This makes it an excellent recipe for beginners or anyone looking for a foolproof dish.
- Healthy and Nutritious: Packed with fresh vegetables, healthy fats from olive oil, and protein from feta cheese, this salad is a powerhouse of nutrition. It’s naturally low in calories and rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, supporting a healthy lifestyle without compromising on taste. It’s a guilt-free pleasure you can enjoy often.
- Versatile and Adaptable: While this recipe provides an authentic Greek experience, it’s also incredibly forgiving and adaptable. You can easily adjust ingredients to your liking, add extra vegetables, or even transform it into a light main course with the addition of grilled chicken or chickpeas. Its versatility makes it suitable for a wide range of dietary preferences and meal pairings.
Essential Ingredients for an Authentic Greek Cucumber Salad
This vibrant cucumber Greek salad relies on a selection of high-quality, fresh ingredients that truly shine in warmer weather. If you’re fortunate enough to have a home garden, this is the perfect opportunity to utilize those fresh, sun-ripened tomatoes and crisp cucumbers you’ve been cultivating. For those without a garden, rest assured that all these components are readily available at your local grocery store, often in the produce section, ensuring you can enjoy this Mediterranean delight no matter your source.
For the precise measurements, please refer to the detailed recipe card located at the bottom of this page.
- Cucumbers: You’ll need about three medium-sized cucumbers, peeled and chopped. Both pickling cucumbers (for a firmer bite) and English cucumbers (which are often less seedy and have thinner skins) work wonderfully. Aim for fresh, firm cucumbers to ensure that satisfying crunch.
- Tomatoes: I typically opt for Roma tomatoes due to their firm flesh and lower seed count, which prevents the salad from becoming watery. However, any vine-ripened tomato will deliver excellent flavor. Consider using cherry or grape tomatoes, halved, for a burst of sweetness, or even heirloom tomatoes for a beautiful variation in color and taste.
- Red Onion: A thinly sliced red onion adds a sharp, pungent kick and beautiful color that balances the milder flavors of the other vegetables. If you find red onion too strong, you can soak the slices in ice water for about 10-15 minutes to mellow their intensity before adding them to the salad.
- Tarragon Vinegar: This ingredient is a true game-changer, lending a unique, slightly licorice-like, and wonderfully tangy note that elevates this authentic Greek side dish. While readily available at most well-stocked grocery stores or online, you can also try making your own by infusing dried tarragon in white wine vinegar.
- Dried Oregano: Greek oregano is a staple in Mediterranean cooking, providing a robust, earthy, and aromatic depth. While ground dried oregano is convenient, if you have fresh oregano on hand, feel free to use it; simply chop it finely to release its oils.
- Feta Cheese: The salty, tangy, and creamy crumbles of feta cheese are indispensable in a Greek salad. You can purchase pre-crumbled feta for ease, or for a superior flavor and texture, buy a block of feta (preferably sheep or goat’s milk) and crumble it yourself. This often results in a richer taste and creamier consistency.
- Salt and Pepper: A simple yet essential seasoning duo. These pantry staples enhance and balance all the other flavors, bringing out the natural sweetness of the tomatoes and the crispness of the cucumbers. Season to taste, adjusting as needed after combining all ingredients.
- Kalamata Olives: For that truly distinctive Mediterranean flavor, Kalamata olives are a must. Their rich, fruity, and slightly briny taste is unparalleled. While black olives can be substituted in a pinch, they won’t provide the same depth of flavor. Ensure they are pitted for easy eating.
- Fresh Tarragon (Optional): If you have a thriving herb garden or can find fresh tarragon in your produce section, it makes a fantastic, aromatic addition to this cucumber salad. Its delicate flavor complements the tarragon vinegar beautifully, adding an extra layer of freshness.
How to Master Greek Style Cucumber Salad: A Step-by-Step Guide
Preparing this savory and flavorful salad is incredibly straightforward, requiring just a few simple steps. If you’re looking for a quick yet impressive dish, this Greek tomato and cucumber salad is truly perfect for you, coming together in mere minutes!
For a more comprehensive and detailed breakdown of each step, please scroll down to the printable recipe card at the end of this article.
Step 1: Prepare the Fresh Ingredients
Combine the Core Vegetables: Begin by taking a large mixing bowl, spacious enough to toss all your ingredients comfortably. Add the freshly chopped cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and the briny Kalamata olives. Ensure all vegetables are roughly the same size for even flavor distribution and a pleasing aesthetic.
Step 2: Whisk Together the Zesty Vinaigrette
Craft the Dressing: In a separate small bowl, combine the olive oil, distinct tarragon vinegar, and fragrant dried oregano. Using a wire whisk, vigorously blend these ingredients until they are well combined and slightly emulsified. This ensures the flavors are evenly distributed and the dressing has a consistent texture.
Step 3: Dress and Toss the Salad
Combine Salad and Vinaigrette: Gently pour the freshly whisked vinaigrette directly over the prepared bowl of cucumbers, tomatoes, and olives. Toss the ingredients carefully until all the vegetables are evenly coated with the dressing. This step ensures every bite is infused with that signature tangy flavor.
