Cucumbers with a BANG: Refreshing Mediterranean Salad with Cherry Tomatoes, Feta, and Herb Dressing Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- 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.
- Slice onions: Peel and thinly slice the red onion into rings or half-moons to add a mild bite without overpowering the salad.
- Halve cherry tomatoes: Cut each cherry tomato in half to release their sweet juices and add vibrant color and flavor to the salad.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
