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To make a Greek Tomato Cucumber Salad, you need: - 3 large ripe tomatoes, chopped - 1 large cucumber, diced - 1 small red onion, thinly sliced - 1 cup Kalamata olives, pitted - 200g feta cheese, crumbled - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped - 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil - 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - Salt and black pepper to taste Fresh ingredients make this salad shine. Ripe tomatoes burst with flavor. Crisp cucumbers add crunch. Fresh parsley gives a bright touch. Using quality ingredients enhances taste. This salad relies on freshness for its vibrant flavor. When you choose fresh, you make each bite special. You can get creative with your salad. Try adding bell peppers for extra color. Avocado can bring creaminess. For a spicy kick, diced jalapeños work well. If you like more protein, add grilled chicken or chickpeas. These add-ins can take your salad to a new level. Feel free to mix and match! {{ingredient_image_1}} First, gather your ingredients. You need three large ripe tomatoes, one large cucumber, and one small red onion. Chop the tomatoes into bite-sized pieces. Dice the cucumber into small cubes. Slice the red onion thinly. This mix of fresh veggies makes the salad bright and tasty. Next, take a large salad bowl. Combine the chopped tomatoes, diced cucumber, and sliced onion in it. This step builds the base of your salad, giving it color and crunch. Now, add one cup of Kalamata olives to the bowl. These olives will give your salad a rich, briny flavor. Next, crumble 200 grams of feta cheese into the bowl. Save some feta for later as a garnish. The feta adds creaminess that pairs well with the fresh veggies. Once all the ingredients are in the bowl, it's time to mix. This is where the magic happens! Toss the salad gently. Be careful not to break the feta. You want everything to be well combined but still look pretty. To make the dressing, grab a small bowl. Whisk together a quarter cup of extra virgin olive oil and two tablespoons of fresh lemon juice. Add one teaspoon of dried oregano, some salt, and black pepper. This dressing is simple but packs a punch. Drizzle the dressing over your salad. Toss gently again to coat all the ingredients. Let the salad sit for about ten minutes. This waiting time lets the flavors meld together, making every bite delightful! To boost the taste of your Greek Tomato Cucumber Salad, use fresh ingredients. Ripe tomatoes and crisp cucumbers make a big difference. When chopping, aim for even sizes. This helps the salad look great and taste balanced. Add fresh lemon juice for a zesty kick. The acidity brightens the salad. Using high-quality extra virgin olive oil enhances the flavor too. It adds richness that ties everything together. Don't forget the dried oregano; it brings a classic Greek taste. One common mistake is cutting vegetables too small. This can make them mushy. Keep your cucumber and tomatoes in larger pieces for a better crunch. Another mistake is not seasoning enough. Salt and pepper are key to bringing out the flavors. Toss the salad gently; this keeps the feta from breaking apart too much. Letting the salad sit for about 10 minutes is important. This time allows the flavors to blend. The salt draws out moisture from the veggies, making a light dressing. When you serve it after a short wait, each bite bursts with flavor. This also makes the salad more refreshing. So, give it a few minutes before you dig in! Pro Tips Choose Ripe Tomatoes: Make sure to select large, ripe tomatoes for the best flavor. They should be firm but slightly soft to the touch. Chill Before Serving: For a refreshing taste, chill your salad in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before serving. Feta Cheese Variations: Experiment with different types of feta cheese, such as aged or herbed feta, to add unique flavors to your salad. Fresh Herbs Matter: Using fresh parsley will enhance the flavor of your salad. You can also add fresh mint or dill for an extra burst of freshness. {{image_2}} You can use many tomato types for your salad. Ripe, juicy tomatoes taste best. Try using heirloom tomatoes for a colorful twist. Cherry tomatoes add sweetness and fun. If you want more texture, use beefsteak tomatoes. Each type gives a unique flavor. Mix and match to find your favorite! Feta cheese is a classic, but you can swap it out. Try goat cheese for a creamier taste. If you want a dairy-free option, use tofu. Crumbled ricotta also works well and adds a soft touch. Each cheese brings a new flavor and texture to the dish. Be creative with your choice! Want to make your salad filling? Add proteins for extra energy! Grilled chicken is a great choice. Shrimp or chickpeas also work well. You can even add canned tuna for a quick option. These proteins make the salad more satisfying. Mix them in, and enjoy a complete meal! To keep your Greek tomato cucumber salad fresh, always store it in an airtight container. This helps keep moisture in while preventing the salad from absorbing any strong smells from your fridge. Place a paper towel inside the container to absorb extra moisture. This step helps keep the veggies crisp and tasty. Your salad will last for about 2 to 3 days in the fridge. After that, the tomatoes and cucumbers can become mushy. The longer it sits, the more the flavors mix, but the veggies may lose their crunch. Always check for any strange smells or changes in color before eating leftovers. If your salad has lost some of its appeal, don't worry! You can revive it easily. Add a splash of fresh lemon juice to brighten the flavors. Toss in some extra herbs or a sprinkle of salt to boost the taste. If the veggies feel too soft, chop up fresh cucumber or tomatoes to give it a new life. Enjoy your salad fresh again! Yes, you can make this salad ahead of time. However, I suggest waiting to add the dressing until just before you serve it. This keeps the vegetables crisp and fresh. You can prepare all the ingredients and store them separately. When you are ready to eat, toss everything together with the dressing. This salad goes great with many dishes. You can serve it with grilled chicken or fish for a full meal. It also pairs well with pita bread and hummus for a light lunch. If you want a fun twist, try it with a side of roasted vegetables. Absolutely! While Kalamata olives give a nice flavor, you can use other types. Green olives or black olives work well too. Each type adds a unique taste to the salad. Feel free to experiment and find your favorite combination. This blog post covered the key points for making a Greek tomato cucumber salad. We explored essential ingredients, the importance of freshness, and optional add-ins to boost flavor. You learned step-by-step instructions for preparation and tips for the perfect dressing. I shared best practices, common mistakes, and variations to enhance your dish. Plus, I provided storage tips and answered common FAQs. With these insights, you can create a delicious salad, enjoy it fresh, and store leftovers with ease. This easy dish brings great taste and healthy choices to your table!

Greek Tomato Cucumber Bliss

A refreshing salad featuring ripe tomatoes, cucumbers, red onion, olives, and feta cheese.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Appetizer
Cuisine Greek
Servings 4
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 3 large ripe tomatoes, chopped
  • 1 large cucumber, diced
  • 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 cup Kalamata olives, pitted
  • 200 g feta cheese, crumbled
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • to taste Salt and black pepper

Instructions
 

  • In a large salad bowl, combine the chopped tomatoes, diced cucumber, and sliced red onion.
  • Add the pitted Kalamata olives and crumbled feta cheese to the bowl, keeping some feta aside for garnish.
  • In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper until well mixed.
  • Drizzle the dressing over the salad ingredients, tossing gently to combine without breaking the feta.
  • Finally, sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley on top, along with the reserved feta cheese for garnish.
  • Allow the salad to sit for about 10 minutes to let the flavors meld before serving.

Notes

Allow the salad to sit for a few minutes to enhance the flavors.
Keyword Greek, salad, vegetarian