This Cucumber Tomato and Feta Salad is light, zesty, and bursting with fresh summer flavor. Juicy tomatoes, crisp cucumber, tangy red onion, and creamy feta are tossed in a lemony herb dressing with dill, oregano, and a hint of garlic. It’s the perfect easy side for anything off the grill, quick lunches, or potluck spreads—and it comes together in just 15 minutes!
If you enjoy salads during the summer, you’ll also like my cold pasta salad recipes. My current favorite is my Healthy Italian Pasta Salad! It makes the perfect quick lunch – it is flavorful, packed with fresh veggies, and protein-rich.
You should also try my Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad and Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad. Both are ideal if you’re looking for a quick and easy recipe to make. Be sure to add them to your summer menu!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super Fresh & Flavorful: The lemon, dill, and red wine vinegar add bright, bold flavor.
- Fast & Easy: Just mix the dressing, toss the veggies, and you’re done in minutes.
- Perfect for Summer: Cool, crisp, and refreshing for hot days and BBQs.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Make ahead and chill for even better flavor the next day.
Ingredients & Substitutions
- Olive Oil: Use a good quality extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor.
- Red Wine Vinegar: Adds a tangy punch. You can swap for white wine vinegar or sherry vinegar if needed.
- Lemon: Fresh zest and juice brighten everything up. Don’t skip the zest!
- Fresh Dill: Brings that classic herby flavor. Substitute with fresh parsley or mint for a different twist.
- Kosher Salt: All of my recipes are tested with Morton kosher salt unless noted otherwise. It is the best salt for everyday cooking because of its size and flavor. If using table salt, the amount should be reduced. I highly recommend picking up some kosher next time you are at the store!
- Dried Oregano: Mediterranean oregano has a more floral, slightly milder flavor than Mexican oregano. Be sure to use the right kind!
- Granulated Garlic: Adds savory depth without overpowering the dressing. You can use 1 small clove of fresh garlic, grated, if preferred.
- Black Pepper: Freshly cracked is best for a little bite.
- Grape or Cherry Tomatoes: Either works—go for whatever looks best and is the sweetest.
- English Cucumbers: These have thinner skin and no seeds, so no need to peel. Persian cucumbers also work well.
- Red Onion: Thinly sliced for sharpness and crunch. Soak in cold water for 10 minutes to mellow it out if you’re sensitive to raw onion.
- Feta Cheese: A block of feta in brine is creamier and more flavorful than pre-crumbled. Cut into smaller pieces for the best texture.
Complete list of ingredients and amounts is located on the recipe card below.
How to Make Cucumber Tomato and Feta Salad
Quick Overview
- Make dressing.
- Toss salad.
Step by Step Instructions
Quick Tip From Bri
To keep the feta from crumbling too much, gently fold it in last after tossing the veggies with the dressing. This keeps the cubes intact and the salad looking fresh and vibrant.
- Make the Dressing: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon zest, lemon juice, dill, kosher salt, oregano, granulated garlic, and fresh cracked black pepper until well combined.
- Toss the Salad: Add the tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and feta to the bowl with the dressing. Gently toss until everything is evenly coated. Serve immediately or chill for 15–20 minutes to let the flavors meld.
Recipe Serving Suggestions
This salad is so light and refreshing – the perfect summer salad! I would pair it with these flavorful main dish recipes:
- Air Fryer Cilantro Lime Chicken: This chicken is juicy, flavorful, and delicious.
- Coconut Lime Salmon: This dish comes together in just one pan and takes less than 30 minutes to prepare. It is lightly sweet and a little tangy.
- Baked Halibut: This halibut includes a crispy panko crust and tangy, cheesy, citrusy seasoning.
Expert Tips
- Let It Chill: A short rest in the fridge allows the dressing to soak into the veggies and feta for even better flavor.
- Use a Block of Feta: It holds its shape better and has a creamier texture than pre-crumbled.
- Add Dressing Just Before Serving: If making ahead for a party, store the dressing separately and toss just before serving to keep everything crisp.
Most Common Mistakes
- Using Watery Tomatoes: If your tomatoes are extra juicy, you can cut them and then place them in a strainer to drain before adding them to the salad.
- Overmixing: Be gentle when tossing to avoid breaking up the feta or smashing the tomatoes.
- Using Pre-Crumbled Feta: It’s drier and less flavorful than block feta in brine. Go for the good stuff!
Additions & Variations
- Add Avocado: For a creamy boost, fold in diced avocado just before serving.
- Throw in Olives: Kalamata or Castelvetrano olives add salty, briny flavor.
- Bulk it Up: Toss in cooked quinoa, orzo, or chickpeas for a more filling side or light lunch. Keep in mind, you might need to double the dressing so the salad is properly seasoned and does not taste bland.
- Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper or a few slices of fresh chili for heat.
The 10 Best Feta Cheese Substitutes
If you’re anything like me, you probably find yourself reaching for feta cheese to add that perfect tangy kick to…
More Summer Recipes
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Cucumber Tomato and Feta Salad (Mediterranean Style)
This Cucumber Tomato and Feta Salad is light, zesty, and bursting with fresh summer flavor. Juicy tomatoes, crisp cucumber, tangy red onion, and creamy feta are tossed in a lemony herb dressing with dill, oregano, and a hint of garlic. It’s the perfect easy side for anything off the grill, quick lunches, or potluck spreads—and it comes together in just 15 minutes!
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil
- 1 Tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 1 lemon, zested & juiced
- 2-3 Tablespoons fresh chopped dill
- 1 teaspoon Morton kosher salt*
- 1 teaspoon dried Mediterranean oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon granulated garlic
- fresh cracked black pepper
- 10 1/2 ounces cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
- 1 english seedless cucumber, sliced into half-moons
- 1/2 red onion, sliced thinly
- 1 8- ounce block feta cheese, diced*
Instructions
- Make the Dressing: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon zest, lemon juice, dill, kosher salt, oregano, granulated garlic, and fresh cracked black pepper until well combined.2 Tablespoons olive oil, 1 Tablespoon red wine vinegar, 1 lemon,, 2-3 Tablespoons fresh chopped dill, 1 teaspoon Morton kosher salt*, 1 teaspoon dried Mediterranean oregano, 1/2 teaspoon granulated garlic, fresh cracked black pepper
- Toss the Salad: Add the tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and feta to the bowl with the dressing. Gently toss until everything is evenly coated. Serve immediately or chill for 15–20 minutes to let the flavors meld.10 1/2 ounces cherry or grape tomatoes,, 1 english seedless cucumber,, 1/2 red onion,, 1 8- ounce block feta cheese,
Did you make this recipe? Leave a comment below!
Notes
- Kosher Salt: All of my recipes are tested with Morton kosher salt unless noted otherwise. It is the best salt for everyday cooking because of its size and flavor. If using table salt, the amount should be reduced. I highly recommend picking up some kosher next time you are at the store!
- Feta Cheese: A block of feta in brine is creamier and more flavorful than pre-crumbled. Cut into smaller pieces for the best texture.
- Let It Chill: A short rest in the fridge allows the dressing to soak into the veggies and feta for even better flavor.
- Use a Block of Feta: It holds its shape better and has a creamier texture than pre-crumbled.
- Add Dressing Just Before Serving: If making ahead for a party, store the dressing separately and toss just before serving to keep everything crisp.
- Don’t Overmix: Be gentle when tossing to avoid breaking up the feta or smashing the tomatoes.
Nutrition
Calories: 272kcal | Carbohydrates: 13g | Protein: 11g | Fat: 21g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 8g | Cholesterol: 57mg | Sodium: 1320mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 4g
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
