Cucumbers with a BANG: Refreshing Mediterranean Salad with Cherry Tomatoes, Feta, and Herb Dressing Recipe

Introduction

Cucumbers with a BANG is a vibrant, refreshing dish that bursts with flavor, perfect for summer gatherings or as a healthy snack. Crisp cucumbers mingle with sweet cherry tomatoes and tangy feta, all drizzled with a zesty lemon-olive oil dressing. This easy-to-make salad delivers a delightful crunch that will leave your taste buds dancing.

Ingredients

• 2 cups sliced cucumbers (about 2 medium English cucumbers)
• 1/2 cup thinly sliced red onion
• 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes
• 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh dill or mint
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Step 1: Rinse and dry the cucumbers, then slice them thinly for maximum crunch.
2. Step 2: Thinly slice the red onion into rings or half-moons.
3. Step 3: Halve the cherry tomatoes, allowing their juices to blend with the other ingredients.
4. Step 4: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper to create a bright dressing.
5. Step 5: In a large bowl, combine cucumbers, onions, tomatoes, feta cheese, and herbs; pour the dressing over and toss gently until everything is coated.
6. Step 6: Chill in the fridge for 15-30 minutes to allow flavors to meld before serving.

Tips & Variations

• Use fresh, firm cucumbers for the best texture; avoid soft ones that lose their crunch.
• Slice cucumbers uniformly to ensure even marination and flavor absorption.
• Feel free to swap cucumbers for crunchy veggies like bell peppers or carrots for a twist.
• Add chili flakes or extra herbs like dill for an extra punch of flavor.
• Don’t skip marinating time as it’s crucial for achieving that delicious zing.

Storage

Store leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. It tastes best cold, so there is no need to reheat before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

What kind of cucumbers should I use for Cucumbers with a BANG?

Choose English or Persian cucumbers for their crispness and mild flavor. These varieties have fewer seeds and hold their crunch well.

How long should I marinate the cucumbers?

Marinate the cucumbers for at least 30 minutes to get maximum flavor infusion, allowing the dressing to soak in and the vegetables to become more flavorful.

Can I make Cucumbers with a BANG ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the salad a day in advance. Just keep it refrigerated until serving to maintain freshness and flavor.

Cucumbers with a BANG: Refreshing Mediterranean Salad with Cherry Tomatoes, Feta, and Herb Dressing Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 149 reviews

Cucumbers with a BANG is a vibrant, refreshing Mediterranean salad that features crisp English cucumbers, sweet cherry tomatoes, tangy crumbled feta cheese, and thinly sliced red onions, all brought together by a zesty lemon and extra virgin olive oil dressing. This no-cook dish is perfect for summer gatherings, picnics, or as a healthy snack. It offers a delightful crunch with bright, fresh flavors and is ready in just 10 minutes after a brief chilling period to let the flavors meld beautifully.

• Author: liam
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 10 minutes plus 15-30 minutes chilling
• Yield: Serves approximately 4 people 1x
• Category: Salad
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: Mediterranean
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Salad Ingredients

• 2 cups sliced cucumbers (about 2 medium English cucumbers)
• 1/2 cup thinly sliced red onion
• 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes
• 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh dill or mint

Dressing

• 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Prepare cucumbers: Rinse the cucumbers under cold water and dry them thoroughly. Slice them thinly using a sharp knife or mandoline for even, crunchy slices.
2. Slice onions: Peel and thinly slice the red onion into rings or half-moons to add a mild bite without overpowering the salad.
3. Halve cherry tomatoes: Cut each cherry tomato in half to release their sweet juices and add vibrant color and flavor to the salad.
4. Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together extra virgin olive oil, freshly squeezed lemon juice, salt, and pepper until the dressing is bright and tangy.
5. Combine ingredients: In a large bowl, toss together the sliced cucumbers, red onions, cherry tomatoes, crumbled feta cheese, and chopped fresh dill or mint. Pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss until everything is evenly coated.
6. Chill and serve: Refrigerate the salad for 15-30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Serve cold for maximum freshness and crunch.

Notes

• Use fresh, firm English or Persian cucumbers for the best crisp texture.
• Slice cucumbers uniformly to ensure even flavor absorption and marination.
• Don’t skip the chilling step; marinating the salad enhances the flavor significantly.
• Optional: Swap dill for mint according to your preference for a refreshing twist.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days; best served cold, no reheating needed.
• Feel free to add a pinch of chili flakes for an extra kick.

Keywords: cucumber salad, Mediterranean salad, no-cook salad, fresh cucumber salad, feta cheese salad, lemon dressing, healthy salad, summer salad