Cucumber Tomato Feta Salad

$- 2 large cucumbers, diced - 3 medium ripe tomatoes, diced - 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled - 1/4 red onion, finely sliced - 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped - 3 tablespoons olive oil - 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar - Salt and pepper to taste - A pinch of za'atar spice (optional) When I make Cucumber Tomato Feta Salad, I love using fresh ingredients. Start with 2 large cucumbers. They should be firm and crisp. Dice them into bite-sized pieces. Next, grab 3 medium ripe tomatoes. Their bright red color adds a fresh look and taste to the salad. Dice them just like the cucumbers. Feta cheese adds a creamy touch. Use 1 cup of crumbled feta. It pairs well with the crunch of cucumbers and tomatoes. A little red onion brings a nice bite. Use 1/4 of a finely sliced red onion. This will add a pop of flavor without being too strong. Now, let's add some herbs. I like using fresh mint and parsley. Chop up 1/4 cup of each. They bring brightness and freshness to the dish. You'll also need 3 tablespoons of olive oil for a smooth dressing. Add 2 tablespoons of red wine vinegar for tanginess. Finally, season with salt and pepper to taste, and try a pinch of za'atar spice for a unique twist. These ingredients come together to create a colorful and tasty salad. Enjoy the freshness and flavor in every bite! To make this salad, you’ll first combine diced cucumbers and tomatoes in a large bowl. This mix adds a crisp, juicy base. Next, add the remaining ingredients. Include the finely sliced red onion, crumbled feta cheese, chopped mint, and parsley. Each ingredient brings its own flavor and texture. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil and red wine vinegar. This dressing gives the salad a rich taste. You can also use apple cider vinegar if you prefer. Now, drizzle the dressing over the salad mixture. Toss everything gently until it’s well coated. You want every bite to be flavorful. After that, season the salad with salt and pepper. If you want a unique touch, add a pinch of za'atar spice. Toss the salad lightly again to mix the seasonings. Finally, let the salad sit for about 10 minutes. This resting time allows the flavors to blend beautifully before serving. How to choose the best cucumbers and tomatoes Choose cucumbers that are firm and have a smooth skin. Look for bright green color. When picking tomatoes, select ripe ones that feel heavy for their size. They should have a rich color and a slight give when pressed. Tips for crumbling feta cheese To crumble feta cheese, use a fork for a light touch. This method keeps the cheese fluffy. If the feta is too soft, chill it for a bit. Cold cheese crumbles more easily. You can also use your fingers to break it apart gently. Ideal resting time for flavor enhancement Letting the salad rest for about 10 minutes helps the flavors blend well. This short wait allows the dressing to soak into the vegetables. The result is a tastier and more vibrant dish. Enjoy the salad at its best! {{image_2}} You can make your Cucumber Tomato Feta Salad even better with fun tweaks. Here are some great ideas to customize your dish. - Adding olives or bell peppers: These add a salty bite and color. Black or green olives work well. Sweet bell peppers bring a nice crunch. Chop them up and mix them in. - Trying different herbs like basil or cilantro: Fresh herbs boost the flavor. Basil gives a sweet, fragrant touch, while cilantro adds a fresh zing. Use what you like or have on hand. - Incorporating avocado for creaminess: Avocado adds a smooth texture and healthy fats. Dice it and fold it in gently to keep it intact. This change makes your salad richer and more filling. Feel free to experiment. Each variation can give your salad a new twist. Enjoy the process of making it your own! To keep your Cucumber Tomato Feta Salad fresh, proper storage is key. - Storing leftovers: Place leftover salad in an airtight container. This helps keep it fresh for up to three days. If you can, store the dressing separately. This prevents the salad from getting soggy. - Keeping ingredients fresh: Store cucumbers and tomatoes in the fridge. Keep them whole until you are ready to cut them. Fresh herbs like mint and parsley should be wrapped in a damp paper towel. Then, place them in a sealed bag to keep them fresh. - Shelf life of prepared salad: After you make the salad, it tastes best within the first day. However, it can last up to three days in the fridge. Just remember to check for any changes in color or smell before eating. Following these tips will help you enjoy your salad longer! Yes, you can make this salad ahead of time. However, I suggest adding the dressing just before serving. If you dress it early, the cucumbers may get soggy. Store the salad in the fridge for up to a day. This salad pairs well with grilled chicken, fish, or pita bread. You can also serve it alongside rice or quinoa dishes. The fresh flavors work great with many main courses. Absolutely! This salad is great for meal prep. Just keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to eat. The veggies stay fresh and crisp when stored properly. Yes, you can use different cheeses. Feta brings a tangy flavor, but try goat cheese or mozzarella for a change. Each cheese offers a different taste and texture to the salad. This blog post covered a fresh and tasty Cucumber Tomato Feta Salad. We discussed the key ingredients and how to prepare them. I shared helpful tips for picking the best veggies and crumbling the cheese. You learned how to customize your salad with different herbs and add-ins. Proper storage tips and answers to common questions were also included. In the end, this salad is easy to make and perfect for any meal. Enjoy it fresh or pack it for later. Your taste buds will thank you!$

Discover the refreshing Crispy Cucumber Tomato Feta Delight that's perfect for summer gatherings! This vibrant salad combines crunchy cucumbers, ripe tomatoes, and creamy feta, all tossed in a zesty olive oil dressing. With minimal prep time, it's an easy recipe to impress your guests. Click through to explore this delicious recipe and elevate your salad game with fresh herbs and a hint of za'atar for an aromatic twist!

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Ingredients

2 large cucumbers, diced

3 medium ripe tomatoes, diced

1 cup feta cheese, crumbled

1/4 red onion, finely sliced

1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped

1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

3 tablespoons olive oil

2 tablespoons red wine vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)

Salt and pepper to taste

A pinch of za'atar spice (optional for a unique twist)

Instructions

In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced cucumbers and tomatoes.

Add the finely sliced red onion, crumbled feta cheese, and the chopped mint and parsley to the bowl.

In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil and red wine vinegar (or apple cider vinegar).

Drizzle the dressing over the salad mixture and gently toss everything together until evenly coated.

Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of za'atar spice, if using, to add an aromatic touch. Toss again lightly.

Let the salad sit for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld before serving.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes | Servings: 4

- Presentation Tips: Serve the salad in a large glass bowl to showcase the colorful ingredients, garnishing with additional mint leaves and a sprinkle of za'atar on top for visual appeal.