Step 4: Add Feta and Season
Incorporate Feta and Final Mix: Next, add the crumbled feta cheese to the salad. Gently mix everything together once more, ensuring the feta is distributed throughout. Be careful not to over-mix, as you want to maintain the distinct textures of your fresh ingredients.
Season to Perfection: Finally, season your Greek salad generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. This enhances all the flavors. If you’re using fresh tarragon, now is the time to chop and sprinkle it over the salad for an extra layer of aromatic freshness.
Step 5: Chill Before Serving
Chill for Optimal Flavor: For the best taste and a truly refreshing experience, transfer your prepared Greek cucumber salad into the refrigerator. Allow it to chill for at least 30 minutes before serving. This brief chilling period allows the flavors to meld beautifully and ensures a wonderfully crisp texture.
LOVE IT? PIN IT!
Don’t let this incredible Greek side dish slip away! Save it for later by pinning it to your favorite Pinterest recipe board. It’s the perfect way to keep this delicious, healthy, and easy recipe at your fingertips whenever you need a burst of Mediterranean flavor!
Expert Tips for the Best Greek Cucumber Salad
- Serve Chilled for Optimal Flavor: While delicious at room temperature, this salad truly shines when served cold. The chill enhances the crispness of the vegetables and allows the vibrant flavors of the dressing to meld and intensify, providing a wonderfully refreshing experience.
- Proper Storage for Leftovers: If you happen to have any leftovers (which is unlikely!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The salad will maintain its freshness and flavor for up to four days. However, for the crispiest texture, it’s best enjoyed within the first two days.
- Choose Ripened Tomatoes: The quality of your tomatoes dramatically impacts the salad’s flavor. Opt for ripe, firm tomatoes that are heavy for their size and have a deep, vibrant color. Ripe tomatoes will provide the rich sweetness and bright acidity essential for a truly outstanding Greek salad.
- Prioritize Fresh Vegetables: While produce from the grocery store works perfectly well, fresh vegetables directly from your garden or a local farmer’s market are unbeatable. Their peak freshness and intense flavor will elevate your salad to another level. If you’re not growing your own, look for organic and locally sourced options when possible.
- Cut Uniformly for Best Texture: Aim for roughly uniform dice or slices for your cucumbers, tomatoes, and onions. This not only makes the salad visually appealing but also ensures that each bite offers a balanced combination of ingredients and textures.
- Dress Just Before Serving: To prevent the vegetables from becoming soggy, especially the cucumbers, it’s best to add the dressing just before you plan to serve the salad. If making ahead, keep the dressing separate and toss it in at the last minute.
More Refreshing Salad Recipes for Summer
Looking for more easy and delicious salad ideas to brighten up your summer meals? Here are a few more favorites:
- Super Simple Potato Salad: A classic comfort food, perfect for picnics and BBQs.
- Vegetarian Pasta Salad: A light and hearty meal or side, packed with fresh veggies.
- Olive Salad: A unique and flavorful salad, great for sandwiches or as a topping.
- Cucumber Salad with Yogurt: A creamy and cool alternative, perfect for hot days.
- Green Salad with Thyme Vinaigrette: A simple yet elegant green salad with a bright, herbaceous dressing.
Are you ready to create a masterpiece of fresh flavors? Let’s mix up a generous bowl of this incredible Greek Cucumber Salad today! It’s truly a taste of the Mediterranean sunshine, right in your own kitchen. 
LIKE THIS RECIPE?
Don’t forget to give it a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ star rating and
leave a comment below the recipe!
Print Recipe
Greek Style Cucumber Salad
Equipment
-
12-Piece Black Sharp Knife Set with Covers, Cutting Board and Sharpener
Ingredients
- 2-3 cucumbers peeled and sliced lengthwise into quarters, and chopped
- 4-6 Roma tomatoes chopped
- ½ of one red onion sliced thin
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 1½ Tablespoons Tarragon vinegar
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
- Salt and Pepper to taste
- ½ cup Kalamata olives pitted and sliced in half
- fresh tarragon optional
Instructions
-
In a large bowl, toss together cucumbers, tomatoes, onion and olives.
-
Whisk together olive oil, Tarragon vinegar and oregano, pour over salad and mix to combine.
-
Add in feta cheese, combine.
-
Salt and Pepper to taste. Add in tarragon if desired.
-
Refrigerate and serve cold.
Notes
Nutrition
This recipe was originally posted on September 28, 2015. It was updated to improve user experience and reshared on May 4, 2021.
I originally discovered and pinned this delightful recipe back in 2015. One day, while browsing my collection of cucumber salad recipes, I decided it was time to give this one a try. Upon opening the blog, I happily realized it came from my fellow blogger friend, Ashlyn, from Belle of the Kitchen. Knowing her reputation for delicious recipes, I was confident it would be excellent! I made only slight modifications to suit my preferences, and I was absolutely right – it delivered perfect Greek flavors in a refreshingly crisp cucumber and tomato salad.